Lake Almanor Fishing Report

Lake Almanor’s surface temp has cooled to around 65°F. Trout are holding at 30-45 feet, with fish found along the east shore in bait-heavy areas like Big Springs and Hamilton Branch. Slow-trolled worms, plastics, and speedy shiners are hooking rainbows, browns, and a few salmon. Anglers report the bite is slower, and the fall action hasn’t fully picked up. This week should see a drop in temperatures, driving trout closer to the surface and igniting the fall feeding frenzy anglers are hoping for.

With water temperatures rising, the bite has cooled off compared to earlier in the season. Trout, along with a few salmon, are still around, feeding sporadically on bug hatches, but their main food source now is the oily baitfish known as Japanese wakasagi (or pond smelt). Some anglers are finding fish by trolling slowly in 40-50 feet of water with worms or spoons, while others are following bird activity, easing towards the edges of where the birds are working, and tossing Rapalas or vertical jigging. The east side of the lake has been the most productive.

Brown trout and rainbows are currently very active at Almanor, with water temperatures increasing to around 60 degrees. Trollers are finding fish anywhere from 40 feet deep up to the surface, using spoons, Rapalas, or even soft plastics. A few salmon have also been caught by these trollers. Fly fishermen are finding success using nymphs under indicators. Meanwhile, the bass action is quietly picking up quickly, with a few nice fish reportedly caught near Chester.