Cool mornings and warm sunny afternoons have been the norm here at Lake Almanor until this past weekend, which brought some rain, snow and wind. The water level is on the rise currently sitting about three feet from full at 4490.8ft. Hamilton branch has seen dramatic improvements in water clarity flowing into the lake. 
Water temperatures are currently running in the low to mid 50’s with a slight down turn as a result of the stormy conditions felt here Saturday and Sunday. Bug hatches are coming on strong all over the lake and fish tailing at the surface can be seen taking advantage of the fresh food supply. Action for trollers is happening at a variety of locations around the lake, from the dam to Dorado and even up by Big Springs. Both sides of the peninsula have also been giving up fish as is the west shore from Rocky Point to Almanor West, giving anglers plenty of locations to visit. Trout have been caught on a wide variety of offerings, with lots of options for anglers. Worms plastics and trolling flies along with fast trolled spoons have all produced fish this week. The trout and salmon have branched out, now using the entire water column to feed on the hatching aquatic bugs while still snacking on pond smelt when the opportunity presents itself. The surface to 30 feet seems to be holding the bulk of the active fish. The catch continues to be a mix Rainbows and Browns along with a few salmon. The Smallies are active as well in the shallows. Bank anglers throwing lures, bait and flies have been working the coves of the west shore with some success as is typical for this time of year. Water access points along the peninsula have also been providing action for anglers throwing Kastmasters or soaking bait. Fly anglers suspending nymphs under indicators are tempting the fish that are keyed in on the bug load coming off the bottom. Traffic on the lake is increasing as we move deeper into spring and more rentals and resorts open up. The Canyon Dam Boat Ramp is currently open and useable.  Waiting for word on the west shore USFS dock to be placed and opened. The Almanor West community dock has been installed and is useable. The weatherman says we are in for a run of nice weather, look for the warmer temps expand the bug hatches and ramp up the bite. Also on the horizon, two big seasonal openings. Carol Franchetti is back for her 54th season at the lake, Carol’ Cafe opens on Friday May 2nd. Plumas Pines Resort also opens Friday May 2nd with new upgrades including a brand-new courtesy dock at the bar and restaurant. ​

I have noticed the Smallies getting active out on the lake, recent trolling trips have seen a few with some going over 4 pounds. I reached out to Local Pro Bass Fisherman Mark Pilgrim to get a Bass anglers take on the situation. Please see his response below. 

Well it looks like spring has arrived at Lake Almanor and the Smallmouth fishing is as good as I have ever seen it! The lake temperature is still pretty cool, 46-48 in the main body and 48-51 degrees on the shallow western side. The warm weather this week should push temperatures up into the mid 50’s by next week and the fish will be looking for a place to bed for spring.
It’s really hit and miss right now, I fished Friday and didn’t get a single Smallmouth to eat but had several chasing reaction baits. Saturday I caught 23 fish in less than 5 hours with several missed opportunities all on reaction baits. Smallmouth at Almanor spawn in much colder water than other lakes I’ve fished so keep that in mind while you’re out there. Focus your time looking on shallow flats and warmer coves with small rock points right now as the fish eat heavily to prepare for moving up to spawn. Jerk and rip baits will produce giant baits right now but require a lot of patience. You may only get a few bites but they will be big. White/Red and bright colors will work best in the stained water. Please remember to catch and release during April and May so spawning bass can reproduce successfully.

Thank you, Mark