 The calendar says spring, but the weather says summer. Beautiful sunrises, warm temperatures, bright sunny skies and light winds and a great bite have dominated the Almanor Basin. The lake level continues to slowly rise it currently sits at 4489 or 5 feet below full pool. Flows on the tributaries are still elevated but lack of recent precipitation has them on the decline. Hamilton Branch has cleared significantly and is running green as PGE has installed boards at the Mountain Meadows dam upstream. Remember when fishing Hamilton or any other location, pack out what you pack in. Water temperature is now running in the low to mid 50’s depending on time and location some days ending up in the high 50’s due to unseasonably warm weather and almost zero wind. The trout are on the grab all over the lake. The dam, east shore, west shore and the peninsula are all giving up fish. The lake’s population of pond smelt continues to be the primary food source, however the warm conditions have kicked off some of the early aquatic bug hatches bringing a second course to the table. Trollers are focusing their attention from the surface to 20 feet with a variety of offerings and techniques to temp fish. Slow trolled (1.5 mph or less) worms, plastics and trolling flies are all solid choices especially in baitfish patterns. Running flies and Rapalas faster also brought fish to the net over the last week. The catch is a mixed bag of Browns than Bows ranging from small to very large. The coves of the west shore are providing shore anglers with some action. The top bait offerings continue to be crawlers and mice tails for a catch made up of mostly Rainbows and an occasional Brown. Recent activity has a slight edge to crawlers with garlic scent. The bass are beginning to get active, and the warmer temps have some moving to the shallows. The Canyon Dam boat ramp is open and useable. The outlook calls for a slight cool down over the next few days, but temperatures will remain above average. Signups continue for this year's Veteran's Fishing Day event. See the flyer below, Click Here to register. 
0 Comments
 The last significant storms brought low snow then higher elevation rain causing a large amount of runoff, bringing the lake level up about two feet in the last two weeks, it currently sits at 4488.25 or a little less than 6 feet below full pool. Flows on the tributaries are elevated due to snow melt; most have cleared but Hamilton Branch is still running extremely muddy bringing plenty of brown water into the lake. Areas from the mouth of Hamilton Branch all the way to the tip of the peninsula are impacted by this heavily stained water. (see the picture included with this report) Water temperature is now running in the low to mid 40’s depending on time and location. The trout are spread throughout the entire lake feeding on the pond smelt population. The east shore, from the dam to Hamilton Branch along with various spots along the west shore have been providing action for trollers. It has been a mixed bag of slow and fast trolling that has been yielding fish. Slow trolled (1.5 mph or less) worms, plastics and trolling flies are all solid choices especially in baitfish patterns. Running flies and Rapalas faster also brought fish to the net over the last week. Recent outings have shown results with baits trolled in the top 20 feet of the water column. The catch is a mixed bag of Browns than Bows ranging from small to very large. Some pockets between the dam and Lake Cove were kicking out good numbers of salmon from 13 to 17 inches. The coves of the west shore are providing shore anglers with some action. The top bait offerings continue to be crawlers and mice tails for a catch made up of mostly Rainbows and an occasional Brown. The Canyon Dam boat ramp is open and should continue to be available subject to access being blocked by snowfall. In spite of recent cells that brought brief heavy downpours, wind, hail and lightning to the basin, the weather man indicates that we are entering a warming trend with more stable conditions which should only improve the bite here at the lake.
 Morning clouds foreshadow the incoming storm. The mild weather has had anglers out hooking fish. Following a small rise in the lake level since the beginning of the year the level has dropped slightly and currently sits at 4486.25, about 8 feet below full pool. Flows on the tributaries had dropped but are sure to see an increase due to the current weather which brought rain and snow to the basin. Water temperature is now running in the low 40’s. The trout are spread throughout the entire lake feeding on the pond smelt population. The east shore along with the peninsula have been providing action for trollers. It has been a mixed bag of slow and fast trolling that has been yielding fish. Slow trolled (1.5 mph or less) worms, plastics and trolling flies are all solid choices especially in baitfish patterns. Running flies and Rapalas faster also brought fish to the net over the last week. Recent outings have shown results with baits trolled in the 10-20 foot range with a few fish being seen at the surface and a few deeper at 25-30 feet. The catch is a mixed bag with more Browns than Bows ranging from small to large. The coves of the west shore are providing shore anglers with some action. The top bait offerings continue to be crawlers and mice tails for a catch made up of mostly Rainbows and an occasional Brown. Canyon Dam boat ramp is open and should continue to be available throughout the winter subject to access being blocked by snowfall. The dock has been pulled at the USFS west shore ramp north of Prattville and the ramp is closed. It looks like winter has finally arrived here at Lake Almanor. More storms are lining up and set to bring much needed rain and snow to the mountains. Stay tuned, pick your days carefully and be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
 A few hearty anglers have been getting out between storms but traffic on the lake is very lite. The water level is on the rise thanks to recent winter storms. Since the beginning of the new year the level has risen just over a foot and currently sits at 4487.25 just under 7 feet below full pool. Flows on all the lake’s tributaries are high and fast carrying silt and debris into the lake. Water temperature is now running in the low 40’s and trending down with the colder air temps. The trout are spread throughout the entire lake feeding on the pond smelt population. Not a lot of information is currently available, but fish have been caught by trollers from the dam to Prattville along the west shore and from the dam along the east shore. Watch for water clarity issues as you get closer to Hamilton Branch. Of course there are always a multitude of ways to catch fish, but this time of year, and with these conditions, most trollers agree that going slow is in your best interest. Slow trolled (1.5 mph or less) worms, plastics and trolling flies are all solid choices especially in baitfish patterns. The cooler water temps have opened up the entire water column to the fish which now can be caught at all depths. Recent outings have shown results with baits trolled in the 10-to-20-foot range with a few fish being seen at the surface. The catch is a mixed bag of Rainbows and Browns ranging from small to large. Canyon Dam boat ramp is open and should continue to be available throughout the winter subject to access being blocked by snowfall. The dock has been pulled at the USFS west shore ramp north of Prattville, leaving Canyon Dam as the only public access boat ramp with a dock. It looks like we are headed into an extended period of nice weather giving you a chance to head out to the lake. Stay tuned, we will bring you more information as it becomes available.
 Donald Schiltz from Eldorado Hills landed this impressive Rainbow while fishing the west shore with his buddy Michael J. Winter officially starts on December 21st, unofficially is sure hasn’t started here at Lake Almanor yet. The weather has been incredibly mild making conditions ideal for some December trout fishing. Traffic on the lake is lite. The water level remains virtually unchanged with very little fluctuation and currently sits at 4483 or about 11 feet below full pool. Flows on all the lake’s tributaries are just below seasonal norms due to the lack of precipitation. Water temperature is now running in the mid 40’s and trending down. The trout are spread throughout the entire lake feeding on the pond smelt population. Much of the fishing focus has been on the east shore as well as both sides of the peninsula. Some pockets of fish on the west shore have been providing action as well. As in weeks past, and really throughout the year, trout have been caught on a wide variety of offerings recently for the trollers. Slow trolled worms, plastics and trolling flies are all solid choices especially in baitfish patterns. Fast trolled spoons have also connected but with the flat calm conditions, slow is the way to go. The cooler water temps have opened up the entire water column to the fish which now can be caught at all depths from the surface down to 30 feet. The catch is a mixed bag of Rainbows and Browns ranging from small to very large. Smaller aggressive Rainbows provide almost constant action at times and will need to be picked through to get the nicer fish. Remember to release these smaller guys responsibly, they are future big fish. Bait fishermen have been netting some impressive fish from 3 to over 5 pounds, mostly Rainbows, at several locations along the west shore from Prattville to Canyon Dam. Mice tails scented with garlic are out preforming the crawlers this week. Again, the cooler water temps have the fish moving in close. Fly anglers suspending flies under indicators as well as stripping pond smelt imitating flies on sinking lines are continuing to hook fish focused on the forage minnows. Canyon Dam boat ramp is open and should continue to be available throughout the winter subject to access being blocked by snowfall. The USFS west shore ramp north of Prattville, as of today, is currently open but look for this dock to be pulled and ramp to be closed at any time. The forecast is for more of the same, but at some point, you know winter is going to wake up and make things difficult. For now, get out and enjoy these conditions, keep an eye to the weather and be prepared for changes. AFA has three things currently going on I would like to mention.  AFA is engaged in our yearly membership drive. If you haven't already, please consider joining the AFA family and help us further our mission here in the Almanor Basin. Simply click the AFA logo or the button below. Your membership supports Raising Fish for the lake, Veterans Fishing, Youth Fishing, Educational Scholarships and Community Programs.  The Ho;iday Recliner Raffle: This amazing recliner was donated to AFA by the good people at Finds Design and Decor in Chico and has a retail value of over $6,000. The chair is on display in the Plumas Bank branch in Chester. Tickets can be purchased at Plumas Bank or from AFA board members. The drawing will be held on December 19th and some luck person will be taking the chair home for Christmas bow and all.  Project Hambino: In 2024 the Almanor Fishing Association became aware of a development that was affecting our local community, food insecurity. After hearing that demand for food assistance around the Thanksgiving holiday was at an all-time high, we decided to do something about it and Project Hambino was launched. Our idea was to deliver a substantial number of holiday hams to the Almanor Basin Food Pantry for their Christmas food dispersal. There is now a way you can support Project Hambino. If you would like to sponsor one or more holiday hams please Click Here. Together, we can make the holidays a little brighter for our community. Read the full story.
 In 2024 the Almanor Fishing Association became aware of a development that was not only affecting our local community, but cities, towns and communities across the country, food insecurity. While our small organization may not have the reach to solve problems on the state and national level, we realized we could make a big difference locally in the Almanor Basin. We realized that our towns, their populations, Lake Almanor and the basin are tightly woven together, and it is that combination that makes this area so special. Our local work with the Community Supper program, sponsored by the Almanor Basin Food Pantry, made us keenly aware of the increasing needs and challenges faced by residents and the groups who endeavored to help. After hearing that demand for food assistance around the Thanksgiving holiday was at an all-time high, we decided to do something about it and Project Hambino was launched. Our idea was to deliver a substantial number of holiday hams to the Almanor Basin Food Pantry for their Christmas food dispersal. This delivery would free up some of their funding and would allow them to put those additional resources to use by serving more people and families in the Almanor Basin. In December of 2024, working with Holiday Market in Chester, AFA was able to secure a purchase of 100 hams, totaling just over 1000 pounds, and deliver them to the Almanor Basin Food Pantry ahead of their Christmas food dispersal. Once word got out, AFA was approached by a number of people looking to assist us in pushing our efforts forward. This year we have brought Project Hambino back and created a way you can help. If you would like to sponsor one or more holiday hams please click the button below. Together we can make the holidays a little brighter for our local community.
 Lake Almanor Fishing Report 11/25/25 Mild fall conditions continue to dominate the days, providing excellent weather for fishing. Traffic on the lake is lite. The water level remains virtually unchanged with very little fluctuation and currently sits at 4483.5 or about 10.5 feet below full pool. Flows on all the lake’s tributaries are at seasonal norms. Water temperature is now running in the high 40’s to 50 degrees and trending down. The trout are spread throughout the entire lake feeding on the pond smelt population. Much of the fishing focus has been on the east shore as well as both sides of the peninsula. Some pockets of fish on the west shore have been providing action as well. As in weeks past, and really throughout the year, trout have been caught on a wide variety of offerings recently for the trollers. Slow trolled worms, plastics and trolling flies are all solid choices especially in baitfish patterns. Fast trolled spoons in bright as well as bait fish patterns have also produced fish over the course of the last week. The cooler water temps have opened up the entire water column to the fish which now can be caught at all depths from the surface down to 25 feet. The catch is a mixed bag of Rainbows and Browns ranging from small to very large. Smaller aggressive Rainbows provide almost constant action at times and will need to be picked through to get the nicer fish. Remember to release these smaller guys responsibly, they are future big fish. Bait fishermen have been netting a few, fish mostly Rainbows, at several locations along the west shore from Prattville to Canyon Dam. Inflated crawlers and mice tails scented with garlic are the “go to” for the experienced. Again, the cooler water temps have the fish moving in close. Fly anglers suspending flies under indicators as well as stripping pond smelt imitating flies on sinking lines are continuing to hook fish focused on the forage minnows. Canyon Dam boat ramp is open and should continue to be available throughout the winter subject to access being blocked by snowfall. The USFS west shore ramp north of Prattville, as of today, is currently open but look for this dock to be pulled and ramp to be closed at any time. The forecast looks good with a small weather system scheduled to move in over the weekend. As always, keep an eye to the weather and be prepared for changing conditions. AFA wishes you, your friends and family a Happy Thanksgiving.
 Brian A. shows off a beautiful Almanor Rainbow. With only a few exceptions, mild conditions dominate the days, providing excellent weather for fall fishing. Traffic on the lake is lite. The water level has basically stalled, with very little fluctuation over the last week and currently sits at 4483.2 or about 10.5 feet below full pool. Flows on all the lake’s tributaries are at seasonal norms. Water temperature is now holding in the low 50’s and trending down. The trout are spread throughout the entire lake feeding on the pond smelt population. Much of the fishing focus has been on the east shore as well as both sides of the peninsula. Some pockets of fish on the west shore have been providing action as well. Trout have been caught on a wide variety of offerings recently for the trollers. Slow trolled worms, plastics and trolling flies, along with fast trolled spoons in bright as well as bait fish patterns have all produced fish over the course of the last week. The cooler water temps have opened up the entire water column to the fish which now can be caught at all depths from the surface down, 10 to 25 feet. Recent reports mark the 17-22 foot level as productive for quality fish. The catch is a mixed bag of Rainbows and Browns. Smaller aggressive Rainbows have moved into some areas and will need to be picked through to get the nicer fish. Remember to release these smaller guys responsibly, they are future big fish.  Brian A. took advantage of the great fall Almanor bite and landed some great fish including this specimen. Bait fishermen have been netting a few fish at several locations of the west shore. Again, the cooler water temps have the fish moving in close. Fly anglers suspending flies under indicators as well as stripping pond smelt imitating flies on sinking lines are tempting the fish focused on the forage minnows, and with the fish moving shallower, they are easier targets for the fly crowd. Canyon Dam boat ramp is open and should continue to be available throughout the winter subject to access being blocked by snowfall. The USFS west shore ramp north of Prattville, as of today, is currently open but look for this dock to be pulled and ramp to be closed at any time. As always, keep an eye to the weather and be prepared for changing conditions. The Almanor Fishing Association would like to extend a thank you and best wishes to all veterans on this Veterans Day.
 Prior to this most recent storm, which brought wind and rain to the Almanor basin, the weather and fishing was fantastic. Conditions are expected to improve as the front moves out and fall fishing should resume. Traffic on the lake has relatively lite, seeing a few spikes as some regular groups of boats show up to take advantage of the fall bite. The water level has basically stalled, with very little fluctuation over the last week and currently sits at 4483.50 or about 10.5 feet below full pool. Flows on all the lake’s tributaries are at seasonal norms. Water temperature is now holding in the mid 50’s and trending down. For anglers, the recent story is all about fish feeding on the lake’s pond smelt population. The trout are spread throughout the entire lake but much of the focus has been on the east shore and the east side of the peninsula. Some pockets of fish on the west shore have been providing action as well. Trout have been caught on a wide variety of offerings recently for the trollers. Slow trolled worms and plastics along with fast trolled spoons in bright as well as bait fish patterns have all produced fish over the course of the last week. The cooler water temps have opened up the entire water column to the fish which now can be caught at all depths from the surface down. The catch is a mixed bag of Rainbows and Browns. Smaller aggressive Rainbows have moved into some areas and will need to be picked through to get the nicer fish. Remember to release these smaller guys responsibly, they are future big fish. Bait fishermen have been netting a few fish at several locations of the west shore. Again, the cooler water temps have the fish moving in close. Fly anglers suspending flies under indicators as well as stripping pond smelt imitating flies on sinking lines are tempting the fish focused on the forage minnows. Canyon Dam boat ramp is open and should continue to be available throughout the winter subject to access being blocked by snowfall. The USFS west shore ramp north of Prattville is currently open but look for this dock to be pulled and ramp to be closed at any time. As always, keep an eye to the weather and be prepared for changing conditions.
 I have been getting a few questions as to what is going on with the bass bite currently at Lake Almanor, so I reached out to local pro Mark Pilgrim to get his take on it.
Well, here we are fully into fall which feels like early winter. As Amazing the trout bite has been on Lake Almanor, I would like to tell you the Bass bite has been the same. Early October we had a little cold front that pushed the feeding bass out into deeper cooler waters just as it does every November. I don’t know if all of the apples on my tree are trying to tell me something, but I feel that we are three to four weeks ahead of our normal cycle for 2025 and the Bass are following suit. They have transitioned to wintertime feeding and are focusing more on crawdads and less on the bait. It’s tough to find schools of bass right now with the thousands of 12” trout covering the surface, but if you look at offshore structure (island tops, rock piles) you will definitely find active feeding bass getting ready for winter. Best baits to throw right now, the dreaded drop shot, jigs and spoons! As I have said in the past, when you catch a bass in 15-25 feet of water don’t just move on, these fish are grouped up tight and will feed together in late fall. If you catch one you will catch several! The water temperatures have dropped into the 50’s now and the bass are getting fat, If you can find some, they are very strong and super fun to catch. Have an amazing time fishing Almanor, please feel free to follow my socials or send a message if you would like to book a trip next spring. Thank you, Mark Pilgrim www.markpilgrimproangler.com [email protected] 530-249-3810 |
The AuthorAFA Admin 
AFA Sponsors
Archives
March 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed
|
Copyright 2026 by Almanor Fishing Association. All Rights Reserved. |