Lake Almanor Fishing Report 4/7/25

Chet shows off a nice Smallie prior to release.

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 

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