Lake Almanor Fishing Report 9/1/25

Janet showing off a chunky Rainbow.

 Happy Labor Day to everyone. The weather returned to pleasant following days that featured afternoon thunderstorms. The conditions are almost identical to the last report, with little changing out on the water. The water level continues its slow decline of about 1/10 of a foot/day and currently sits at 4486. Flows on all the lake’s tributaries are at seasonal norms. Water temperature is at or near 70. Bug hatches continue in many areas of the lake, but a good number of fish, including trout and Smallies, have shifted their attention back to the lake’s pond smelt population. The trout are now spread throughout the entire lake. With localized dense pockets of fish tightly grouped on bait. Find one of these groups and stay on them for some wild bites. Action for trollers is happening at a variety of locations around the lake, from the dam to Big Springs. Both sides of the peninsula have been giving up fish as well. Trout have been caught on a wide variety of offerings recently. Slow trolled worms and plastics along with fast trolled spoons in bright as well as bait fish patterns have both produced fish this week. 35 to 45 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. Bait fishermen have been netting a few fish at several locations including the dam and east shore around Dorado as well as eastern side of the peninsula. Fly anglers suspending nymphs under indicators are tempting the fish that are keyed in on the aquatic larvae  Bass anglers have been throwing jigs on rocky points and shore lines for smallies keyed in on smelt as their food source. Lots of trout stacked up in Hamilton Branch, enjoying the cooler incoming water. Shore anglers are connecting with some, please pack out what you pack in. Just like the last report, the weatherman is saying our pleasant weather is being replaced with a heat wave beginning today. Though it is Labor Day Weekend, summer seems to be holding on. ​

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