The Almanor Fishing Association reports that as of Oct. 9, the lake level at Lake Almanor continues to drop and currently sits at 4,485 feet. Water temperatures are running in the low 60s and trending downward as the days get shorter.
The lower surface temperatures have made catch and release much easier, says the association, which reminds anglers to release responsibly.
Most of the fish continue to focus their attention on the lake’s pond smelt population. However, there are a few late season hatches underway thanks to the extended warm weather. The bites have been happening in the known bait holding spots along the east shore including Dorado, Big Springs and Hamilton Branch as well the east side of the peninsula near Rec 1.
The fish have been finicky at times and the bites sporadic, says the association. Anglers’ best bet is to keep the known producers in the water and in front of fish until they turn on.
Bait anglers have been getting a few in the same locations. Slow-trolled worms and plastics are the preferred baits that were hooking a mix of good quality browns, rainbows and a few salmon from 30 to 40 feet with a few fish starting to show up shallow in the 15- to 25-foot range. Fast hardware like speedy shiners in bait fish patterns also scored mostly midsized rainbows in the 25- to 35-foot range.
The tributaries to Almanor are at normal seasonal flows. Hamilton Branch continues to kick out fish. Drifting bait or throwing hardware like kastmasters or spinners have been connecting with mostly small to medium trout. Traffic on the water is light and the weather has been fantastic, says the association, featuring cool mornings followed by pleasant, mostly sunny afternoons, a trend that looks to continue.
Information provided by Almanor Fishing Association
