The nonprofit Almanor Fishing Association reports that it appears February is trying to make up for what January lacked at Lake Almanor. The lake level currently sits at just under 4,488 feet: up 2.5 feet since the first of the month.
Water temperatures are running in the low to mid 30s. On Feb. 6, the cove at Rec 1 was more slush than water on the surface. The last few days have seen mostly snow, some substantial winds and a little rain keeping anglers inside and off the lake.
The association reports that prior to the storms several areas along the lake’s east shore from the dam to Dorado had been giving up fish along with areas on both the east and west side of the peninsula like Rec 1 and A-frame as well as Rec 2. Slow-trolled worms, plastics and trolling flies are the preferred baits in the 20- to 35-foot range.
Hamilton Branch has seen elevated flows and dirty water, reducing water clarity the closer anglers get to the mouth. Hearty bank anglers were seeing some action in the coves of the west shore fishing bait. Inflated crawlers seem to be preforming the best. “These are all good locations to start your search once the weather clears,” reports the association.
According to the Forest Service the Canyon Dam boat ramp has been plowed and is currently open and useable. The Almanor Fishing Association encourages everyone to always be prepared for winter conditions and to be safe.
Information provided by Almanor Fishing Association
