Welcome to The Plumas Sun fishing report for the first half of July! Guides and anglers from across Plumas County are encouraged to share photos and observations. To be included, please send updates to editor [at] plumassun.org. The next submission deadline is Thursday July 31.
Lake fishing continues strong in Plumas County in spite of hotter temperatures, according to our contributors. Catches include rainbow trout, brown trout and salmon.
From Almanor Fishing Adventures
Captain Rob Ayers, of Almanor Fishing Adventures, reports the fishing on Lake Almanor remains strong. “A mix of rainbow trout, brown trout and salmon continue to come across our decks. Catching and releasing all three species, although not daily, is not an uncommon occurrence lately. Surface temperatures are hovering around 72 degrees and water levels remain high.
“Word on the street is fish have started to move into the Hamilton Branch and fishing there will only improve with these summer temps heating the lake. Fish will also begin to congregate around the many springs that are scattered throughout the lake.”
Ayers offers this advice on lures: “We continue to target rainbow trout in open waters pulling speedy shiners and other spoons with success. Cop car and nickel colored spoons pulled in the 30-45-foot depths are producing best.”
From Lost Sierra Fly Guide
Matt McCourtney, of Lost Sierra Fly Guide, reports “the heat of the summer has been on, and we have had continual success fly fishing Lake Davis, Lake Almanor and the East Branch of the Feather River. Water temperatures are crucial for both fishing and the health of fish in our ecosystem, and finding cold water is essential. Early mornings have been best as the water temperatures heat up quickly during the middle of the day and only cool off near sunset.
“Although summer fishing can be challenging due to the heat, we are still finding fish during the cooler parts of the day, cruising around for food as they migrate from the deeper water columns into 10-15 feet of water, looking for leaches and pheasant tails.”
His advice: “Get out early or late in the evening. Target the coolest part of the day and have fun out there!”
