08/21/2024
Lake Almanor Fishing Report 8/12/24
The Park Fire continues to burn west of the Lake Almanor. A recent cooling trend and higher humidity have helped and drastically reduced fire activity. A huge shout out and thank you to all those firefighters battling this fire. The skies in the basin have been mostly clear with some smoke showing in the distance. Hwy 32 and Hwy 36 west of the
Almanor basin, both popular routes to the lake, are currently closed because of the fire. Hwy 70, 89 and 36 from the east remain open and are your best routes to get here. The lake level remains relatively high and is now standing at 4490.25. Water temperatures are running in the low to mid 70’s depending on time of day and location. Fish are still found feeding on the aquatic bug hatches which continue to happen albeit at a reduced rate, a large number are heavily focused on the pond smelt population as their main food source. Popular bites this week were found at various areas on the east shore including Big Springs, as well the east side of the peninsula. Slow trolled worms and plastics are the preferred baits that were hooking a mix of good quality Browns, Bows and a few salmon from 30 to 40 feet. Fast hardware like speedy shiners in bait fish patterns also scored fish in the 35 to 45 foot range. Bait soakers have been getting a few fish in a variety of areas including Rocky Point, Dorado and the A frame. Catch and release continues to be difficult with the elevated water temps. A quick release with plenty of time for revival is key. Remember to fish responsibly. The tributaries to Almanor are at normal seasonal flows. Drifting bait or throwing hardware like kastmasters or spinners have been connecting with mostly small to medium trout at Hamilton Branch. Looks like we have a favorable forecast featuring a cooling trend making conditions prime for some late summer fishing.