Bass Angler Magazine reports that professional anglers will be heading out onto the waters of Lake Almanor for its year-end championship event next week. With both an abundant number of fish and a strong population of quality smallmouth, Lake Almanor has set the stage for the “ultimate bass-catching showdown,” say organizers, as BAM Trail’s qualifiers head to the fishery Sept. 19 through 21 for the 2025 Bass Cat Boats Pro/Am Championship.
The community is invited to meet the anglers, watch the weigh-ins, interact during associated social events and more.
Qualifying pro anglers will have the opportunity to compete for a brand new Mercury-powered BassCat boat and co-anglers will vie for a cash prize of $10,000.
BAM invites everyone to “watch the best of the best in the West battle it out in front of a live and online audience” with professional weigh-ins, full TV production, livestreaming, social media blasts, YouTube episodes and more. “Every cast, every catch, every heartbreak is coming straight to the fans!” they say.
Weigh-ins, which will be held daily at 3 p.m., are open to the public and streamed live on http://www.BAMTrail.com and BAM social media. Spectators are welcome on site at the Lake Almanor Country Club Rec 1 location, or they can tune in live online.
In addition, a community meet-and-greet with the anglers is set for 4 p.m. Sept. 18 in downtown Chester.
Conditions outlook
Almanor fishing guide Mark Pilgrim, of Chester, shared his outlook ahead of the event.
“It is going to be one of the best overall fishing periods at the lake,” he said. “A lot of guys may struggle because there are a lot of smaller fish, so the majority of guys will be in that 12 to 14 pounds per day range. But the guys who figure out how to catch the big ones will separate themselves, because it’s going to take 16 to 18 pounds a day to win.”
Pilgrim believes the lake’s unique layout — split into northern and southern sections by a peninsula — along with the presence of Wakasagi shad, provides opportunities across the board. He also said that weather, specifically the wind, is likely to play a major role in the predominant technique.
“When the north wind blows, the fish move out and become hard to catch,” Pilgrim said. “But a southwest wind can really fire up the topwater bite.” Pilgrim cautions that anglers who can adjust to conditions will have the best shot at consistent limits.
He added that long casts can pay off for backseat anglers. “There are a lot of stumps, and those are places where the co-anglers can really benefit,” he said. “Chuck it out and take advantage of what the pro might have overlooked.”
