Lake Almanor Fishing Report 8/19/24
The Park Fire continues to simmer west of the Lake Almanor now standing at just over 50% containment. The effects of the fire are hardly noticeable in the Almanor basin, the skies are clear and currently both Hwy 32 and 36 are open. 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 lake level remains relatively high and is now standing at 4489.50 dropping just under a foot in the last week. Water temperatures are running in the low 70’s and trending downward as a result of the cooler overnight temperatures. It started to feel a little “fall ish” the last few days with some cooler breezy conditions. The pond smelt feed is in full swing as fish of all types find and target the small minnows.
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 fishermen have been getting a few in the same locations. Catch and release continues to be difficult with the elevated water temps. A quick release with plenty of time for revival is key. Simply tossing fish overboard after handling them won’t get it done and will leave the fish at the surface belly up making them easy targets for seagulls and ospreys. Remember to fish responsibly.
The tributaries to Almanor are at normal seasonal flows. As typical this time of year, a large number of fish are staged in Hamilton Branch taking advantage of the cooler flowing water. Drifting bait or throwing hardware like kastmasters or spinners have been connecting with mostly small to medium trout.
The forecast looks good but a bump late week could bring back some wind and even rain late week.
