The Super Ditch, North Fork of the Feather, Bailey Creek, and Hamilton Branch continue to deposit large volumes of water into Almanor. Lake level is up another foot over the past week, currently sitting at 4491.41. Almanor reached its high-water mark in 2022 on May 29th at 4484.4 we have not seen these levels in years. There are navigational hazards throughout the lake as debris that has been accumulating along the shoreline for the past six years is now floating in the lake.
Water temperatures remain in the mid-sixties, clarity varies throughout the lake, better on the South end, three to five feet on the Northwest end. Bank fishermen have lots of choices; the Super Ditch, Causeway, Hamilton Branch, and the coves around the dam are all good options. Trollers are concentrating their efforts from the tip of the Peninsula to Prattville North. Fish are moving and the bite has been sporadic as the fish will become more active with bug hatches.
There are chances of thunderstorms early in the week, settling down after Wednesday. We should be in for a nice weekend to start June. Both USFS ramps are open, and campgrounds are beginning to open as well, call ahead to ensure a spot as they will be crowded.
The Hex Hatch should begin in the next few weeks with the third week of June typically being peak time, we could see hatches though June and into early July. Don’t overlook Butt Lake as the hatch begins a week or two earlier there. The local tackle stores will have a good selection of flies for the hatch and share up to the day information.
I will be off the water for a few weeks as I had back surgery on Friday. Fellow AFA Board member Bryan “Big Daddy” Roccucci who is also the longest-tenured guide on Almanor, will be assisting with reports as I recover. Hope to see you on the water soon!
