Prior to this most recent storm, which brought wind and rain to the Almanor basin, the weather and fishing was fantastic. Conditions are expected to improve as the front moves out and fall fishing should resume. Traffic on the lake has relatively lite, seeing a few spikes as some regular groups of boats show up to take advantage of the fall bite. The water level has basically stalled, with very little fluctuation over the last week and currently sits at 4483.50 or about 10.5 feet below full pool. Flows on all the lake’s tributaries are at seasonal norms. Water temperature is now holding in the mid 50’s and trending down. For anglers, the recent story is all about fish feeding on the lake’s pond smelt population. The trout are spread throughout the entire lake but much of the focus has been on the east shore and the east side of the peninsula. Some pockets of fish on the west shore have been providing action as well. Trout have been caught on a wide variety of offerings recently for the trollers. Slow trolled worms and plastics along with fast trolled spoons in bright as well as bait fish patterns have all produced fish over the course of the last week. The cooler water temps have opened up the entire water column to the fish which now can be caught at all depths from the surface down. The catch is a mixed bag of Rainbows and Browns. Smaller aggressive Rainbows have moved into some areas and will need to be picked through to get the nicer fish. Remember to release these smaller guys responsibly, they are future big fish. Bait fishermen have been netting a few fish at several locations of the west shore. Again, the cooler water temps have the fish moving in close. Fly anglers suspending flies under indicators as well as stripping pond smelt imitating flies on sinking lines are tempting the fish focused on the forage minnows. Canyon Dam boat ramp is open and should continue to be available throughout the winter subject to access being blocked by snowfall. The USFS west shore ramp north of Prattville is currently open but look for this dock to be pulled and ramp to be closed at any time. As always, keep an eye to the weather and be prepared for changing conditions.
