Lake Almanor Fishing Report 3/26/25
Cool mornings and warm sunny afternoons have been the conditions as of late on Lake Almanor. Runoff flows have slowed but increase slightly late in the day due to snow melt. The water level has seen little to no movement lately, currently sitting just below five and a half feet from full at 4488.8 ft. Water clarity, which has been very poor in the east basin, is definitely improving. Much of that water now shows green instead of “chocolate milk” brown. Hamilton branch continues to kick out dirty water reducing clarity the closer you get to the mouth. The west basin along the peninsula and the west shore has much better water visibility. Water temperatures are currently running in the upper 30’s to 40 degrees in the mornings topping out in the mid 40’s in the afternoons with full sun and little wind. Action for trollers is happening all over the lake, from the dam to Dorado and even up by Big Springs, as the water color has improved so has the bite. Both sides of the peninsula have also been giving up fish as is the west shore from Rocky Point to Almanor West giving anglers plenty of locations to visit. Trout have been caught on a wide variety of offerings, with lots of options for anglers. Worms plastics and trolling flies along with hardware like spoons and Rapala’s have all been on the menu lately. The fish have branched out, now using more of the water column to hunt for pond smelt and can be found from the surface to 30 feet. The catch continues to be a mix of more Browns than Bows with rumors of some large fish making an appearance. (Isn’t there always) Bass boats are starting to make the rounds, stay tuned for a bass specific update coming soon. Bank anglers throwing lures, bait and flies have been working the coves of the west shore with some success as is typical for this time of year. Water access points along the peninsula have also been providing action for shore anglers throwing Kastmasters or soaking bait. Fly anglers are getting grabs on slow stripped streamers. Traffic on the lake is increasing as we move through spring. The Canyon Dam Boat Ramp is currently open and useable. We are again about to see a big change in the weather bringing elevated winds and some precipitation to the Almanor basin. Always be prepared for winter conditions and be safe.
