Lots going on up here as AFA board members and volunteers prepare for the upcoming Veterans Fishing Day this Saturday June 22nd. This year it looks to be the biggest yet with more than 175 vets and 70 boats participating. The lake level dropped about 3 inches this week now standing at 4493.00 ft. Water temperatures are running in the high 60’s to lower 70’s depending on time of day and location. They had spiked slightly higher but dropped off as a result of cooler overnight temps and some wind.
The trout are focused on the aquatic bug hatches which continue to ramp up. The Hex hatch is underway with hatches going off in various locations along the west shore as well as other coves around the lake. Areas around Prattville have seen the strongest hatches with bugs on the surface in the evenings. This hatch is still developing, stay tuned for it to strengthen. Popular bites this week were found at various areas on both the east and west shores as well as red bank and the east side of the peninsula. With the bite being wide open at times. Slow trolled worms and plastics are the preferred baits that were hooking a mix of good quality Browns, Bows and a few salmon from 15 to 35 feet. Bait soakers have been getting into fish in a variety of areas including Rocky Point, Dorado and the red bank. For the fly anglers, nymphs under indicators seem to be preferred as the a lot of fish focus their attention on the bug hatches and the larvae rising up off the bottom. Hex patterns are beginning to get some attention in the 20 to 30 foot range. More fly anglers are beginning to show for the evening shift as the hatch strengthens.
The tributaries to Almanor are beginning to slow to more normal seasonal flows. Drifting bait or throwing hardware like kastmasters or spinners have been connecting with mostly small to medium trout at Hamilton Branch.
We have a warming forecast coming up with highs in the upper 70’s to 80’s and keep an eye out for a possible 90 degree day on tap.
Information by The Alamnor Fishing Association
