Last week we received some much-needed precipitation here in Plumas County, rain and snow at lake level and snow measured in feet at higher elevations. After a break in weather today (Easter Sunday) we are expecting additional rain/snow through Friday. Winds have made for uncomfortable fishing conditions, and we are expecting more wind this week.
Water temperatures have dropped back into the forties as lake level continues to rise. The winds and dropping water temps have slowed the insect hatches, fish have moved back into the south end of the lake. There is still no rhyme or reason to the bite, cover ground until you find fish. Speedy shiners and Artic Fox trolling flies are your best shot when the wind kick’s up, red/gold and red/dot frog at 2.5-3 mph and white flies at 1.5-2 mph. Target fish in the top twelve feet of the water column early and drop down in the water column when the sun comes up.
The bass bite has slowed as well, the drop in temperatures have them moving off the beds back into deeper water. Shore fishermen are targeting fish at Hamilton Branch and the coves around the dam
Canyon Dam remains the only usable public ramp, the resorts, restaurants, and RV parks around the lake are beginning to open up. I would expect the USFS ramp by Prattville should open soon.
