Canyon Dam is the only ramp open at Almanor due to low lake level; watch for hazards
Compiled by Mari Erin Roth
Last week’s heat wave is officially over and there will be a significant drop in temperatures over the next week. Daytime highs are predicted to be in the low 70s and overnight lows may be dipping into the high 30s. This will be a welcome relief for all, including the fish. Water temperatures are unchanged, hovering around the low 70s and water level is dropping quickly. Lake level is sitting at 4477.13 which is approximately one foot less than 2021 and four plus feet less than 2020 on Sept 9. There was a significant amount of smoke and haze at lake level on Sept. 10th that cleared off by that same evening.
The USFS has closed the ramp at Almanor West because of the low water level and other ramps will soon be in jeopardy. Canyon Dam is the only available public ramp. There are private ramps available for launching for a fee including Plumas Pines in Prattville.
There has been no change to fishing conditions or patterns over the past week. Most boats are concentrating their efforts between Lake Haven and Big Springs as fish continue to seek relief from warming waters. “We should see water temps drop this next week and hopefully scatter fish throughout the lake,” said John Crotty of Almanor Fishing Association. “Fish are being caught on crawlers and plastics at one mph and fast trolling hardware at 2.5-3 mph. The bite has been early as the fish get lock jaw late in the morning.”
Bank fishermen (lots of them) continue to target fish at Hamilton Branch. Bait remains the top choice from shore.
There are numerous navigational hazards popping up throughout the lake and conditions are changing quickly. The Lake Almanor area can expect afternoon winds for the next few days and there is a slight chance of rain on Monday, Sept. 12.
