Fish bits for the week of 10/16/19
Roger Krueger of Janesville shows off one of the monsters he pulled from Antelope Lake, a 3 lb. 14 oz. Largemouth Bass, caught on a River2Sea Whopper Plopper. Photo courtesy FishidyLake Almanor
Water temps continue to drop slowly into the mid 50s; lake level is also dropping. Clarity has been mixed with high winds playing a factor. “We were blown off the water for a few days last week,” said John Crotty of Almanor Fishing Association on Oct. 13.
“All looks good for the next several days with a slight chance of rain in the middle of the week.” Morning temps are dropping into the mid-20s. “I saw 19 degrees on Saturday while driving to Eagle Lake,” said Crotty. “Afternoon temps will be in the low 70s, great fall time weather, for sure.”
Fishing pressure has been light with mixed results. “I continue to fast troll hardware 2.5-3 mph (speedy shiners, rapallas, and needle fish),” said Crotty. “Red/gold is everyone’s Almanor favorite. I have also experimented with flies slowing down a bit and pulling Artic Fox and Jay Fair trolling flies. Pond smelt patters and Olive are good colors to try at 1.5-2 mph.” Other fishermen are slow trolling crawlers and plastics, mix it up until you find a pattern. “We caught fish in the top 15 feet of water early and deeper as the sun comes up,” said Crotty.
Bank fishermen are testing the waters around the dam with an occasional large fish mixed in with lots of planters. Cove fishing will improve as water temps drop. Fishing at Hamilton Branch has been light.
All roads and both public ramps are open, campgrounds and seasonal businesses are closing so call ahead if you are dining out.
Fall is a great time of year to fish/visit Plumas County and Lake Almanor, whether you drive up the Canyon, highways 32 or 36, all three are spectacular with abundant fall colors.
