Fish Bits for the week of 3/18/20
Lake Almanor
John Crotty of Almanor Fishing Association checked in March 15 with the latest on the snowy fishing conditions at Lake Almanor.
“Although our calendars say different we went from spring right back into the dead of winter. Almanor residents woke up to over a foot of fresh snow on the ground with another 8-10 inches forecast for today. Daytime temps plummeted from the high 60s last week to an anticipated high of 37 today with cooler temps and more snow predicted through Thursday. If fishermen are planning a trip to Almanor in the near future, a call ahead to check road conditions is advisable.”
The Canyon Dam boat ramp will be covered in snow until a plow can clear a path and the USFS West ramp will not be accessible for at least a week (the ramp at the West ramp remains out of the water).
While there are still fish on the South end of the lake chasing Pond Smelt that bite has slowed over the past week and the fish “were” beginning to scatter throughout the lake.
The anticipated drop in water temps will most certainly impact fish behavior until our current weather pattern stabilizes.
“I would recommend starting your day early right in front of the dam trolling pond smelt imitation’s of your choice,” said Crotty. “Arctic Fox trolling flies in the pond smelt pattern at 1.5-2 mph (keep the fly working by pumping your rod), Rapalas and speedy shiners fast or slow trolling gulps are all producing fish early.” After the sun gets on the water it’s time to cover some ground. The East Shore, Peninsula to Big Cove, Big Springs and Prattville are all good places to try this time of year.
Bank fishing should improve with the cooling temps, the Canyon Dam coves or Hamilton Branch will hold fish, inflated crawlers or power bait are the top choices for bank fishermen.
Fly fishing at Hamilton Branch has been producing fish in small patterns.
Veterans Fishing Day
The date has been set for the fourth annual Veterans Fishing Day hosted by AFA on June 27. Vets who would like to fish can call 284-0861 or email the group [email protected] for questions and sign up.
Fishing will take place on June 27 and starts at 6 a.m. A big barbeque takes place around 3 p.m. after the day on the water at the Lake Almanor Rec #1 picnic area.
Registration for this big day takes place before May 22, any vets wanting to sign up afterward will be placed on a will call list. Contact early to reserve a spot.
Send pictures of your early spring fishing expeditions for publication in the Feather Publishing Sports Section to [email protected]
