Lake level has risen more than a foot at Almanor over the past week
Compiled by Mari Erin Roth
Lake level is up more than a foot over the past seven days as Bailey Creek, the Super Ditch, Hamilton Branch, and the Feather River continue to deposit large volumes of water into Lake Almanor. Water temperatures have skyrocketed into the 60s and clarity fluctuates throughout the lake.
Fishing has been inconsistent as fish migrate throughout the lake. The insect hatches have also been sporadic. There are chances of thunderstorms early this week which will be accompanied by afternoon winds.
Shore anglers are catching fish off the Causeway on Hwy 36, at the Super Ditch, and at Hamilton Branch. Trollers are targeting their efforts along the East Shore, the Peninsula to Big Cove, and at Red Bank. “The bite has been slow as we are competing with bug hatches,” said John Crotty of Almanor Fishing Association. “Slow troll in the top 25 feet of the water column early and drop deeper as the sun comes up, you may need to switch to hardware when the winds pickup. You should also find fish along the west shore between Prattville and Almanor West.”
There are minimal delays traveling to Lake Almanor. Canyon Dam is the only usable public boat ramp. Campgrounds around the lake remain closed and all the private RV resorts are open. Boat traffic will increase over Memorial Weekend and boaters will need to exercise caution as there is a great deal of debris on the water.
Local fly-fishing legend Milton Jensen predicts that the Hex Hatch should peak from June 18-24 this year. “You can expect to see smaller hatches a week or two on either side of those dates,” said Crotty. “If you have never witnessed Almanor’s Hexagina Hatch it can be impressive and well worth a visit.”
Does anyone know when the Almanor campgrounds will be open? Can’t find a thing on the forest service site. Planning on arriving on Father’s Day June 18th for a week.
Genuinely they open before memorial weekend but for some odd reason rest areas are still closed and camp grounds go figure I guess like everything eles people just don’t want to work
June 30 is what I am seeing for opening day at PG&E’s Rocky Point Campground on Lake Almanor.
https://recreation.pge.com/mbl/camping/index.asp
Have family visiting from out of town the weekend of June 10th. They are interested in fly fishing in the area. Where should I recommend the try this?