Lake level rises, water temp drops, and quality fish begin to show in the coves

Compiled by Mari Erin Roth

Lake Almanor

After a dry October, November started with a bang. The Almanor area received 4 to 6 inches of snow at lake level and Mount Lassen and all the surrounding foothills are covered in snow. There was a slight increase in lake level for the first time in months and the forecast is to receive another week of rain/snow. This week’s winter storm warning is calling for 10-20 inches of snow at lake level and 2-4 feet on Lassen.

Water temperatures have plummeted, dropping to the low 50s. Water quality remains questionable at best. There has been minimal boat traffic and the trolling bite remains tough. Bank fishing has slowed as well. “… with the weather change, we should begin to see quality fish begin showing up in the coves around the dam,” said John Crotty of Almanor Fishing Association. “It’s all about the weather up here in the mountains, travel to and from will be difficult and winds will keep most boats off the water for the next week. Be safe, stay warm and enjoy the beginning of (hopefully) a long, wet, white, winter.”

During large storms, the Canyon Dam boat ramp is not a priority for snow removal, as a result the ramp may not be accessible for a few days afterwards.