Windy days give way to better fishing conditions this coming weekend
Compiled by Mari Erin Roth
Lake Almanor
Plumas County is experiencing another winter like storm with snow at lake level. Overnight temperatures have been dropping into the low 20s and daytime highs are in the 40s. The unsettled weather has the water temperature dropping back down into the low 50s and Mount Lassen could see another 2-plus feet of fresh snow. Lake level continues to rise. The wet spring should result in an increase in water levels through early June. Recent winds the have made for difficult, if not impossible, fishing conditions. The weather is expected to settle down Tuesday afternoon and is looking favorable for next weekend.
Fish remain scattered throughout the lake, catching has been dependent upon winds. “When weather allows, we were targeting fish in the top fifteen feet of the water column, fast trolling hardware at 2.5-3 mph,” said John Crotty of Almanor Fishing Association. “We are covering ground and fishing for ten or twelve bites.” The fish are in great shape as they continue to gorge on insects. Red/gold and red dot frog have been top producers with brown trout and perch patterns good choices as well. The majority of the fishing pressure remains the northwest section of the lake.
Bass fishermen continue to pick up quality fish (when weather allows) in the shallows. White plastics are getting the job done. Hamilton Branch is the best shot at fishing from the bank.
Canyon Dam remains the only public boat ramp. The US Forest Service has not announced when the Almanor West ramp and campground will open. “Please use caution when motoring as there are a number of navigational hazards throughout the lake,” cautions Crotty. “Bryan Roccucci AKA “Big Daddy” has marked the larger hazards and reached out to Plumas County and PG&E to have the hazards removed.”
