With a record winter almost behind us, time to start fishing
Compiled by Mari Erin Roth
Lake Almanor
The winter of 2022/23 is certainly one for the record books. During the month of March, 88 inches of snowfall was added to the already impressive snowfall. That brings the year-to-date total to a whopping 306.5 inches (25.5 feet). With snow came extremely cold temperatures. The average low for March was under 18 degrees. Cold temperatures resulted in very little snow melt and minimal increases in lake levels. This week, Lake Almanor sits at 4482.88 (a foot higher than last year on the same date) and a foot and four tenths up for the month of March. Water temperatures remain in the mid-30s.
“It appears the worst of the weather is behind us,” said John Crotty of Almanor Fishing Association. “It’s time to get back on the water.” Access to shore fishing will remain difficult until some snow melts. “I have seen anglers at the branch and in the coves around the dam,” said Crotty. “As the snow melts and water temps rise, fishing will only improve.” Trollers can target their efforts around the dam early in the morning and spread out as the sun gets on the water. “You will need to cover water to find fish and fast trolling hardware, flies and Rapala’s will provide you with the best opportunity to find and catch fish,” advised Crotty. “If the super ditch starts to flow there should be fish where it enters into the lake for shore fishermen.”
Highway 70 through the canyon remains closed. There is a minimal delay on Hwy 32, and Hwy 36 is clear. Travelers can expect chain controls at any time on all roadways leading to Almanor (for at least another week).
