Almanor Fishing Report

John Crotty

flies, patterns and colors attempting to figure out a preference. After a couple of hours the Jay Fair Tui-Chub fly stood out, we ended up catching 6 rainbows between 2 ½ and 3 ½ pounds each on the Tui-Chub. The downrigger rods had wiggle discs and the top lining rods did not. We were working the top line rods in a variety of motions and confirmed Jay Fairs figure 8 trolling method works on Almanor as well as Eagle Lake, with the top line rods catching seven of our fish. Most of our local sporting good dealers sell the Jay Fair and Arctic Fox flies they are must have for Eagle Lake and a great option on Lake Almanor. Denis also makes a custom fly line for top lining flies, the line is made with a section of floating line and a short section of intermediate fly line that will get you just under water surface (1-7’ depending on speed) and he also has rods that are custom made to match the trolling line. Both the rods and fly line are made to the specs that legendary Jay Fair perfected for trolling Eagle Lake years ago, the combination works as intended.
Ham Branch remains the top option for bank fishermen and fly fishermen are beginning to target fish in the coves around the Canyon Dam boat ramp. There was a bass tournament yesterday with boats targeting fish of the usual rocky points.

Lake level continues to drop and boaters need to be aware of navigational hazards including; Peninsula, Flag Island and Dakasu Island. Both USFS boat ramps are currently open and the dock at Canyon Dam has been adjusted. You can expect delays of up to a half hour on 36 over Fredoyner and 70 up the Canyon has sections of one way traffic. Most RV Parks have closed for the winter and lake side dining facilities will be closing soon. The weather will be spectacular for at least the next week as is the Plumas County landscape now is the time to enjoy a fall trip to Lake Almanor.

http://almanorfishingassociation.org/