Trolling has been best lately. Smelt patterns are hot these days. Needlefish,  red and gold Speedy Shiners and Sep's Pro Secrets in red and gold have been effective from 15 feet and deeper. Silver has been best early from 15 feet and shallower. The cooling water has slowed down the bug hatches. The smelt are everywhere around the lake. I have talked to many Almanor hardcore fishermen and we all agree this is the most bait fish year we have collectively seen, ever. The trout are really after them. Fishing pressure has been light. Big Springs has been good in the early morning, Rainbow Runners and threaded crawlers have been attracting fish to five pounds but most are smaller. The cove in the back of Big Springs has rainbows moving in. Bait fishing has been best, Salmon eggs off the bottom, or under a bobber. This is a shallow area so move in quietly or you could scare them. Rec. #1 & 2, Crickets and mealworms are best presented 4 ft. off the bottom.  Rec.# 2, and north, has been on fire!  A recent report from a reliable source, boasted a 40 fish day, trolling lead core, out 4 colors and a 1/4 oz. red and gold Speedy Shiner, again covered with Pro-Cure Trophy Trout.

Bailey Springs area has been and is still a great spot this season. Bobbers and crawlers, inflated crawlers off the bottom, even salmon eggs have been getting Rainbows over two  pounds  and a couple larger than four pounds. Even the fly fishermen are working it!

Hamilton Branch... this area has the reputation for the best bank fish at Lake Almanor, and it's still on. Panther Martins, Kastmasters, crawlers under a bobber, it's all good. Rainbows have finally started to return into the Branch and it looks like they are there to stay. Bait fishing has been the most productive in the lake afternoon to dark. Cricket and mealworms four cranks off the bottom behind Goose Island, Rec.2, The Spar Buoy, and Fox farm, and Rec. 1 and 2 just outside the log booms, some of the biggest fish this season have come later in the day rather than early

Doug Neal (530) 258-6732 http://www.almanorfishingadventures.com