Fishing pressure has been light, with a spike of activity on the weekends. Surface temps range from 37 degrees early, warming to 40 by mid-day. Insects are confused. They think it’s spring already and a few fish we checked were processing a mix of smelt and insect larvae. Trout and salmon populations are still keyed on the smelt right now. Any smelt pattern might work. Ripping or trolling, Rapalas, pin minnows, shiners, trolling flies and Needlefish can all be hot one day and cold the next. In dark water like now, UV dodgers and crawlers can be the ticket. Be ready to change it out.

Canyon Dam and north along the east shore are where most boats are working. Rainbows are taking the lead 3 to 1 over the brown hookups, with most of the rainbows running from 1.5 to 2.25 pounds. We caught a couple in close to shore, but more strikes came in open water, rigged no deeper than 12 feet.

Almanor West or Bailey Springs are where the big fish are. Browns are patrolling the shoreline shallows looking for any easy target. Ripping pin minnows, Rapalas or Trophy Sticks can trigger big time strikes.

I released two browns in the four pound range, and three rainbows under 2 pounds.

We have been using Trophy Trout scent for years, still do. Recently tried Pro-Cure “Bloody Tuna Super Gel” and one of those big four-pound browns hit a Trophy Stick that had an application of Bloody Tuna on it.

For the non-troller, bait fishing on anchor is always a good, relaxing way to get fish. Suspended offerings four feet off the bottom have often got bigger fish than the aggressive troller.

Nightcrawlers, mealworms, Power Baits are all proven troutcatching baits.

Try these baits in places like the A-Frame or Big Springs. Between these two  spots you will get fish.

If it’s king salmon you are after, replace the Power Bait with anchovy tail, add some Pro-Cure Herring Gel.

Rec 1 and 2 open with docks.

Canyon Dam open with dock, plowed, plenty of parking.

USFS ramp is open, 12” of packed snow that has not been plowed, no dock. 4WD only

Winter conditions require a elevated awareness of safety.

Carry flotation, cell phone or Marine Band Radio.

As lake levels rise logs and sticks will be refloated.

Check current weather reports prior to you trip.

 Access accurate Lake Almanor data at http://www.project2105.org/lake_levels.htm. Doug Neal (530) 258-6732 http://www.almanorfishingadventures.com