Plumas County
Fishing Report

 

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Due to budget cuts that required the closure of the Plumas County Visitors Bureau in mid-January 2012, this report is unfortunately not able to be up-to-date. We encourage you to contact the businesses listed here directly to find out how the fish are biting in Plumas County. And have fun out there!

January 9, 2011  Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

Fishing is great at the lake. There is some ice around the edges, especially early morning, and at the dam, but there is open water beyond the ice. The open water is to the left, at Ship’s Cove, and to the right, just past the turn, near the island, just out from the dam.

Today, Gary Palmer, Chad Musulin, and Pete DeSantis of Susanville caught their limits near Big Cove, using nightcrawlers and marshmallows. Average weight was 1 1/4 pounds, and they were 15 to 18 inches in length. All were rainbow trout. The east side of the lake seems to be the better for fishing since the ice is forming on the lake.

All the roads around the lake are passable, their might be some ice on the road in the early morning, but fishing seems to be good at about midday.

Call ahead for current info.

January 8, 2011  Lake Almanor Fishing Report  and Lake Status: Courtesy of Doug Neal, Almanor Fishing Adventures (530) 258-6732

The “International Sportsman's Expo” is coming to the Sacramento Ca. Expo Center. Jan. 19th to 22nd. For me? this is better than Christmas. This huge 4 day show will have over 800 exhibitors, providing hands on access to everything outdoors.
That’s right, the whole enchilada in one place. From Kayaks to Powerboats, Downriggers, Ducks, Dogs, Hunting, Fishing, the works! Take the kids to the popular Western Outdoor News “Youth Fair” and enter the drawing for a guided trip for 4 people, provided by Almanor Fishing Adventures. Attend one of the many free seminars. Check it all out @ www.sportsexpos.com wow, take a look at the exhibitor list..it’s a unbelievable line up.

I will be doing 2 Seminars at ISE, in the “California Sportsman's Theater” “Trolling and Still fishing Techniques for Lake Almanor and Beyond” Thursday Jan. 19 @ 4:00 pm. And Friday, Jan. 20th @ 12:00 noon. Covering in detail “The injured Minnow Rig”, Anchovy tails for big Kings, Targeting Rainbows, and Tactics for Browns. and all the little tricks of the trade that you can try here at Lake Almanor, or at your favorite lake. Or stop by the “SEPS BOOTH in the main Fishing Pavilion and say hi!

Lake Almanor Fishing Report 1/8/2012 Cold mornings turn to blue skies with warm sunshine, and more in the forecast. The cold clear nights (26 degrees) have the west basin 90% iced over, most of it melts away by mid day, with the high yesterday of 38 degrees, w/light winds. Feels good in the sun and cold in the shade. Rec.# 2 ramp is locked up inside the log boom with about 1 “of ice. There's plenty of open water on the east basin, Canyon Dam is the only public ramp with dock. Surface temps @ 37.5 degrees,warming to 40.1 afternoon. Clarity 6 ft. west basin, 7.5 ft. east basin, and its been about that way the past 2 weeks. Lake level is at @ 4485.68, ft. elevation, = 932,973 acre ft. storage. Lake levels are slowly coming down, instead of slowly coming up. A few small islands are showing, along with some shoreline stumps.

There's been a few boats trolling along the east shore, including me. But overall fishing pressure is light. Spring like conditions have a few anglers fishing along the bank with bait, and Trollers working the top water. Fish are scattered all over the lake chasing smelt, and casually feeding during the colder mornings, and becoming more active late morning and into the afternoon. Water clarity is still a bit of a issue here, most of the action has been in the top 20 ft. of water. Producing a mix of Browns, Bows with a few salmon caught. Feeding Rainbows and Browns have forced larger schools of bait fish all over the east shore. One day they are in close and the next day they are in the middle of the lake.

We passed over giant clouds of smelt, one after another, and never in the same place very long.
Rec. #2, Browns are still there, but all the ice makes it inaccessible, Suspend crawlers about 3 to 5 ft. up off the bottom..add Pro-Cure Garlic scent in areas like, the Prattville Towers, Hamilton Branch, A-Frame, and Big Springs, are providing reports of big fish using baits close the bottom.

Every boat we talked to had fish, most boats averaged 5 to 6 fish and everyone had a least one fish over 3 lbs.. The 1/6 oz. nickel Speedy Shiners W/hammer finish, and the red and gold Speedy Shiner got plenty of action, so I never had to change set ups. Add a healthy application of Pro-Cure “Trophy Trout Super Gel” on what ever your trolling. Fish are feeding on smelt. Smelt falls into the TUI CHUB classification of bait fish. “Trophy Trout” is ground up TUI CHUB...don’t leave home without it! Stay Thirsty my friends!

Roads are clear and dry.
Canyon Dam Public Ramp is open with dock.
USFS ramp open, no dock.
Plumas Pines, Knotty Pine ramps closed for the season.
Hamilton Branch private ramp open, no dock.
LACC Rec. area # 1, open with dock. Rec. 2. Solid ice inside the log boom.

STAT: Last winter the Almanor Basin received 362 “ of measurable snow and rain, the most since 1951
December 2011 was the driest month here in a decade.
0.32 inch of total precipitation was recorded at the automated site in Prattville.
Average Precp. totals for December should be closer to 5 inches of rain and 32” snow.

January 4, 2011  Lake Almanor Fishing Report  and Lake Status: Courtesy of Doug Neal, Almanor Fishing Adventures (530) 258-6732

Great fishing weather, that’s really the story.

Surface temps @ 38.5 degrees, warming to 40.5 afternoon.
Clarity 6 ft. west basin, 7.5 ft. east basin.
Lake levels @ 4485.98, ft. elevation, = 932,978 acre ft. storage.
December 2011 was the driest month here in a decade.
0.32 inch of total precipitation was recorded at the automated site in Prattville.

Average Precip. totals for December is closer to 5 inches.
Cold in the morning, 26 degrees is a average morning start. The cold clear nights reveal the moon phase is building. The bite will start earlier as the full moon approaches. Excellent sunshine with spring like conditions have anglers hitting the shores and trolling lanes.

Fish are scattered all over the lake chasing smelt, and casually feeding all morning. Trolling has been a great way to enjoy the weather, and get hooked up. Water clarity is still a bit of a issue here, most of the action has been in the top 20 ft. of water. Producing a mix of Browns, Bows with a few salmon caught.

It's been so nice here that some insect hatch's have been popping off. Several fish we checked were holding bug larva, 2 different fish actually had a hex larva inside. Even the bugs think its spring.
Lake Cove has been the best trolling area for my boat, and that’s also the spot where we caught fish that were holding bugs. Bait fishing is still about the same as last weeks report. Except the bite has been very early, especially in Geritol Cove at Canyon Dam, where they recently put in some planters.
A couple boats that were there at 6:00 am in total darkness, were coming out at 8:30 am with limits, and frost bite.

Rec. #2, Browns and Rainbows are still just outside the log boom. The Brown Trout spawn is finished.
Roe or Salmon eggs right on the bottom, leave the bail open and just wait for them to pick it up. Or suspend crawlers about 3 to 5 ft. up off the bottom. add Pro-Cure Garlic scent.
The Prattville Towers, Hamilton Branch, A-Frame, and Big Springs, are also providing reports of big fish using baits close the bottom. Feeding Rainbows and Browns have forced larger schools of bait fish all over the east shore. Some days they are in close and later they are in the middle of the lake.
We passed over giant clouds of smelt, one after another, and never in the same place very long.
Every boat we talked to had fish, most boats averaged 5 to 6 fish and everyone had a least one fish over 3 lbs. The 1/6 oz. nickel Speedy Shiners W/hammer finish, and the red and gold Speedy Shiner got plenty of action, so I never had to change set ups. Add a healthy application of Pro-Cure “Trophy Trout Super Gel” on what ever your trolling. Fish are feeding on smelt. Smelt falls into the TUI CHUB classification of bait fish. “Trophy Trout” is ground up TUI CHUB...don’t leave home without it!
Stay thirsty my friends.

Canyon Dam Public Ramp is open with dock.
USFS ramp open, no dock.
Plumas Pines, Knotty Pine ramps closed for the season.
Hamilton Branch private ramp open, no dock.
LACC Rec. area # 1 and # 2, open with docks.

Fishing Related News;
The “International Sportsman's Expo” (ISE) is coming to Sacramento Ca. Jan. 19th to 22nd.

I will be doing 2 Seminars, Thursday @ 4:00 pm. and Friday 12:00
“Trolling and Still fishing Techniques for Lake Almanor and Beyond”
Covering in detail “The injured Minnow Rig”, Anchovy tails for big Kings, Targeting Rainbows, and Tactic for Browns, and all the little tricks of the trade we have developed that you can try here, or at your favorite lake. Or stop by the SEPS Booth @ ISE and say hi!
till then “Just fish Baby”

January 2, 2012  Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

There have been reports of the lake being frozen over, 5 to 7 inches of ice at the dam, some open water, but that is out past the ice. The weather has been warm during the daytime, so the ice may be thinning. Fishing has been good at the dam, and near Frenchman’s boat landing. Most fishermen are using nightcrawlers and marshmallows.

The road around the lake is in good shape, there may be a little ice on the road on the way up to the dam, and in some shaded areas of the road, but all roads are passable. No boats can be put into the water at this time, the ice around the edges is too far out.

Call ahead for current updates.

December 29, 2011   Lake Almanor Fishing Report  and Lake Status: Courtesy of Doug Neal, Almanor Fishing Adventures (530) 258-6732

Surface temps @ 38 degrees.
Clarity 6 ft. west basin, 7.5 ft. east basin.
Lake levels @ 4485.98, ft. elevation, = 932,978 acre ft. storage.
Flat as glass.
Fish plants for Lake Almanor 2011.
These are approximant numbers, its probably a little more.
48,000 Kings.
90,000 Rainbows.
138,000 Browns.
This spring is going to be good, always is, but this spring look out!
Water clarity is still a bit of a issue here, a few boats are trolling attractors and and a few are bait fishing on anchor. Fishing pressure was light across the lake last week, even with all the blue skies and sunshine last week, Christmas with family and friends took the front seat, as it should be.
Ok, so that’s over.. Lets Fish.

Rec. #2 Browns and Rainbows are still just outside the log boom. I saw about 8 fish rise as I backed in the boat, a couple of them big boys. Roe or Salmon eggs right on the bottom, leave the bail open and just wait for them to pick it up. Or suspend crawlers about 3 to 5 ft. up off the bottom..add Pro-Cure Garlic scent.

The Prattville Towers, Hamilton Branch, Geritol Cove, A-Frame and Big Springs, are also providing reports of big fish using baits close to, or on the bottom. 9:00 am, trolling along the east shore from Canyon Dam to Lake Cove got a few hook ups, and very little bait fish around. So we moved out 600 yds. outside of Lake Cove, which is currently about 52 ft. of water and..
Jackpot! The rods began to light up.

Feeding Rainbows and Browns have forced larger schools of bait fish away from the safety and structure of the shoreline, and into big water.  We passed over giant clouds of smelt, one after another, each the size of a Grey Hound Bus..and of course we started marking lots more fish. “It took awhile to find them” I said out loud..my buddy said ‘jeez Doug I think you found them all.” The 80% of the fish in 20% of the lake theory is true this time of year.

Bait fish are running and feeders are in constant pursuit. If your going to troll? You might have to search them out because they wont be in the exact spot tomorrow. We caught a couple on Mini Micro flashers/crawler combos, but it was the 1/6 oz. nickel Speedy Shiners W/hammer finish, and a healthy application Of Pro-Cure Trophy Trout Super Gel that seemed to do best. I ran these fast action lures just a tad slower. 2.2 mph and rigged between 10 and 20 ft. down, and 120 ft. back. Producing 4 fish in 2 lb. class all in 35 minutes, and another take down that got off. And then the bait was gone. So I put on a “Injured Minnow Rig” and slowed down to .5 mph and just twitched it on the slow troll, looking for fish that lost the main bait schools and are picking up the collateral damage. The injured minnow rig turned out to be a good move, we finished out our day with limits...Wasn't easy! They tested our resolve, but when we found them it was worth it.

Winter is just a big storm away, Check weather reports before making the trip up. I am currently booking Spring 2012, book early to get your spots locked up.  Good luck and Happy New Year.

Canyon Dam Public Ramp is open with dock.
USFS ramp open, no dock.
Plumas Pines, Knotty Pine ramps closed for the season.
Hamilton Branch private ramp open, no dock.
LACC Rec. area # 1 and # 2, open with docks.

Fishing Related News;
The “International Sportsman's Expo” (ISE) is coming to Sacramento Ca. Jan. 19th to 22nd.
I will be doing 2 Seminars, Thursday @ 4:00 pm. and Friday 12:00
“Trolling and Still fishing Techniques for Lake Almanor and Beyond”
Covering in detail “The injured Minnow Rig”,Anchovy tails for big Kings, and all the little tricks of the trade we have developed that you can try here, or at your favorite lake.
Shorten your learning curve,make the most of your time spent fishing.

December 26, 2011   Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

There is about 5 inches of ice at the dam, but there is still open water out past the ice. Turkey Point is frozen over, and there is some ice around Spring Creek and Big Cove. Shore fishing is possible if you are willing to walk a little.

Fishermen are using marshmallows and nightcrawlers. They are catching their limits, and most are 14 to 18 inches in length, weighing about a pound or more. The west side of the lake seems to be the best for fishing, and late morning is a good time to fish.

Call ahead for current info.

December 20, 2011  Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

There is ice on the lake in the morning and it is starting to stay longer and longer each day. Mostly on the east side of the lake. The west side is still open and they are catching their limits near Lunkers Point and just north of the boat landing.

Shore fishing has been good. Catching rainbow trout approximately 14 - 18 inches long, weighing 1 to 1 ½ pounds. Fishermen are using nightcrawlers and marshmallows (Chartruese and Pink Shrimp). Few are using powerbait (Rainbow and Garlic).

The roads around the lake are still passable, but early morning there may be ice on some parts of the roads. BE CAREFUL ! Early afternoon seems to be the best time to fish.

Call ahead for current updates.

December 17, 2011    Lake Almanor Fishing Report  and Lake Status: Courtesy of Doug Neal, Almanor Fishing Adventures (530) 258-6732

A dry November has now rolled deep into December. Its cold and clear early, nice and Sunny in the afternoon. Lake levels still very good. Ramps at Canyon Dam and the USFS ramps are operational.

Hey that’s great for fishing! Yep its cold in the morning, mid 20's, but after 8:00 am when that sun hits the water it warms up to spring like conditions. The bright full moon phase all last week diminished the “Big Fish Catch Rate”. The bigger fish were definitely feeding in the cold clear moonlight. But that has passed and things are beginning to get back to more predictable feeding cycles.
Water Clarity is about the same as last week holding at @ 8.5 ft. and should improve, providing the wind stays away. It has been blowing about 5 mph the last couple mornings but that settles down by mid morning.

A little breeze has helped the trolling bite. Canyon Dam and south along the east shore, this has been thee slot to troll, and why not? Most boats launch out of the Canyon Dam ramp,your right there, and fish are there..so why leave fish to go look for fish? Drop your gear as you leave the ramp, there lots of fish holding at Canyon Dam to Lake Cove. More hits have come in the top 20 ft. of water than down deep. 8 ft. down seemed get get the most. Late morning breezes will keep fish up longer, trolling a injured minnow rig, or ripping a Pin Minnow along the surface can be very effective and always worth a try..

Bait guys are at Geritol Cove at Canyon Dam, kicking out Browns all month, Its not red hot and you will have to work it, however there are some huge fish than frequent this area. Try roe or Salmon eggs along the bottom this has still been working. Also the springs right in from of the A-Frame, mooch anchovy for 2.5 year old Salmon.

If your going to troll? With clarity only around 8 ft. attractors should to be considered in your trolling strategy's. Dig into that tackle box and dust of the Dodgers, polish up, and put some flash on those flashers, Because that’s what's been working in this cold dark water theses days. Single lures and spoons that work great in clearer water have not been working that well with clarity reduced to 8 ft. or less. You almost have to get this right in front of the fish before they can see it. 04 size UV dodgers are the winter fisherman's friend at Lake Almanor, I use the all the time, with a threaded night crawler 16 “ back on a # 6 Gamakatsu bait holder. Best 04 size dodgers have been Silver Prism, and Gold... Best UV dodger, The Seps” Raspberry Splat.”

The “Strike Master Dodgers” from Seps was the pleasant surprise of the season. We caught some of the biggest fish this year trolling the Strike Master/crawler combo, with Pro-Cure Garlic scents applied.
Our biggest Brown off the 50/50 Strike Master weighted in at 13.2 lbs. with lots of others in the 4 to 5.5 lb. class.

The last 2 weeks we have been running smaller, Mini Micro Flashers in silver willow leaf, they give off a nice vibration, and the flash I need, and the smaller blade is very close in size to the bait fish here.
Threaded crawlers or a lure about 18 “ behind the Mini Micros and your in business. I like the Mini Micros because they are lighter than regular size flashers. Don’t get me wrong, the bigger flashers can be excellent too. A couple friends of mine run the bigger Seps flashers all the time, and do well.
Here's some areas that are known winter trolling lanes to try these attractors. Rec. area #1, to the A- Frame. There's some big fish, and scattered bait fish in this area, lots of pesky, dink salmon too.
Prattville to the Almanor West Ramp. Browns and Rainbows. The East Shore from Canyon Dam to the Dorado. Browns and Rainbows and some 2 year old Salmon. That’s a keeper. Big Cove to Hamilton Branch. Some Browns are always in these waters, those pesky little Salmon too. Always check the weather before making a run up here, be safe, number 1.

Fishing Related News;
The “International Sportsman's Expo” is coming to Sacramento Ca. Jan. 19th to 22nd.
I will be doing 2 Seminars, Thursday @ 4:00 pm. and Friday 12:00
“Trolling and Still fishing Techniques for Lake Almanor and Beyond”
Covering in detail “The injured Minnow Rig, Anchovy tails for big Kings, and all the little tricks we have developed that you can try here, or at your favorite lake.
Shorten your learning curve, and catch more fish. come early if you want a seat, last year they were standing 3 deep.
Happy holidays.

December 12, 2011 Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

Fishing has been good all around the lake. Reports of ice on the lake near Turkey Point in the early morning, and around the edges. The fishing has been good from shore at Frenchman’s boat landing and around the dam. The north end on the west side near Lunker’s Point has been good fishing. Most fishermen are using nightcrawlers and marshmallows or powerbait (rainbow is the favorite).

The roads around the lake are still in good shape. There is a little ice on some places, especially in the early morning. Just BE CAREFUL and watch out for others on the road. There are still a lot of people going out to get Christmas trees.

Call ahead for current updates.

December 11, 2011   Lake Almanor Fishing Report  and Lake Status: Courtesy of Doug Neal, Almanor Fishing Adventures (530) 258-6732

Clarity @ 8.5 ft. and will improve, providing the wind stays away.
Surface temps range from 40 degrees early, to 44 degrees by 2:00 before they begin dropping back down.

Break out the red union suit with the 2 button back door! cuz baby its cold! Clear cold mornings averaging 25 degrees, giving way to nice warming 42 degree sunshine by mid day. Some thin lake ice forming over night, melting away by mid morning.

Great fishing weather, all that wind last week has passed, leaving ideal fall fishing conditions.
The ramps and log booms at Rec.1 have been realigned, and the public ramps at Canyon Dam and The USFS ramp at Almanor are open. All the nice weather has attracted more fishermen who normally don’t get to fish this deep into December without battling some form of the elements. We were able to talk to several other radio equipped boats fishing around the lake and we all faired about the same.
Very few fish over 2 lbs. caught or reported this week, in fact the 11 fish I hooked yesterday were all under 1.5 lbs..

The bright full moon phase all week diminished the “Big Fish Catch Rate”.
The bigger fish were definitely feeding in the cold clear moonlight... even with that eclipse we had yesterday..which was cool.

Trolling Lake Cove to the Dorado, and the east side of the peninsula produced the most action.
Mostly Browns and a couple Rainbow.. all under 2 lbs. but perfect healthy fish..Cant wait to see hold they look Spring 2012!

The sonar unit showed large concentrations of fish holding right in from of the A-Frame about 200 to 500 yards out. Where large bait balls are now being shattered into smaller schools and the fish are having their way with them, birds too, enjoying the 24 hour feeding opportunities in the moonlight and into the afternoon. Surprising to see how many birds that have not migrated out of here yet...weather is nice, and plenty to eat keeps them here.

We tried several methods to get larger fish to bite, threaded crawlers with and W/O dodgers..flashers, Speedy Shiners, white trolling flies, and Rainbow Runners all worked! but no big fish.
All the fish came down rigged 5 to 20 ft...we did run our stuff deeper but never got a bump.
Lead core guys were reporting strikes 2 to 3 colors as well, so we were all finding fish at the same depths.

I probably released 25, 9 to 10 inch Salmon the last 3 days...very aggressive planters from last September, looking good, but too small, and most wont even’ POP” the release.
Check your lines often, make sure your not dragging a small guy.. its been my experience that if your dragging one around? none of the other lines will get hit.
The smaller fish were active and trying to feed at every opportunity and there was enough action to keep us busy.

Several fish that we got close to the boat were spitting out 2.5 to 2.75 inch smelt.
The moon is waning and things should get back on a more predictable feeding schedule soon, take away the 24 feeding and the big fish will have to get back in line.
The first storm approaches from the north west.. looks like it arrives here Thursday.
Stay thirsty my friends..
Happy holidays.

December 8, 2011  J&Js Grizzly Store and Camping Resort
Lake Davis, Portola CA (530) 832-0270

Drove around the lake today to check ice conditions. The road around the lake is open with some icy spots, mostly on the west side.

Could not check Eagle Point because of a logging truck blocking the road.

Camp 5, Freeman, and Cow Creek have some open water.

Mallard has significant open water still.

Honker Cove at the point has open water.

All other areas have ice, not very thick yet; able to throw a rock and break through.

Have had good reports of limits at Mallard the last few days. Worms or Powerbait (rainbow, sherbet to lemon twist).

We are having nights in the teens and days in the 40’s with lots of sunshine.

December 6, 2011  Lake Almanor Fishing Report  and Lake Status: Courtesy of Doug Neal, Almanor Fishing Adventures (530) 258-6732

Water Clarity reduced to 6.5 ft..
Surface temps dropping fast and currently @ 39.8 degrees.
Ice is forming in some of the shaded an shallow coves around the lake.  Fishing pressure has been light, not surprising with all the wind the north state endured.  Big wind, all week reeked havoc on the Almanor peninsulas Rec. area #1, docks were blown sideways and the log booms protecting the ramps are all over the place. Crews are on it and Rec.# 1 should in back up by tomorrow. Rec. #2 was much better protected and sustained no damage. Canyon Dam ramp, The USFS ramps are both open and operational. How windy? well 40 mph gusts..birds were walking right down the street, leaning into the wind.. rather than attempt to even fly.  Lake levels are still very good and are currently at 4486.6 ft..

Christmas Season Fishing? U-bet! December fishing can be very good. Some of the very biggest fish have been caught during the winter months here at Lake Almanor. Especially if the weather cooperates, and so far it has. It’s only the wind that has been a factor, but there's ways around that.
This past week winds have been out of the NE, so the best trolling areas have been in the wind protected areas like Rec. #2 along the west side of the peninsula, or if you can get across to the east shore where its is protected also. Smaller boats not advised to cross Almanor when its windy as its always rougher than it looks..and once your there it can get hairy.

So far there's been no snow to deal with here at Lake Almanor, in fact last November was rather dry. Only a fraction of typical November moisture arrived in the Almanor Basin this year. The monitoring site near the shoreline near Prattville recorded 1.18 inches of total precipitation, which is well below the 4 inch average for the month. So far December has been full of sunshine, and more in the 6 day forecast.. Yes its cold, its been around 19 degrees in the morning and warming into the mid 40s in the afternoon.

Take your time, have a good breakfast, because the bite is better after 9: am that it is before. The East shore has probably the best trolling bite happening. There's lots of bait still moving up and down the east shore and the fish have been hitting more in the top 20 ft. of water, than deeper. With water clarity reduced attractors, like flashers or dodgers are more likely to get hit than a plain crawler, or small spoon by its self. If the fish can't see it, they cant hit it..getting their attention makes all the difference.

I have been running the Seps Mini micro flashers with a small threaded crawler about 1.2 mph. Micros are cool, there lighter, and much smaller than the big flashers, and you don’t notice the extra weight while fighting a fish. Micros give off just enough vibration and flash, and the proof is in the box,. Rainbows are really digging this effective presentation producing rainbows from 2.3 to 3.6 lbs..

Ok dudes, print this and leave it where the wife can find it...that’s what I do this early Christmas season. Great gifts for the Sportsman. Rapala EZ glide fillet knife...best knife I ever used..and I fillet more fish than most. What about a subscription to “Western Outdoor News”or the “Fish Sniffer”! they both make great gifts that keep him informed! and they keep coming all year! Seps Strike Master Dodgers, Releases, Stacker Clips... can never have enough of these handy. Seps Mini Micros flashers, Worm threaders all these make great, inexpensive gifts @ www.sepsprofishing.com.  Howza bout a couple of tickets to the Big ISE show January 19th. to 22nd. in Sacramento! every person that loves the outdoors will be at this show! www.sportsexpos.com. Or get him a Guided trip fishing. All the good guides offer Gift Certificates on their web sites.. Bigger ticket items on the fishing wish list could be: The Minn Kota, i-pilot GPS driven trolling system W/spot lock... I got one of these this year..in a word “fantastic”. The Lowerance HD Sonar system with the Navonics platinum SD card... never get lost in the fog again..you still got to watch out for the other guys boat!

Always check weather reports before running up here. Be safe...
Happy Holidays Fin Masters.
www.almanorfishingadventures.com

December 5, 2011  Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

The weather has been cold enough to put a thin layer of ice on Lake Davis, there may be some open water by the dam, but not in the early morning. Frenchman Lake is still open, no ice reported anywhere on the lake. There is ice on the road to Frenchman’s, so please BE CAREFUL, and watch out for people going to get Christmas Trees.

Shore fishing is still good on the north end of the lake, the west side is better, around Lunker’s Point and up to Nightcrawler Bay. Nightcrawlers and powerbait (chartruese and rainbow) are working well. Some fishermen are using marshmallows.

Few reports of trolling (small boats) around the dam area, to the east of the dam, and near Big Cove are catching limits. They are using various lures, Rooster Tail, Dick Nite, and Needlefish.

November 29, 2011   Lake Almanor Fishing Report  and Lake Status: Courtesy of Doug Neal, Almanor Fishing Adventures (530) 258-6732

Water clarity reduced to about 9 ft...which is still pretty good
Surface temps continue to drift down and are currently at 48.5 degrees about mid day.
Wonderful fall weather makes me wonder ”Where did everybody go?”
Yes it's cold early, like 30 degrees, but once that sun gets up, it warms up to about 50 plus degrees, been like that all week.
The 10-day forecast for the Almanor Basin is sunny with highs in the upper 40s. and that’s good for the November Angler.
Roads are dry and clear... but always check the forecast prior to making a run up here.

Fishing pressure has been light with a spike of activity during the weekend.
With water clarity reduced the last couple weeks we have been running Seps mini micro flashers, as attention getters, with a threaded crawler about 2 ft. behind micros. @ 1.6 mph. These mini micros are just the ticket these days, producing clean Rainbows to 3.6 lbs., Browns were all just under 2 lbs.. and a few small Salmon.
The East Shore: The Lake Cove area got all the action yesterday, so we never left...we did not mark a lot of fish deep, they were there and closer to the surface.. We never went deeper than 16 ft. and all the fish came down rigged between 8 and 14ft. I did work the bottom for awhile but never got whacked.
Geritol Cove :@ Canyon Dam was packed! with shore and boat anglers as I trolled up toward the Dam..I went over and took a look..Apparently a recent stocking of Rainbows had guys getting a lot of action ...but they were 8 inch dinks. There could be some huge Browns following those plants.. I would have tried a big trout swim bait..if I had one with me..
Prior to the plants at Canyon Dam there has lots of great action working eggs or roe along the bottom.. but that got disturbed with all the guys after those plants.

A- Frame: Has fish rolling in the morning, mostly Browns, smelt breaking the surface...time to work that jig..and we did, releasing 4 fish in about a hour.. all around 2 lbs..
Big Springs: Rainbows stacking in the back of the cove where 2 springs flow into the lake..Its shallow in there and the fish are easily spooked, go in quite and work “Balls O Fire” salmon eggs slowly back in along the bottom..
Trolling the Big Springs area has been a problem all month...Salmon lots of them...all small 8.5 inch planters from last October. They have been really feeding, and have gotten about 2 “ bigger, but they are just too small, and I don’t want to waste my morning releasing dinks.
Hamilton Branch: Trolling around right in front, make a few big circles and if nothing happens run up the east shore toward the Dorado and into lake Cove.
Rec. area #2:, A good place to Jig, or suspend baits off the bottom. Expect Browns and Rainbows..no small Salmon will bother you here...Also it’s a good place to start your troll head north along the peninsula, bird, mostly gulls have been hitting the surface indicating aggressive feeding below, when you see that happening get your smelt patterns out. NeedleFish or Speedy Shiners are always a good bet..However My injured minnow rig has been the best when fish are feeding aggressively.

I will be doing two seminars on “Trolling and Still fishing Techniques for Lake Almanor and Beyond”at the“International Sportsman's Expo” in Sacramento Jan 19-22.
At the ”California Sportsman Theater”, located in the main fishing pavilion..Come early for a seat..last year they were standing 3 deep.

My seminars are, Thursday, Jan. 19th at 4:00 pm, and again Friday Jan. 20th at 12:00 noon. Check all show information at
www.sacramentosportsexpos.com

Or if you're coming Saturday or Sunday? Stop by the Seps Pro Fishing Booth and look me up, and bring any questions you may have...

November 28, 2011

Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

The weather has been great and the fishing has been better than ever. Sara, Connor, Kennedy, and Trent Wilson of Reno and Las Vegas, NV (left) caught 13 rainbow trout off the shore just north of Lunkers’ Point. They were using nightcrawlers and powerbait. They were approximately 15 to 18 inches long, weighing 1 to 1 1/2 pounds.
Fly fishing has been good from shore at Turkey and Crystal Points. Some lures being used are Hoppers, Mayfly, and Prince Nymphs.
The roads are good up to and around the lake. The roads are busy with fishermen and people going to get Christmas trees. Please, be careful and share the road.

The weather should be good all week, so take a drive, or just go fishing before the snow falls. There is NO ICE on the lake as of yet, but we will keep you informed.…
Till then, dress for cold mornings, and check the weather reports before making the run up here. Big wind can be dangerous, small boats not advised if wind is in the forecast.
 

November 21, 2011

Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

Fishing has been good despite the snow and cold weather. The road up to Frenchman’s is good, but there are some spots on the road that are icy. Be careful and watch for those icy patches.

Misti Mecca of Reno, NV caught her limit at Lunker’s Point using the Wiggin’s famous nightcrawlers on Saturday. The rainbow trout were approximately 18 inches long, weighing 1 to 2 pounds. She was shore fishing.

We’ve had good reports of shore fishing near Big Cove, Turkey Point, and east of the dam. Most fishermen are using nightcrawlers and marshmallows, or powerbait (Rainbow, Sherbert, and White).

Christmas Tree permits are available, so share the road and look out for others.

Call ahead for current info.

November 14, 2011 

Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

Lots of fishing at Frenchman’s. Kevin and Ryan Jeffers of Reno, NV caught five rainbow trout at the dam, using nightcrawlers with marshmallows and powerbait. The average weight was from 1 ½ to 2 ½ pounds. They were shore fishing. Two gentlemen from Reno, NV also caught their limit, they were fishing near the spillway, from the shore.

Trolling and fly fishing have slowed, the docks are not in the water, and there is some ice patches on the road around the lake. Tuesday, November 15th the streams close in California. Frenchman Campground is the only accessible campground for dry camping.

We’ve had reports of good duck hunting along the creek in Long Valley, and up at Frenchman’s Lake.

Call ahead for current info.

November 8, 2011
Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

Snow is in the air and on the ground. Most of the high elevation lakes are snowed in now. Frenchman’s Lake is still accessible, there may be some ice on parts of the road where the sun doesn’t hit it, but for the most part you can still get around the lake.
Justin Kovanis of Stockton, CA, Kelly Dack of Reno, NV, and Charles Blakeney of Chilcoot, caught their limits of rainbow trout trolling near the dam, using nightcrawlers/Ford Fenders. Totaling about 15 pounds altogether.
Shore fishing has been good near Frenchman’s boat landing, Big Cove, and near the dam (on the east side of the dam). Fisherman have been using nightcrawlers with marshmallows. Several have had good luck with rainbow powerbait.
Remember to be very careful driving up to the lake, and dress appropriately for the cold weather. Share the road, people will be going in search of Christmas trees, so be cautious.
Fishing License for 2012 will be available on November 15, and the streams will be closed on the 15th of November.
Call ahead for current info.

October 31, 2011   Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

October 24, 2011   Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

What a great weekend for fishing. Bob Parry’s grandkids, Ashori (age 6) and Asheerah (age 3) of Sacramento caught five rainbow trout near Big Cove, using nightcrawlers and marshmallows at first and then changing to Rainbow powerbait. All were at least 17 to 22 inches long, weighing 1 ½ to 2 pounds.

Hunter Powell (age 12) of Reno, caught 6 trout, weighing at least 1 1/4 pound each. He was at Lunker Point using nightcrawlers and white marshmallows, and it was early in the morning. Eric Deliz of Reno caught an 18 ½ inch rainbow trout at Snallygaster last Sunday using nightcrawlers.

Fishing has been good all around the lake, most fishermen have been using nightcrawlers and marshmallows, some have had better luck using powerbait ( rainbow or chartruese).

Fall colors are booming in the canyon, enjoy a ride up to and around the lake!

Call ahead for current info.

October 22, 2011   Lake Almanor Fishing Report  and Lake Status: Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures (530) 258-6732

Fishing Report for October 22, 2011

Doug also included great photos from this week to share with us:

October 19, 2011  Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

October 14, 2011  Lake Almanor Fishing Report  and Lake Status: Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures (530) 258-6732

Fishing Report for October 14, 2011

October 8, 2011  Frenchman Lake Fishing Report:  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post (530) 993-4683

Fishing has been good at Frenchman’s despite the snow and the rain. Reports of catching their limits at Lunkers’ Point, Big Cove, and Crystal Point. Milo of Reno, age 7, caught three rainbow trout at Lake Davis. He was using nightcrawlers with white marshmallows. His trout weighed 1 pound, 1 ½ pounds, and 2 ½ pounds. Nice job Milo!

Shore fishing has been good at the dam, and to the east of the dam. Fishermen are using nightcrawlers, inflated and/or with marshmallows. Powerbait (Chartruese, Rainbow, and Garlic) has been good in some areas. Lures include Rooster Tails, Dick Nite, and Rocky Mountain.

Trolling has been good at or near Big Cove, and at the North end of the lake. Fishermen are going deeper as the weather gets cooler.

Be sure and call ahead for current updates.

October 4, 2011  Lake Almanor Fishing Report  and Lake Status: Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures (530) 258-6732

Fishing Report for October 3, 2011

October 3, 2011

J&Js Grizzly Store and Camping Resort
Lake Davis, Portola CA (530) 832-0270

Fishing has been great for the last week. Worms or powerbait from the shore. Needlefish Fire Tiger or Red Dot Frog and Dick Nite Copper Red heads trolling. Also Wiggle tails for trolling. Fly fishing with blood midge, snails, scuds, wooly buggers.
Water temp is about 61 in the morning warming to 65. Lake level is at 78 percent full.

Big Mike and Big Ed were in 9-30-11. They had been trolling Jay Fair Wiggle Tails around the big island and landed 51 fish between them.

Wendi Juden, 6, of Portola, proudly shows off the 1-pound catfish she caught at Lake Davis!