Plumas County
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Lake Almanor Fishing Association

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Fishing Reports

 

May 17: Lake Davis Trout Restocking
Celebration


5/9/2008 Lake Almanor Report -  Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327
Bank Fishing:  A lot of good reports at Hamilton Branch at lake level or the jetties in Prattville with night crawlers, turbo power bait or SW10 Kastmasters -might try crickets with meal worms down by dam for rainbows & browns.  Also little Tasmanian devils seem to do the trick.
Boat Fishing: More reports of the trollers taking fish with red/gold speedy shiners or pearl bikini #3 needlefish on the west shore.  Also #9 rapalas gold flour-scent red down 10 to 15 feet.  Try a Tasmanian devil for good size trout.  Some salmon 2-4 pounds being caught - try down by the dam with anchovy tails or white mini gitzits.  Some smallmouth bass are showing up on east & west shore - ripping rapalas or using gitzits - might try crickets with meal worms w/SZ 10 hook & BB or 3/0 shot 12" from your hook. 
Fly Fishing: Best bet is hares and ear nymph. Hamilton Branch at lake level using black woolly buggers.  Dear Creek try pheasant tails or Butt Lake try streamer patterns.
River/Streams: Many trout plants.  Might try crickets, salmon eggs, and Panther Martins


5/12/2008  Plants week of May 5, 2008: Graeagle Mill Pond, Davis Lake


5/5/2008  Frenchman Lake Report  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post 
 (530) 993-4683
Fishing continues to be good from the shore at Lunker Point and at the dam. On Sunday, 5/4/2008 Sean Williams, 8 years old from Reno, caught his limit of rainbows near the dam using night crawlers.  Float them off the bottom with bobbers or green glitter marshmallows.  Various lures such as Panther Martins, spinners and small frog lures are also producing well. 


5/1//2008 Courtesy of Allan at the Sportsmen Den (530) 283-2733  fishing in bucks lake
Bucks Lake:  Some big mackinaws have been caught by fisherman (check out photo). The boat ramp isn't quite ready but the road is plowed to the lake.
Stream fishing: 
Feather River Middle Fork is good between Karmac Mine (near Sloat) and Nelson Creek for rainbow and brown trout.  Feather River North Fork near Caribou is also good for rainbows. Good fishing near the powerhouses in the Feather River  Canyon where cold water is coming out. 


5/5/2008  Plants week of May 5, 2008: Feather River North Fork, Belden; Spanish Creek; Feather River Middle Fork, Graeagle


5/1/2008 Lake Almanor Report -  Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327
Bank Fishing:  Reports on the east shore using night crawlers. Also try Hamilton Branch at lake level or the jetties in Prattville with  night crawlers and  power bait  or Kastmasters. Little Tasmanian devils seem to do the trick also.
Boat Fishing: Reports of trollers taking fish on the east shore with #9 rapalas gold fluorescent or silver down 5 to 10 feet.  Also might try trolls with Tasmanian devils, chartreuse red dot needlefish or speedy shiners for good size rainbows and browns. 
Not many reports of salmon being caught - might try down by the dam with white mini gitzits.  A few reports of the smallmouth bass are showing up in the stump areas - ripping rapalas and using various rubber worms.
Fly Fishing: Best bet is hares and ear nymph. Hamilton Branch at lake level using black woolly buggers.  Warner Creek & Feather River (going into Lake Almanor) will open Memorial Weekend but Deer Creek will open April 26.
Butt Lake - Try streamer patterns.  Butt Lake try streamer patterns. 


4/28/2008  Frenchman Lake Report  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post 
 (530) 993-4683
Lots of fishermen came out to Frenchman Lake for the stream opener this past Saturday. The fish are close to shore now so those fishing off the bank are having better luck than the trollers unless you troll near the mouths of the creeks coming into the lake.
Night crawlers and chartreuse power bait are both working well.  Small frog lures are good too. 
Zachary Azevedo and Cody Myers, two young men from Colfax CA,  each caught their limit of good sized rainbows at Frenchman Creek on Saturday. 


4/25/2008 Lake Almanor Report -  Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327
Bank Fishing
:  Reports on the east shore using night crawlers. Also try Hamilton Branch at lake level or the jetties in Prattville with  night crawlers and  power bait  or Kastmasters. A few reports by the causeway or by the dam for rainbows and browns.
Boat Fishing: Reports of trollers taking fish on the east shore with #9 rapalas gold fluorescent or silver down 5 to 10 feet.  Also might try trolling flies, chartreuse red dot needlefish or speedy shiners for good size rainbows and browns. 
Not many reports of salmon being caught - might try down by the dam with white mini gitzits.  A few reports of the smallmouth bass are showing up in the stump areas - ripping rapalas.
Fly Fishing: Best bet is hares and ear nymph. Hamilton Branch at lake level using black woolly buggers.  Warner Creek & Feather River (going into Lake Almanor) will open Memorial Weekend but Deer Creek will open April 26.
Butt Lake - Try streamer patterns.


4/24/2008 Tom Stienstra: SF Chronicle
Plumas County
Quincy
: A series of small streams, all cold but with good clarity and moderate flow, makes this the choice for the hit-and-run angler, trying all of them in a weekend. The most enticing stretch is just outside of Quincy where Nelson Creek enters the Middle Fork Feather, with the best access on twisty La Porte Road. The safest bet is the North Fork Feather at Caribou below Belden Forebay, which is always stocked for the opener near the campgrounds (which are open). Indian Creek is low, cold but fishable (sound familiar?). Cold nights have inhibited snowmelt here, too. That's why the road to Bucks Lake won't open for a couple of weeks. In southern Plumas County, the Gold Lakes Highway also is still closed by snow.  The best trout fishing of the year in California is anticipated at Lake Davis this spring.
Info: Sportsmen's Den, Quincy, (530) 283-2733; Plumas National Forest, (530) 283-0555,www.fs.fed.us/r5.


4/21/2008  Frenchman Lake Report  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post 
 (530) 993-4683
Lake Fish:  To avoid the wind, fish especially between the dam and Lunker A.  Limits are being caught on night crawlers or chartreuse power bait, as well as with Jake's spin-a-lure's - the gold one with the red dots. 
Trollers:  Use night crawlers and flashers. 
Camping: Campgrounds should be open by this weekend. Until then dry camping is allowed in the unsecured areas.


4/14/2008  Frenchman Lake Report  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post 
 (530) 993-4683
It seems everyone is anxious to get out and go fishing.  Beautiful springtime weather brought many people out to Frenchman Lake this weekend.  Everyone seems to be catching at least a few with limits of good sized trout being taken at the dam and near Lunker Point.  Catfish are also being caught. 

Frenchman is free of ice  now, and boats are being put in at both boat ramps.  The road around the lake on the east side still requires a 4WD vehicle.  No word yet on when the campgrounds will be opening but dry camping is allowed in the unsecured areas. 


4/14/2008  Plants week of April 14,  2007: Department of Fish and Game
Feather River North Fork, Belden, Spanish Creek


4/11/2008   Lake Almanor Report -  Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327
Bank Fishing:  Reports on the east shore using night crawlers. Also try Hamilton Branch at lake level or the jetties in Prattville with  night crawlers and  power bait  or Kastmasters. A few reports by the causeway or by the dam for rainbows and browns.
Boat Fishing: Reports of trollers taking fish on the east shore with #9 rapalas gold fluorescent or silver down 5 to 10 feet.  Also might try trolling flies, chartreuse red dot needlefish or speedy shiners for good size rainbows and browns. 
Not many reports of salmon being caught - might try down by the dam with white mini gitzits.  A few reports of the smallmouth bass are showing up in the stump areas - ripping rapalas.
Fly Fishing: Hamilton Branch at lake level using black woolly buggers.  Warner Creek & Feather River (going into Lake Almanor) will open Memorial Weekend but Deer Creek will open April 26.
Butt Lake - Try streamer patterns.


4/7/2008  Frenchman Lake Report  Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post 
 (530) 993-4683
There was lots of activity at Frenchman Lake this past weekend.  There's plenty of open water at the dam for some good shore fishing now, but there is still ice here and there.
You can drive up around on the west side of the lake with a 4WD, but you will only make it a little further than the old boat ramp on the east side. No boats yet, but hopefully soon.
Floating night crawlers off the bottom is producing good results.  Green or yellow marshmallows are working well too. 


4/7/2008  Plants week of April 7,  2007: Department of Fish and Game
Feather River Middle Fork, Graeagle, Lake Almanor


4/3/08 Lake Almanor Report -  Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327
Bank Fishing:  Reports on the east shore using night crawlers. Also try Hamilton Branch at lake level or the jetties in Prattville with  night crawlers and  power bait  or Kastmasters. A few reports by the causeway or by the dam for rainbows and browns.
Boat Fishing: Reports of trollers taking fish on the east shore with #9 rapalas gold fluorescent or silver down 5 to 10 feet.  Also might try trolling flies, chartreuse red dot needlefish or speedy shiners for good size rainbows and browns. 
Not many reports of salmon being caught - might try down by the dam with white mini gitzits.  The smallmouth bass should start showing as the weather improves and warms up.
Fly Fishing: Hamilton Branch at lake level using black woolly buggers.  Warner Creek & Feather River (going into Lake Almanor) will open Memorial Weekend but Deer Creek will open April 26.


4/2/2008 Courtesy of Allan at the Sportsmen Den (530) 283-2733 
Bucks Lake:  Still frozen
Feather River Middle Fork from Sierra Valley to Mohawk Bridge is open for fishing but better fishing towards Quincy which is not open yet.


3/31/08 Frenchman Lake Report Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        
(530) 993-4683
Fishing conditions are slowly improving at Frenchman Lake.  Water is opening up along the shore at the dam.  There is also some open water on the northwest side going up towards Lunker Point.  On Saturday, March 29 Mitch from Reno, a regular fisherman at Frenchman caught his limit of 16 inch rainbows at the dam by breaking thru the ice to open water.  He was using night crawlers.  You still cannot drive around the lake.  People are getting as far as Frenchman Campground, but not much further.  Call us for updates.


3/28/2008
Department of Fish and Game news release: 
The trout season opens April 5 on the Middle Fork Feather River in Plumas County.  The open stretch of river is between the Union Pacific railroad bridge, just upstream of A-23 in Sierra Valley, and the Mohawk Bridge in Blairsden.  Trout limit is 5 per day and 10 in possession.


3/27/08 Lake Almanor Report -  Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327
Bank Fishing:  Reports of a lot of fish being caught at Big Springs & Hamilton Branch at lake level using inflated night crawlers with power bait - also might try by the causeway with worms.
Boat Fishing: Reports of trollers taking fish on the east shore with #9 rapalas gold fluorescent or silver down 5 to 10 feet.  Also might try chartreuse red dot needlefish or speedy shiners.  Not many reports of salmon being caught - might try down by the dam with white mini gitzits.  The smallmouth bass should start showing as the weather improves and warms up.
Fly Fishing: Hamilton Branch at lake level using black woolly buggers.  Warner Creek & Feather River (going into Lake Almanor) will open Memorial Weekend but Deer Creek will open April 26.


3/20/08 Lake Almanor Report -  Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327
Bank Fishing:  Reports of a lot of fish being caught at Big Springs & Hamilton Branch at lake level using inflated night crawlers with power bait - also might try by the causeway with worms.
Boat Fishing: Reports of trollers taking fish on the east shore with #9 rapalas gold fluorescent or silver down 5 to 10 feet.  Also might try chartreuse red dot needlefish or speedy shiners.  Not many reports of salmon being caught - might try down by the dam with white mini gitzits.  The smallmouth bass should start showing as the weather improves and warms up.
Fly Fishing: Hamilton Branch at lake level using black woolly buggers.  Warner Creek & Feather River (going into Lake Almanor) will open Memorial Weekend but Deer Creek will open April 26.


3/17/08 Frenchman Lake Report Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        
(530) 993-4683
Fishing has been slow at Frenchman Lake this past week.  The ice is beginning to soften and crack in several places but there is no open water visible yet.  Ice fishing is not recommended at this time - the ice at the dam is no longer safe and the road around the lake is not yet accessible, so conditions at the north end are uncertain.



3/10/08 Frenchman Lake Report Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        
(530) 993-4683
Ice fishing is still going strong at Frenchman Lake.  The ice is beginning to thin somewhat at the dam, but it's still about 10 inches thick there, and well over a foot thick up towards Lunker Point.  You still cannot drive around the lake, so you will need to hike or use a snowmobile to get further than the dam.  We have had reports of limits being taken on the west side of the lake using night crawlers, marshmallows and jigs. 


2/25/08 Frenchman Lake Report Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        
(530) 993-4683
Frenchman Lake remains entirely frozen.   Fishing has slowed down some at the dam, but those who are willing to  hike up towards Lunker Point are catching some nice rainbows.  Use small jigs and night crawlers.  Call us for updates.  Winter can't last forever!


2/20/08   Best Fishing Spots in Northern California - next 5 years 
Bill Karr, Western Outdoor News Editor: Lake Davis, trout #1; Lake Almanor, trout, smallmouth bass #4.
Bob Simms, KFBK: Lake Davis, trout #2; Lake Almanor, trout,
smallmouth bass #7
Tom Stienstra, S.F. Chronicle: Lake Davis, trout #1; Lake Almanor, trout, smallmouth bass #8


2/18/08 Frenchman Lake Report Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        
(530) 993-4683
The ice on Frenchman Lake is still good and solid - about a foot thick.  Most everyone is fishing at the dam or off the rocks to the left of the dam.  Those fishing early seem to be getting the best results.  Try night crawlers and jigs.  There still is no access around the lake without a snowmobile. 


2/4/08 Frenchman Lake Report Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        
(530) 993-4683
We have had many good reports on the fishing at Frenchman Lake this week.  You cannot get around the lake without a snowmobile, so most everyone is fishing at the dam.  Don Whitebird of Chilcoot and a friend caught limits of nice sized rainbows through the ice at the dam using yellow crystal bullets and a piece of night crawler.  Hans Muhlgraber,  also from Chilcoot,  and a few friends, limited out off the rocks to the left of the dam near the shore with night crawlers.


1/28/08 Frenchman Lake Report Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        
(530) 993-4683
Check out this link to an article in the Daily Sparks Tribune about ice fishing on Frenchman Lake. 
Most everyone is fishing at or near the dam where the ice continues to be about a foot thick.  One angler reported catching a limit of nice-sized rainbows off the rock island near the dam.  The best bait continues to be night crawlers. The road around the dam is still impassable unless you have a snowmobile.  Several people with 4 WD vehicles have gotten stuck trying to drive around the lake, so please use caution. 


1/21/08 Frenchman Lake Report Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        
(530) 993-4683
The fishing at Frenchman Lake has been spotty this week.  Most everyone has been fishing at the dam.  The ice there is about a foot thick.  Late morning seems to be the most productive.  Try using night crawlers or wooly worms.  You still cannot get around to other areas of the lake without snowmobiles.  (Sounds cold to me)


1/14/08 Frenchman Lake Report Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        
(530) 993-4683
Quite a few people have came up to Frenchman Lake for ice fishing this past week.  The standard baits - night crawlers and power bait - are working best.  The road is clear to the dam, but there is still no access to other areas around the lake unless you have a snowmobile.


1/7/08 Frenchman Lake Report Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        
(530) 993-4683
Frenchman Lake received at least 2 feet of snow from the storms this past weekend.  The road leading to the dam is plowed, but you will not be able to access the rest of the lake unless you have a snowmobile.  Prior to the storm we had many positive reports on the ice fishing.  Call us for updates and current conditions.


12/31/07Frenchman Lake Report Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        (530) 993-4683
Most of Frenchman Lake is now frozen over.  We've had reports that the ice is 6 to 8 inches thick at the dam.  There are people ice fishing there.  There is some open water at Crystal Point and on the west side of the dam  near the narrows, but you'll have to hike in to reach it. 


12/24/2007 Frenchman Lake Report Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        (530) 993-4683
Ice has begun to form on Frenchman Lake.  It is about 2 inches thick at the dam.  The ice is not safe.  You should be able to get to open water if you are willing to hike into it.  The road around the lake is OK, but there may be ice in the shady areas so use caution.  Several nice rainbows were caught near the dam this past weekend with red power bait.  Call ahead for updates and creent conditions.


12/18/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        (530) 993-4683
Fishing from the bank continues to be good for those floating night crawlers off the bottom at Lunker point and at the dam.  We've seen some nice rainbows in the 2 pound range.  Frenchman Lake is not frozen over but there is some ice here and there.  You can easily cast out to open water from shore, or put a boat in.  Weather conditions are unpredictable this time of year so come prepared for winter weather.  Call us for current conditions. 


12/10/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        (530) 993-4683
We received many encouraging reports on the bank fishing at Frenchman Lake this past week.  On 12/09/07 George Martin from Chilcoot and a friend caught 7 nice rainbows off the shore at Lunker Point.  They were floating night crawlers off the bottom with bobbers.  The fish averaged 18 to 24 inches and weighed 2 to 3 pounds each.  An unnamed angler reported catching a 4 pound rainbow at the northwest end of Frenchman's this weekend with rainbow glitter power bait.  We also hear that some are getting good results near the dam with night crawlers.


12/6/07 Lake Almanor Report -  Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327
Bank fishing:  Try down by the dam and Hamilton Branch using night crawlers with power bait or wooley buggers - also use Kastmasters or maybe  meal worms for rainbows and browns of decent size - Hamilton Branch at lake level.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with fire tiger or red/gold speedy shiners, cop car and red dot frog #3 needlefish down
5 -15 feet in early morning.   Also Silver SZ 7 or 9 Rapalas. Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits. Meal worms are still working with size #10 hook for trout. 
Butt Lake:  Power house has been reported as on, which generally helps the fishing.  Might try white min gitzits or crappie jigs.
Ian Lee caught a 3 lb. trout on December 2nd in Lake Almanor.


12/3/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        (530) 993-4683
Fishing has improved at Frenchman Lake this past week.  Most anglers are having good luck floating night crawlers off the bottom.  Some powerbaits have been working petty well too - try rainbow or orange glitter. 
On 11/29/07 Randy Golden from Sparks NV caught a 5# rainbow from the shore (he wouldn't say where) with night crawlers. 
On Sunday 12/2/07, young Anthony Todd and a friend caught 10 rainbows while fishing off shore near the dam.  They were using night crawlers.  Each fish weighed between 1 1/2 to 2 pounds


11/29/07 Lake Almanor Report -  Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327
Bank fishing:  Try down by the dam and Hamilton Branch using night crawlers with power bait or wooley buggers - also use Kastmasters or maybe  meal worms for rainbows and browns of decent size - Hamilton Branch at lake level.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with fire tiger or red/gold speedy shiners, cop car and red dot frog #3 needlefish down 12-26 feet in early morning.   Also GRF SZ 7 or 9 Rapalas. Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  The small-mouth bass fishing is just about done. Meal worms are still working with size #10 hook for trout. 
Butt Lake:  Power house has been reported as on, which generally helps the fishing.  Might try white min gitzits or crappie jigs.


11/26/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        (530) 993-4683
Bank fishing has been very good in the shallow areas around the lake - try Crystal Point or Snallygaster.  Use night crawlers and rainbow glitter power bait and keep your bait off the bottom.  Lunker Point has also been good off shore.  Trollers continue to do well from Spring Creek through the narrows up to the north end.  Use various lures or night crawlers.


11/19/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        (530) 993-4683 
Bank fishing at Frenchman Lake has been challenging lately.  Most anglers report catching one or two, but not many limits have been reported.  Trollers have been doing very well with small needlefish or Dick Nite lures.  Troll from Spring Creek up to the North End.  Trout are nice - sized - 14 - 16 inches and
1 1/2 pounds average. 


11/12/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        (530) 993-4683 
The fishing at Frenchman Lake has been a little spotty this week.  Some bank fishermen have reported doing well at the dam, while others report that the fishing is slow.  Most are catching a fish or two.  Float night crawlers for  best results.  The weather has been a little unpredictable so call ahead for latest info (530) 993-4685.


11/5/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        (530) 993-4683 
Bank fishing has been good at the dam as well as at Lunker Point and Spring Creek.  Most anglers are floating night crawlers - blow them up or use a marshmallow.  Fly fishermen have reported success with black wooly buggers at Spring Creek. 
On Saturday, 11- 4-07, Sean Williams, 8 years old, from Reno, caught a 5 1/2 pound rainbow near the dam with a night crawler.  Streams close in this area Nov 15th. 


11/7/07 Lake Almanor Report -  Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 (Same as 10/30/07)


10/30/2007 Lake Almanor Report -  Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 
Bank fishing:  Try down by the dam and Hamilton Branch using night crawlers with power bait or wooley buggers - also use Kastmasters or maybe crickets with meal worms for rainbows and browns of decent size.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with fire tiger or red/gold speedy shiners, cop car and red dot frog #3 needlefish down 20-30 feet in early morning.   Also GFR SZ 7 or 9 Gold fluorescent Rapalas. Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  The small-mouth bass being caught all around the lake at the points & drop offs - crickets with size#10
Butt Lake:  Power house has been reported as on, which generally helps the fishing.  Might try white min gitzits or crappie jigs.


10/15/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post        (530) 993-4683 
This past Saturday, October 13th, Tom Blackstock from Reno brought in a beautiful 3 pound rainbow trout that he caught at Lunker Point on a night crawler.  We've had several other reports of good fishing off the shore at Lunker using night crawlers and white marshmallows. 
The campgrounds are closed now but dry camping is allowed in the unsecured areas.


10/8/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683 
Anglers fishing off shore at Lunker Point and the dam are reporting catching limits of rainbows 14 to 16 inches.  Night crawlers are working best or try various lures such as a gold Dick Nite.  Trolling continues to be good through the narrows with night crawlers and flashers.
The campgrounds will be closing this week but dry camping is allowed in the unlocked areas.


10/5/2007 Lake Almanor Report -  Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 
Bank fishing:  Try down by the dam and Hamilton Branch using night crawlers with power bait or wooley buggers - also use Kastmasters or maybe crickets with meal worms for rainbows and browns of decent size.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with fire tiger or red/gold speedy shiners, cop car and red dot frog #3 needlefish down 20-30 feet in early morning.   Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  The small-mouth bass being caught all around the lake at the points & drop offs - crickets with size#10
Butt Lake:  Level of lake had been reported as low.  Before that good size fish being caught ...but might try white mini gitzits or crappies jigs.


10/1/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683 
Fishing has been good for the most part.  Those fishing in the early morning or evening are most productive.  Bank fish off the dam or at Turkey Point with worms and bobbers.  Trollers have been doing well through the marrows with large brown, yellow or olive colored flies. 
Deer season opens here October 6th. 
Chilcoot Campground and Spring Creek are still open and should remain open for the next week or so. 


Plants week of September 24, 2007: Department of Fish and Game
Feather River North Fork Almanor


9/24/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683 
Lots of nice fish were caught at Frenchman Lake this past Saturday - CA Free Fishing Day.
On 9/21/07 Samantha Janssen and her dad John each got a limit of rainbows at Turkey Point while fishing with night crawlers.  On Saturday, 9/22/07 Chilcoot resident Bob Parry and friends each limited out off the old boat dock.  They were using night crawlers and bobbers.  Average size - 14 to 16 inches.  Good fishing  was also reported off shore at the dam and at Lunker Point.


9/22/2007 Lake Almanor Report- Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 
Bank fishing:  Try down by the dam and Hamilton Branch using night crawlers with power bait or wooley buggers - also use Kastmasters or maybe crickets with meal worms for rainbows and browns of decent size.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with fire tiger or red/gold speedy shiners, cop car and red dot frog #3 needlefish down 20-30 feet in early morning.   Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  The small-mouth bass being caught all around the lake at the points & drop offs - crickets with size#10


9/17/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683  (Saturday) California Free Fishing Day - no license required.
Bring the family and go fishing.  Bank fishing has been pretty good at the dam - night crawlers are still the best bait.  Cooler weather should be bringing the bigger fish up from the bottom.  Cinnamon olive, or black flies are working well too.
October 6th is deer season opener.  Campgrounds should remain open till around October 15th.


9/13/2007 Lake Almanor Report- Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 
Bank fishing:  Try down by the dam and Hamilton Branch using night crawlers with power bait or wooley buggers - also use Kastmasters or maybe crickets with meal worms for rainbows and browns of decent size.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with fire tiger or red/gold speedy shiners, cop car and red dot frog #3 needlefish down 20-30 feet in early morning.   Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  The small-mouth bass being caught all around the lake at the points & drop offs - crickets with size #10 hook with BB split shot 12" up from the hook.
Hunting: Mountain quail is open, C-4 deer hunting zone opens Saturday September 15th.



9/10/2007 Frenchman Lake Report-
Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683
Fishing should improve now that the temperature of the lake is dropping.  Bank fishing is good with the standard bait - night crawlers or power bait.  Rainbow Glitter and Chartreuse are working best. Troll deep with night crawlers and flashers or wooly buggers - olive, rust or black. Various lures such as Rooster tails and Dick Nite's are working well too.


Plants week of September 10,  2007: Department of Fish and Game
Feather River North Fork Almanor, Hamilton Branch, Warner Creek


9/7/2007 Lake Almanor Report- Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 
Bank fishing:  Try down by the dam and Hamilton Branch using night crawlers with power bait or wooley buggers - also use Kastmasters or maybe crickets with meal worms for rainbows and browns of decent size.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with fire tiger or red/gold speedy shiners, cop car and red dot frog #3 needlefish down 20-30 feet in early morning.   Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  Smallmouth bass being caught all around the lake at the points  and drop offs -crickets with size #10 hook with BB split shot 12" from the hook. 


9/3/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683
Bank fishing is great off the rocks at Snallygaster.  Cast out to the deeper water.  Night crawlers are working the best. Bank fishing has also been good at the dam. Go deep with night crawlers or chartreuse power bait.   It should be easier to get a great camp spot now that summer is winding down.  Fall fishing is  just around the corner. 


8/27/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683
Chilcoot resident Bob Perry has caught several limits of nice rainbows at the dam with baby night crawlers and green marshmallows.  Go across the dam and fish the cove area on the east side. 
Limits of 14 to 16 inch rainbows have also been caught  in the early evening at Spring Creek and at Frenchman's boat ramp.  Chartreuse power bait has been working well.  Troll deep or cast off the bank to deep water for best results.  Keep your bait off the bottom. 


8/24/2007  Plants week of August 27,  2007: Department of Fish and Game
Feather River North Fork Almanor, Hamilton Branch, Warner Creek


8/17/2007 Lake Almanor Report- Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 
Bank fishing:  The jetties in Prattville and Hamilton Branch with Kastmasters or night crawlers with turbo power bait or crickets with meal worms.  Also reports down by the dam for rainbows and browns of decent size.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with fire tiger or red/gold speedy shiners, cop car and red dot frog #3 needlefish down 20-30 feet in early morning.   Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  Smallmouth bass being caught all around the lake at the points  and drop offs -crickets with size #10 hook with BB split shot 12" from the hook. 
Butt Lake: A few reports of good size fish being caught.  Good spot by the powerhouse is open.  Try white mini gitzits and crappie jigs. 


8/13/2007  Plants week of August 13,  2007: Department of Fish and Game
Feather River North Fork Belden


8/07/2007 Courtesy of Allan at the Sportsmen Den (530) 283-2733 
Bucks Lake:  Fishing is good.  Try the Mill Creek inlet or Bucks Creek inlet for Rainbows and Brookies in early morning or late evening.  Use rainbow power bait, inflated night crawlers or crickets.  Trollers go deep using rigger lead core line, rainbow needle fish, metallic perch needlefish, Rapalas or crocodiles
For fly fishing use beadhead, zug bugs, micro mayflies, copper johns, crystal buggers in olive and cinnamom, dry flies parachute adams or caddish.
Middle Fork of the Feather River: 
Go below Nelson Point as far as Hot n Tot using yellow humpies, stimulators or royal woof.


8/07/2007 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683
Fishing has remained steady at Frenchman Lake this week. Lots of catfish have been caught in the cove area of spring creek.  Fish deep - keep your bait off the bottom for nice rainbows 14 to 16 inches in length. 


8/03/2007 Lake Almanor Report- Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 
Bank fishing:  The jetties in Prattville and Hamilton Branch with Kastmasters or night crawlers with turbo power bait or crickets with meal worms.  Also reports down by the dam for rainbows and browns of decent size.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with red/gold speedy shiners, cop car and red dot frog #3.  Needlefish down 15-30 feet in early morning.   Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  Smallmouth bass being caught all around the lake at the points  and drop offs -crickets with size #10 hook with BB split shot 12" from the hook. 
Butt Lake: A few reports of good size fish being caught.  Good spot by the powerhouse is open.  Try white mini gitzits and crappie jigs. 


7/30/07 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683
Shore fishing continues to be good for those using worms or power bait.  Jacob Golden from Sparks, NV caught a beautiful 4 pound rainbow trout at Lunker Point last Sunday, 7/29/07.  He used a worm.  Trollers are doing great trolling deep through the narrows up towards Turkey Point with silver Dodgers and worms.  Use lead core line or downriggers to go deep.  Many limits have been reported. 


7/27/2007 Lake Almanor Report- Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 
Fishing Tournament: Big Cove Resort, August 4, (530) 596-3349
Bank fishing: No major change.  The jetties in Prattville and Hamilton Branch with Kastmasters or night crawlers with turbo power bait or crickets with meal worms.  Also reports down by the dam for rainbows and browns of decent size.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with red/gold speedy shiners, Uncle Larry's and red/white (coca cola) #2 needlefish down 15-30 feet in early morning.  Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  Smallmouth bass being caught all around the lake at the points  and drop offs -crickets with size #10 hook with BB split shot 12" from the hook. 
Butt Lake: A few reports of good size fish being caught.  Good spot by the powerhouse is open.  Try white mini gitzits and crappie jigs. 


7/27/2007 Plants week of July 30, 2007: Department of Fish and Game
Feather River NF Almanor, Feather River NF Belden, Hamilton Branch, Warner Creek, Gold Lake, Salmon Lake Upper, and Sardine Lake Lower.


7/24/2007 Plants week of July 23, 2007: Department of Fish and Game
Feather River NF Belden, Jamison Creek, Spanish Creek


7/23/07 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683
Night crawlers seem to be the best bait for the bank fishermen.  Carol Morgan caught a nice rainbow trout at the dam with a worm and Markie and Kyle from Reno caught 5 catfish and 1 rainbow also on night crawlers.  All the fish were in the 1 1/2 to 2 pound range.  Troll deep - about 25 ft down - with night crawlers and flashers or try crawdad - type lures.


7/20/2007 Lake Almanor Report- Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 
Bank fishing: No major change.  The jetties in Prattville and Hamilton Branch with Kastmasters or night crawlers with turbo power bait or crickets with meal worms.  Also reports down by the dam for rainbows and browns of decent size.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with red/gold speedy shiners, Uncle Larry's and red/white (coca cola) #2 needlefish down 15-30 feet in early morning.  Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  Smallmouth bass being caught all around the lake at the points  and drop offs -crickets with size #10 hook with BB split shot 12" from the hook. 
Butt Lake: A few reports of good size fish being caught.  Good spot by the powerhouse is open.  Try white mini gitzits and crappie jigs. 


07/16/07 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683
The water at Frenchman Lake is warming up so fish are deep.  Troll slow with night crawlers behind flashers. Bank fishing has been good at Turkey Point with chartreuse power bait.  Several limits have been reported there.  Nice rainbows are also being caught off the shore at Crystal Point with night crawlers.


7/12/2007 Lakes Basin Area (near Graeagle) - Courtesy of David from Grey Eagle Lodge (530) 836-2511
Lower Salmon Lake and Salmon Creek (find big holes) catching natural Brookies with yellow humpies for fly fishing and worms for bait fishing.  Brookies also being taken out of Young American and Deer Lake in the evening with yellow humpies and mosquito patterns using Sierra Nevada power bait for bait fishing.


7/13/2007Lake Almanor Report- Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 
Bank fishing: No major change.  The jetties in Prattville and Hamilton Branch with Kastmasters or night crawlers with turbo power bait or crickets with meal worms.  Also reports down by the dam for rainbows and browns of decent size.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with red/gold speedy shiners, Uncle Larry's and red/white (coca cola) #2 needlefish down 15-30 feet in early morning.  Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  Smallmouth bass being caught all around the lake at the points  and drop offs -crickets with size #10 hook with BB split shot 12" from the hook.  Hex hatch is over.
Fly fishing: Hex hatch is about over on the West side of Lake Almanor.  Wooly Buggers for Hamilton Branch and Zug bugs on the Feather River.
Butt Lake: A few reports of good size fish being caught.  Good spot by the powerhouse is open.  Try white mini gitzits and crappie jigs. 


7/12/2007 Lakes Basin Area (near Graeagle) - Courtesy of David from Grey Eagle Lodge (530) 836-2511
Lower Salmon Lake and Salmon Creek (find big holes) catching natural Brookies with yellow humpies for fly fishing and worms for bait fishing.  Brookies also being taken out of Young American and Deer Lake in the evening with yellow humpies and mosquito patterns using Sierra Nevada power bait for bait fishing.


07/09/07 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683
Some nice-sized rainbows are being caught off-shore at the dam.   Float night crawlers or use rainbow glitter or orange power bait to catch rainbows 16 to 18 inches.  Trollers are going deep - about 25 feet down - with night crawlers and flashers.  Troll slow early in the morning or just before sunset.


07/09/07 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683
Some nice-sized rainbows are being caught off-shore at the dam.   Float night crawlers or use rainbow glitter or orange power bait to catch rainbows 16 to 18 inches.  Trollers are going deep - about 25 feet down - with night crawlers and flashers.  Troll slow early in the morning or just before sunset.


7/7/2007 Plants week of July 9, 2007: Department of Fish and Game
Feather River NF Almanor, Hamilton Branch Creek, Warner Creek


7/7/2007Lake Almanor Report- Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 
Bank fishing: No major change.  The jetties in Prattville and Hamilton Branch with Kastmasters or night crawlers with turbo power bait or crickets with meal worms.  Also reports down by the dam for rainbows and browns of decent size.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with red/gold speedy shiners, Uncle Larry's and red/white (coca cola) #2 needlefish down 15-30 feet in early morning.  Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  Smallmouth bass being caught all around the lake at the points  and drop offs -crickets with size #10 hook with BB split shot 12" from the hook.  Float tubers on the west side for the hex hatch.
Fly fishing: Hex hatch is about over on the West side of Lake Almanor.  Wooly Buggers for Hamilton Branch and Zug bugs on the Feather River.
Butt Lake: A few reports of good size fish being caught.  Good spot by the powerhouse is open.  Try white mini gitzits and crappie jigs.  Who comes up with these names?


7/7/2007 Plants week of July 9, 2007: Department of Fish and Game
Little Grass Valley reservoir


7/05/07  Lake Almanor - Courtesy of Allan at the Sportsmen Den (530) 283-2733  The Hex Hatch
The Hex hatch at Lake Almanor is underway and should continue well into July.  It's great fishing because trout and salmon feed greedily on this mayfly which is about the size of a dragonfly.  The daily hatch develops after sundown, perhaps 8 to 9 pm and continues well into darkness. Look for Hex hatches in lagoons in the Prattville area, Fox Farm, the dam, Rec 1, Dorado and Rocky Point.  Most action is found in coves where the voracious nymphs burrow into the sandy bottom.  It's a dream come true for the fly fly-fishing enthusiast who may regularly take 2-8 pound trout.  The Hexagenia dry fly (held by Allan in the photo) should be tied on a size 6 or 8 hook.


07/03/07 Frenchman Lake Report- Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post           (530) 993-4683
Fishing has been improving recently at Frenchman Lake.  Bank fish at the dam with night crawlers floated off the bottom.  Fishing from the shore has also been good at Turkey Point.  Try worms, rainbow glitter power bait or various lures such as Phoebe's or Needle fish.  The  water temperature is warming up so go deep.  Troll off the old boat ramp up towards the north end with night crawlers, Baby Cowbells or Rooster tails.  Fish early in the morning or right before sunset for best results. 


6/28/2007 Lake Almanor Report- Courtesy The Sports Nut
(530) 258-3327 
Bank fishing: No major change.  The jetties in Prattville and Hamilton Branch with Kastmasters or night crawlers with turbo power bait or crickets with meal worms.  Also reports down by the dam for rainbows and browns of decent size.
Boat fishing: Reports of some trollers taking fish on the west side with red/gold speedy shiners, Uncle Larry's and red/white (coca cola) #2 needlefish down 15-30 feet in early morning.  Reports of good fishing for some browns.  Also salmon by the dam use anchovy tails or white min gitzits.  Smallmouth bass being caught all around the lake at the points  and drop offs -crickets with size #10 hook with BB split shot 12" from the hook.  Float tubers on the west side for the hex hatch.


6/28/2007 Plants week of July 2, 2007: Department of Fish and Game
Feather River NF Belden, Spanish Creek


6/27/2007 Lakes Basin Area (near Graeagle) - Courtesy of David from Grey Eagle Lodge (530) 836-2511
Very good bank and fly fishing at Lower Salmon, Deer Lake and Packer Lake for Cut throat,  Brook and Rainbow trout.  For fly fishing use yellow humpies and from the shore use worms.  Late evenings are the best. 


6/27/2007 Bucks Lake and Feather River Middle Fork - Courtesy of Allan at the Sportsmen Den (530) 283-2733
Bucks Lake: Rates the fishing at Bucks Lake as A+ especially at Buck Creek Inlet and Mill Creek Inlet.  They're catching Brook and Rainbow trout with nymphs for fly fishing, bait fisherman are using multi-colored power bait or night crawlers injected with air, and trawlers have had luck with needle fish and lead core line down about six colors. 
Middle Fork of the Feather River (down from Nelson Point):  Best time for fishing is the last two hours of the evening.  For fly fishing use caddis patterns,   mayfly patterns, and small stone fly.  Crickets, night crawlers and single oil pack eggs are working well for bait fisherman.



 

 

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