Trophy-sized German browns, rainbows and king salmon await the eager trouter at Lake Almanor CA. There is a full range of popular areas to fish for trout on this lake. These include the shoreline near the A-frame, the east side of the dam, Recreation Area #1, Recreation Area #2, Old Crawford’s, the Hamilton Branch, Big Springs Cove, Bailey Springs and the Powerhouse area.
Still fishing with crawlers, salmon eggs or marshmallows is popular with both bank and boat fishermen. A slide-float with native minnows fished 20 to 30 feet deep is also effective. Drifting or “ mooching ” a live nightcrawler, particularly around the deeper, cooler underwater springs can result in some stellar catches.
But day in and day out the major take will be on artificials. Trolling accounts for a lot of fish. Try either a jointed or CD-7 Rapala on a fast top-line troll. A fluorescent orange Flatfish can equally potent when trolled by itself, or try the locals’ favorite – a silver or gold Speedy Shiner.
With increases in water temperature, shift gears and use either lead core or downriggers. Flasher blades teamed with lead core is a really hot combo. Drag these with a Needlefish, Super Duper or a nightcrawler trailer.
Occasionally there will be some highly visible surface-feeding action evident. A popular tactic is to work the strangely designed Z-Ray spoon through these trout boils.
Finally, take a shot fishing a small white crappie jig under a bobber or on the drift. Often, large sub-surface cruising rainbows bushwhack these tiny lures mistaking them for pond smelt or shad. There is also the chance of nailing one of Almanor’s legendary smallmouth bass on this same crappie lure while fishing for trout!
The North Fork of the Feather drains into Almanor at Chester. Starting right in town, the North Fork and its streams(Rice Creek, Warner Creek, Hot Springs Creek, Willow Creek, Brenner Creek, Last Chance Creek) have good access, relatively low fishing pressure and native trout.
The North Fork itself, is a fairly large stream, even in autumn. Most of the streams are spring fed, and run clear and cold throughout the summer. Several types of fishing are offered. Willow Creek is very brushy and is best for bait angling. Some others, like Rice Creek are good fly casting waters. There are a number of campgrounds along the creeks providing access and overnighting.
On the northeast shore of Lake Almanor CA, the Hamilton Branch flows into the lake. It offers good fishing in a series of big pools, separated by white water riffles flowing through a scenic canyon. The Feather River flows out of Lake Almanor at its south end. Senaca Road parallels the river for about 10 miles and leads to Senaca Resort.
Lake Almanor CA dam provides a regulated flow of very cold water to this stretch of water. The best access is where Seneca Road crosses the North Fork. Fish away from this access, either upstream or downstream, for best results.
Butt Valley Reservoir, a fine trout and smallmouth fishery, is also just south of Lake Almanor CA. This 1,000 acre gem offers big browns trout, rainbow trout and king salmon. Facilities are limited to a single lane launch ramp, two PG&E campgrounds and a picnic area, but don’t let this keep you from trying Butt Valley Lake when you’re in the Almanor area.
Almanor Ranger District, Box 767, Chester, CA. 96020, (916)258-2141.
Upper Yellow Creek, accessible from Humbug Road, off Rte. 89 along the west shore of Lake Almanor, is a fine mountain-meadow stream. There is a PG&E campground in the east end of Humbug Valley.
The canyon below the valley is also good fishing with flies or bait. A section in the valley has a 16 inch minimum size, 2-fish daily, artificials only, regulation. Browns here in this restored native fishery are said to be the most beautiful of fish.
Lake Almanor’s seasonal rhythms shape the best California fishing days. Spring brings feisty trophy trout near shorelines warmed by early sun, while summer pushes them deeper until late afternoon.
Autumn clouds yield crisp salmon fishing conditions, especially for king salmon heading toward tributary mouths. Winter’s clear, cold water tightens lines on both trout and salmon.
Trophy trout track the thermocline as it settles from about 30 feet in spring to 45-50 feet in mid-summer. Adjust your lead core or downrigger setup accordingly to intercept that narrow band.
When the thermocline drops below 60 feet, focus on trolling spoons or Speedy Shiners just above it. Switch to shallower drifting in the evening when the surface cools.
Natural presentations win when trout and salmon key on kokanee, shad, and mayfly patterns. Rigged nightcrawlers or segmented leeches fished near the bottom are reliable for trophy trout.
Chinook respond well to anchovies and small herring. Pair those baits with a slow troll or drift near the mouths of tributaries for the best California fishing success.
The trout and salmon that earn Lake Almanor’s “trophy” label favor structure-rich zones. Steep drop-offs by A-frame, the dam, and submerged flats near springs are where oxygen and forage concentrate.
Salmon staging before migrating to the Upper Feather tributaries often linger near current seams. German browns and rainbows patrol shallow weed beds at dawn and dusk.
Launch ramps at Hamilton Branch, Butt Valley Reservoir, and recreation areas provide reliable boat access. The dam and A-frame areas offer quick entry to deep water.
Keep GPS on hand for navigation. Seasonal weed growth and fluctuating lake levels can obscure submerged hazards near the springs and recreation zones.
Respect Lake Almanor’s tackle and bait rules. Barbless hooks and no live bait in certain areas keep the trophy trout population strong for future anglers.
Respect California fishing regulations concerning catch-and-release, size limits, and daily quotas for salmon fishing. These practices keep this premiere fishery thriving.
Lake Almanor’s German brown trout and rainbows reach exceptional sizes due to the rich forage base and cold, deep water. German browns over 10 pounds are not uncommon, and several fish exceeding 15 pounds have been documented, making this lake one of California’s premier trophy trout destinations.
The king salmon stocks provide summer action when other trout action slows. These aggressive fish respond to larger trolled baits and lures, offering an exciting alternative to traditional trout techniques on hot days.
Trolling success at Lake Almanor depends on understanding depth changes and maintaining proper lure positioning. Speed is critical—moving too fast past the thermocline spooks fish, while too slow results in minimal contact with the forage.
Combine multiple rod setups with different lures at varying depths to systematically cover the water column. Many successful anglers use color coordination strategies, matching lure patterns to local forage species to maximize strike response and increase daily catch success consistently throughout the season.
Planning a multi-lake trip or exploring more Northern California trout fishing? Check out these resources:
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