Fly Fishing Lake Almanor

Fly fishing at Lake Almanor offers anglers the chance to catch trophy brown and rainbow trout, as well as feisty smallmouth bass, in a stunning mountain setting. The best fishing occurs in spring and fall when the trout are most active, particularly near the Hamilton Branch, East Shore, and Feather River inlet, where cold, oxygen-rich water attracts big fish. Fly selection depends on the season, with Callibaetis, Caddis, and terrestrials working well in summer, while Woolly Buggers and Muddler Minnows are effective for big browns in the fall. Indicator nymphing with Pheasant Tails or Prince Nymphs is productive year-round, while dry fly action peaks in the evenings.

Let’s Break Down The Seasons

The end of January to the end of March

From the end of January to the end of March, fly fishing at Lake Almanor can be highly productive as fish move closer to shore during the pre-spawn period. Stripping flies from shore or indicator fishing near drop-offs and inlets is especially effective. Productive fly patterns include Chironomids, Water Boatman, Jay Fair’s Wiggle Tail, Hot Head Pheasant Tail, Damsel Nymphs, Scuds, and Shrimp patterns. Focus on slower retrieves when stripping streamers and nymphs, as fish are less aggressive in the colder water. Areas like Hamilton Branch, Geritol Cove, and the Feather River inlet can hold concentrations of big trout looking for easy meals. Fishing during midday, when water temperatures slightly rise, can increase success as fish become more active.

Spring - April to May - Fly Fishing for Trout and Smallmouth Bass

Chironomid Hatch – Float Tube Fishing

The Chironomid hatch is the best time to target big trout on Lake Almanor, as these fish feed aggressively on emerging insects in deep water. Float tube fishing allows anglers to access prime areas where trout are actively rising. The most effective techniques during this hatch are deep-water indicator fishing and the dangle method, where flies are suspended at the perfect depth for feeding fish. Using Chironomids in various sizes and colors, along with balanced leeches and midges, can produce incredible results. Look for drop-offs, deeper coves, and areas near inlets, where trout concentrate to gorge on the abundant food source. Patience and precision in fly depth can make all the difference when chasing Lake Almanor’s trophy trout during this peak feeding event.

Lake Almanor offers some of the year's best smallmouth bass fly fishing in the Spring, as these fish move into shallow waters to spawn and become incredibly aggressive. This is the prime time to target them from shore using Micro Balanced Leeches, Chironomids, and Smelt Patterns. Smallmouth in Almanor are known for their size and fight, making for an exciting challenge on the fly. Focus on rocky shorelines, points, and shallow flats where these fish congregate. Slow retrieves with leeches and chironomids under an indicator can be deadly, while stripping smelt patterns mimicking baitfish can trigger explosive strikes. With their aggressive nature and hard-fighting reputation, Lake Almanor’s smallmouth provide an unforgettable spring fly-fishing experience.

How to Fly Fish The Hex Hatch at Lake Almanor

Mid-May through the end of June

The Hex hatch at Lake Almanor is a legendary event for fly anglers, typically occurring in late June to early July when the large Hexagenia mayflies emerge in massive numbers. This hatch provides an excellent opportunity to target big trout, particularly brown trout, which feed heavily on these large insects as they emerge from the lake’s bottom. The best time to fish is during the evening hours and into darkness, as the Hex flies emerge and begin to float to the surface. Fly fishing during the Hex hatch at Lake Almanor is an unforgettable experience, offering anglers a chance to hook big, hungry trout feeding on one of the largest and most abundant insect hatches in the region.

Techniques and Tips:

• Dry Flies: Use large, size 6-10 Hex patterns that imitate the adult mayflies. Floating Hex dries like Hex patterns or Hex Parachutes work great as they match the size and appearance of the hatch.

• Nymphing: Prior to the hatch, you can fish Hex nymph patterns (size 10-12) or dark-colored scuds to mimic the nymphs rising from the bottom.

• Evening and Night Fishing: As the sun sets, the hatch intensifies, and big trout will move into shallow waters to feed. Casting near the shoreline or over the drop-offs where fish are staging will increase your chances of landing a trophy.

• Sight Fishing: In the darker hours, look for rises or ripples on the surface where trout are feeding.

Mid-Summer Fly Fishing at Lake Almanor – Deep Water Indicator Fishing for Smallmouth

Mid-summer at Lake Almanor can be challenging for targeting trout due to the warmer water temperatures, but it’s a prime time to target smallmouth bass. Smallmouth remain active and aggressive even when trout slow down. The best technique for targeting these fish is deep water indicator fishing, which allows you to fish along drop-offs, submerged structures, and deeper water where smallmouth are holding.

Techniques and Tips:

• Indicator Fishing: Use balanced leeches, chironomids, or smelt patterns under an indicator to mimic the smallmouth’s preferred prey. The key is to fish deep, as the bass will often hold near structures at depths of 15 to 30 feet.

• Retrieves: Slow, steady retrieves can trigger strikes, but also experiment with shorter, quick jerks to mimic an injured baitfish.

• Prime Locations: Focus on areas like rocky points, shoreline drop-offs, and deeper coves where smallmouth bass are likely to be feeding.

This time of year provides a fantastic opportunity to catch big, aggressive smallmouth that are still feeding heavily, making mid-summer fly fishing on Lake Almanor exciting and productive despite the heat.

If you are interested in learning more or having Jordan show you exactly how to put these amazing Trophy Trout in the Net, book a trip!