It's currently 6:35pm and 38 degrees under cloudy skies here at Lake Almanor.  It's been snowing on and off all day.  It's currently spitting white as I type, but the ground is free from all but small patches of snow.

Last week the fishing really took off.  We had some sunny skies and the brown trout moved into the shallows and were hammering whatever you put in front of them.  Most anglers having success are targeting the east basin.  Presentations in shallow water, pond smelt, speed shiners, Rapalas, all were connecting with fish.  As the word got out, the tight lanes got crowded but the weather turned on us too.  Stiff winds and colder temperatures put a pause on the bite.  I moved to the west basin and pulled speedy shiners boating several nice rainbow trout along the west shore.  I kept with the shallow presentation and even in the middle of the day did not find anything biting in deeper water.

This weekend looks to be poor weather, but by mid week, (of course, right?) the clouds are expected to part and we will be looking at 60 degree plus days.  I expect this to improve fishing and with the beginning of April upon us, things should start to take off up here.

Highway 70 is still closed due to ongoing rock slides.  All other arteries into the basin are flowing freely at this time.

If you get a chance to come up during the week try trolling a red and gold speedy shiner down about 10' on the wire along the west shore by Plumas Pines towards Rocky point and wherever you choose in between.  If you want to try from the bank Canyon Dam is still a great choice.  Although with the spring spawn right around the corner, sitting on the "tubes" by North Shore campground should start producing quality fish at any time.   For the guys on the fly, luckily the Hamilton Branch in starting to flow clear.  The river is closed, but as long as you are below the first riffle of the creek, you should be good to float a nymph.

The lake surface temp is about 42 degrees.

Good Luck and see you on the water.