LAKE ALMANOR
A Constant State of Change
From Bryan Roccucci
Change isn’t necessarily a bad thing; in fact, changes are what keep fishing and guiding fishermen and women exciting. Looking back over my years of guiding I am reminded, the only thing that remains the same, is that nothing in nature remains the same. Each year, month, and even day, many forces of nature are hard at work changing our environment. Fluctuations in water levels, food sources, and weather all play important roles in where the fish will be and how they will react. The key to being a successful is to track these changes, and modify your approach, to improve results.
Lake Almanor is one of my favorite spots for January through June. – Covering 52 sq. miles Lake Almanor is regarded as one of California’s best trophy trout and salmon fisheries. It is host to populations of Browns, Rainbows, as well as Land Locked King Salmon. Lake Almanor is located 66 miles from Chico, 100 miles from Reno and 147 miles from Sacramento. Winter and Spring are hot times to be on the water.
Looking back, over the past two years, Lake Almanor (Jan.-May) was incredible, despite wet conditions, with good numbers of beautiful Browns as well as Bows and a few Salmon in the mix. As winter gave way to Spring and the Brown bite continued solid as we trolled the shallows of the West shore. The Smallmouth bite in spring was also strong, with these bronze beauties really testing the ultra-light rods. Once they came out of the spawning mode, the Rainbow bite turned on and provided my clients many great battles. Contact the Chester Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce for Information on Accommodations and services in the area.
Bryan Roccucci is a full time professional fishing guide and operator of Big Daddy’s Guide Service. Bryan specializes in light tackle fishing techniques on Lake Almanor, Lake Davis, Bucks Lake, Eagle Lake and other Northern Sierra lakes by special booking. Bryan fishes Lake Almanor exclusively from January until May and keeps his clients comfortable in a fully enclosed heated cab aboard his 23 foot Boulton Powerboat. For more information please visit www.bigdaddyfishing.com or call (530) 283-4103.
