Lake Almanor: An Angler’s Paradise
by Dean Growdon
Growing up in Westwood, I was fortunate to live only a short drive from one of the most magical places of my childhood: Lake Almanor. In those days, the lake felt like part of life in the northern Sierra—always there, always inviting, and always full of mystery.
Long before I understood fish behavior, seasonal patterns, or the finer points of fishing Almanor, I spent my time dreaming about it. And when I finally got there, I fished, of course – but I also slipped into the water with a mask and snorkel, exploring the shoreline for fish, lures, crawdads, and anything else that had found its way to the bottom.
A lot has changed since then, but Almanor still holds the same deep pull on me. Lake Almanor is a reservoir in Plumas County, created in the early 20th century as part of the great hydroelectric development of the North Fork Feather River.
Today, it remains one of the most recognizable lakes in the region, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada and prized for its open water, broad shorelines, and outstanding fishing.
The lake supports a wide range of sportfish, including rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, Sacramento perch, brown bullhead catfish, Chinook (landlocked king) salmon, and, of course, brown trout. With so much forage in the system, fish here can grow to impressive sizes, and with the right approach, you never know exactly what might strike next.
My favorite fish at Almanor is the brown trout, with smallmouth bass a close second. The brown trout fishery owes much of its success to a partnership between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Almanor Fishing Association.
The AFA maintains rearing pens in the lake, where volunteers feed and care for the trout before releasing them into the fishery. That kind of community involvement is part of what makes Almanor special. It’s not just a great lake—it’s a place shaped by generations of local anglers who have cared enough to invest in its future.
Smallmouth bass also rank high on my list. They are relentless fighters, acrobatic on the line, and especially rewarding on a fly rod. They also embody the kind of wild, spirited fishing that makes Almanor so memorable.
If you’re new to Lake Almanor, you’ll find public day-use areas, boat launches, and a nature trail along the west shore, along with easy access to some of the lake’s most scenic and productive stretches.
But while online information can help you get started, Almanor is the kind of place you truly must experience for yourself—one cast, one shoreline, and one unforgettable day at a time.
