Montana Fish Report

The west basin is 70% frozen over, however its been melting away in the afternoon sunshine, with ice trying to reform at night.  

The east basin is entirely ice free and there's plenty of open water for trolling.

Trolling has been the method of choice for all of the 6 or 7 boats we observed.

Ripping white trolling flies, and streamer flies, on lead core have been getting some decent action with most fish averaging 1.75 lbs. and a few larger fish in the mix.

Pond smelt patterns are the ticket these days with lures like Rapalas, silver Needlefish, Pin minnows, and the trolling flies are all good.

I like running my injured minnow rig, and if you were one of the hundreds of anglers that attended my ISE seminars last week, you know already.. And before I forget,  for all of you that were able to attend? Thank you!

My Almanor Seminars were packed, and had the very best attendance of any seminars during the entire 4 day show.. again thank you for all the support. 

 My injured minnow rig is killer, and it consists of a 3" Basstrix soft PVC hand poured smelt pattern, called "Morning Dawn".

I use a 1/16 dia. copper tube with a 20k wall, cut  2 inches long, and deburred. I insert the tube into the minnow and then bent it . The idea is to get this minnow to roll like a injured bait fish while slowly being trolled.

I also inject this with Pro-Cure Trophy Trout  Scent, and add a wiggle fin actin disk in front (optional).

Not everyone could make it to ISE, so I am offering you picture of this rig, with all the parts info needed, upon request.. 

 Patience!

With surface temps at 34 degrees, these fish are moving slow in the morning, but after the sun gets up and surface temps climb, things begin to pick up.

Bank fishermen are always hanging around the Geritol Cove area at Canyon Dam with some success.

 For Lake Almanor details and projections check out this link. http://www.project2105.org/lake_levels.htm

Doug Neal (530) 258-6732 http://www.almanorfishingadventures.com