Montana Fish Report

The Almanor Basin got its fair share of snow this last week. Its been March Madness alright.

I live on the Almanor peninsula and this is the most snow  I have seen come down in March.

Since Thursday last week the Almanor Basin has received 50" of fresh snow, for a total of 18 ft. to date, with more on the way.

Road crews are busy, Canyon Dam has been cleared, however they are running out of space to put snow.

Walk the ramp, check it out before backing down, even with 4WD, once you start sliding its too late.

7 day forecast is for more weather every day, with another big snow maker due for Wednesday, 1 to 2 ft. predicted.

Rec. area # 2  ramp has been plowed and the dock is in place.

Rec. area #1 The road in has been plowed, but the ramps have not, also the log booms have been torn apart and the dock is sideways front  recent storms.

Hamilton  Branch  Ramp, closed.

Knotty Pine ramp closed.

Big Cove ramp, closed.

The USFS ramp closed.

Plumas Pines ramp, closed.

Seasonal creeks and streams are flowing, lake levels continue to rise. Its going to be a terrific water year, even if we don't get another snow flake.

Heres what we were experiencing prior to all this snow.

Trollers were working the east shore from the dam north to The Dorado INN and back.

All the Rainbow, and Browns we caught looked good, plump, bright and clean. These fish have fed well over the winter and are looking fine.

Side finding sonar has been showing fish all around the surface the past couple of days so that's where most boats have been suspending their trolled baits and lures.

As surface temps will rise eventually, watch for smelt to move from the deeper water towards the shoreline structure.

Smelt  begin their pawn activity when temperatures push 42 to 44 degrees. Ripping white trolling flies or other smelt patters are advised.

Prior to the wild weather these areas were my "Quick Picks" and still will be, when this weather backs off.

1. The Bass bite has picked up over at Goose Bay and over near the Airport flats.

2. The Snag, Salmon bite has not gone off yet ,I am still working at it and expect some action before the months end..

3. Hamilton Branch is clearing up, but the rain may brown up the water by Tuesday, the parking area is clear and useable.

4. Almanor West, from the ramp to the point...Threaded Crawlers! nuff said.

5. A-Frame, suspended crawlers 48" inches off the bottom.

Big Cove Marina, the smelt are hiding under all the empty docks.. and the fish know it!.. silver Kastmasters and white jigs.

6. Big Springs, the cove in the back, Salmon eggs worked slowly back to the boat...BA BAM.

7. Prattville to the Plumas Pines log boom, threaded crawlers..

8. Bailey Springs, crawlers under a bobber, don't spook them coming in...there's some big fish here.

9. Rocky Point...too much bait holding here, and the fish have so much available its hard for them to find your stuff!

10. last, but not least, Lake Cove on the east shore..my personal favorite.

Ok, officially spring time is here, but remember at 4500 ft. elevation there's always a chance for  more winter type weather. Check the forecast before heading up.

access accurate lake data @http://www.project2105.org/lake_levels.htm

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