Montana Fish Report

Water clarity varies but it's generally somewhere between 7 and 8.5  feet.

The East Basin is 99.5 % ice free. Canyon Dam public ramp is open, no dock. While the trolling bite has been just ok, Jigging just seems to be getting more attention, from the Browns anyway. White or yellow tube or feather jigs seem to work best. Best spots for jigging have been Rec. 1 inside the log boom, Rec. 2 just outside the log boom. The A-frame and Big Springs.  Trollers should use attractors like dodgers and flashers in the early mornings. White or Chartreuse trolling flies have been working well in all the usual places. Like Big Springs to the Branch.

The West Basin is ice free. Rec 2. leads to open water. Also the USFS public ramp is open, both areas docks and have plenty of parking. Areas like Prattville to Almanor West are now open and accessible for the first time this year. Look for Browns to be along the shoreline moving in and out of the shallows. Ripping trolling flies, Rapalas, or any smelt patterns. Also slow trolling threaded night crawlers with or without a dodger. Bailey Springs is another area that holds late winter Browns and Rainbows, and now that the ice is gone it worth a look.  Doug Neal: (530) 258-6732 http://www.almanorfishingadventures.com