California Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Shasta Region
Lake Almanor below Lassen Peak has big rainbows, browns and smallmouth, with springs that keep trout healthy all summer.
Looking for the latest Lake Almanor river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Lake Almanor.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Lake Almanor that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Lake Almanor fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Trout are cruising the shorelines in fall.
Streamers and leeches near the springs and points.
Stocking report
See the CDFW fish planting schedule for the latest stocking at Lake Almanor and other California waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Lake Almanor, bring: Woolly Bugger #4-8, Mini Leech #8-10, Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6, Pitching Leech #10.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Lake Almanor lake details
| Access | Ramps and shoreline around the lake off State Route 36 and 89. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 4,500 ft |
| Nearest town | Chester, California |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Rainbows, browns and smallmouth |
| Regulations | Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the current rules. A California sport fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X to 4X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Rarely. |
| Camping | Lassen National Forest campgrounds |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Big water. Wind matters. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Cold.
Spring
Spring.
Summer
Hex hatch.
Fall
Fall trout.
How to get there
From Chester, take State Route 36 to the lake.