Lake Almanor Fly Fishing Report – Chironomids Heating Up & Hex Hatch Around the Corner

Fishing on Lake Almanor has started to rebound nicely after last week’s storms temporarily scattered fish and disrupted feeding patterns. As weather conditions stabilized and water temperatures began to rise again, the lake quickly came back to life with strong chironomid activity and increasingly aggressive trout behavior.

Chironomid Fishing Improving Daily

The biggest story right now on Lake Almanor is the return of the chironomid hatch. Once the storms moved through, fish settled back into predictable feeding zones and began keying heavily on midges again. Morning fishing has been productive using double chironomid rigs in sizes #10–#14, suspended at varying depths throughout the water column depending on light and temperature conditions.

Anglers willing to adjust depth frequently have been finding consistent action, especially during the late morning window as the hatch intensifies. With water levels currently sitting just 2.5 feet from full pool, the lake is in excellent shape heading into late spring and early summer.

Smallmouth Bass Bite Picking Up

Afternoons have also provided solid opportunities for smallmouth bass fishing around rocky shorelines. Crawdad patterns in sizes #8–#10 have been producing well when cast tight to shore structure and transition zones. As water temperatures continue warming, expect the bass bite to become even more consistent over the next several weeks.

Hexagenia Hatch Expected Soon

One of the most exciting developments on Lake Almanor is the increasing presence of Hexagenia nymphs. Several trout recently spit up Hex nymphs during fights — a strong sign that the famed Hex Hatch is getting very close.

If the current chironomid activity is any indication, this year’s Hex Hatch could be outstanding. Typically considered one of the premier stillwater dry fly events in Northern California, the Lake Almanor Hex Hatch attracts anglers from across the West looking for explosive evening surface action on large trout.

Now is the time to start planning your trip. Prime Hex dates are beginning to fill, though a limited number of guided dates are still available.

Current Lake Almanor Fly Recommendations

Trout

• Chironomids (#10–#14)
• Balanced leeches
• Callibaetis nymphs
• Hexagenia nymphs

Smallmouth Bass

• Crawdad patterns (#8–#10)
• Small baitfish streamers
• Olive and rust-colored bugger patterns

Outlook

With stable weather returning, rising water temperatures, strong chironomid hatches, and the Hex season approaching quickly, conditions on Lake Almanor are shaping up for an excellent late spring and early summer fishery. The next few weeks should offer some of the best stillwater fly fishing opportunities of the season in Northern California.

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