Lake Almanor, CA

Lake Almanor is located at the junction of the Cascade and Sierra Mountains. Mount Lassen overlooks the lake on its north side, and the views from shore or on the open water are memorable for life.

The lake was made by the damming of the North Fork of the Feather River in the small community of Canyondam, California. Almanor holds smallmouth, salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, and Sacramento perch.  It’s a lake where all fly fishers must bring their top game.

 

A lake is an excellent place for fly fishers looking for big fish or just sharpening their stillwater skills. The Hexagenia hatch is the big draw every June for anglers, but other events on the lake bring fish into easy casting range. The Blood Midge parade in April and May and the Pond Smelt spawn in the Fall are another outstanding time to fish the lake.

We don’t guide Lake Almanor; we live it. The Gray Family cabin is just a few hundred yards from the west shore of the lake.

We utilize our Tracker Boat, Fishcraft Driftboat, personal pontoon boats, and float tubes. Lake Almanor is a must-fish for fly fishers of all ages.

Lance Gray is an expert on the Almanor Hex Hatch. His seminars and flies have elevated my skills and knowledge which has resulted in many memorable catches.”
— Alan C. | Danville, CA

Fishing Almanor

Trout & Bass

All year - weather permitting.

Stillwater trips are $550 per day for a maximum of two anglers. Hex 1 1 with Lance, evening trips are $350 per night for a maximum of two anglers using the Tracker. The Tracker, rods, reels, flies, leaders, and indicators are all-inclusive. Lakeside lunches and beverages are provided on full-day trips only. A 50% deposit is required to hold your date.

Open Dates

2025 | Pond Smelt

2025 | Hex Hatch

June 17 - Open

July 1 - Open

July 2 - Open

We met with Lance who was, and continues to be, a willing teacher and a great, knowledgeable fishing guide. Lance has taught us so much about fly fishing over the last 5 years that I would say with confidence, that my wife and I are currently pretty darn good fly fisherman.
— Lee & Wendy N. | Elk Grove, CA