Fishing at Lake Almanor, California
28,000-acre reservoir · Plumas County · 4,500 ft elevation · 4 species stocked
Lake Almanor sits at 4,500 feet in Plumas County, California, covering 28,000 acres of reservoir water. The state stocked the lake most recently on February 02, 2026, with 142,643 kokanee salmon averaging 12.0 inches. It's been an active stocking water since at least 1988, and the recent records below tell you what's been planted and when.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Lake Almanor:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2, 2026 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 142,643 | 12.0″ |
| Dec 25, 2025 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 15,798 | 7.8″ |
| Aug 30, 2025 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 775 | 3.7″ |
| Aug 18, 2025 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 1,902 | 9.8″ |
| Mar 5, 2025 | 🟫 Brown Trout | 2,327 | 8.8″ |
| Jan 1, 2025 | 🟫 Brown Trout | 3,691 | 11.3″ |
| Oct 22, 2024 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 18,158 | 11.6″ |
| Sep 26, 2024 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 140,807 | 4.0″ |
| Aug 22, 2024 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 1,193 | 4.8″ |
| Apr 10, 2024 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 59,392 | 4.4″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🍣 Kokanee Salmon — best in summer
- 🌈 Rainbow Trout — best in spring, fall
- 🐟 Smallmouth Bass — best in late spring, summer, fall
- 🟫 Brown Trout — best in fall, winter
Where to Catch Kokanee Salmon in California
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Lake Almanor, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Kokanee Salmon lakes in California
- Top Rainbow Trout lakes in California
- Top Smallmouth Bass lakes in California
- Top Brown Trout lakes in California
Best Time to Fish Lake Almanor
For kokanee salmon, the best fishing on Lake Almanor is typically in summer, when surface temperatures fall in the 50–60°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with reservoir thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Gear Recommendations
Curated picks for the species stocked in Lake Almanor. Links go to Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- rod: Light kokanee trolling rod
- reel: Line counter reel
- rod: Ultralight 6'6" spinning rod
- reel: Light spinning reel (1000 size)
- rod: Medium 7' spinning rod
- lure: Tube baits
- rod: Medium-light 7' spinning rod
- lure: Jerkbaits
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Lake Almanor:
- Lake Oroville — 52.2 mi (15,805 ac)
- Bullards Bar Reservoir — 58.6 mi (4,810 ac)
- Lake Shasta — 73.2 mi (30,000 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid California fishing license is required at Lake Almanor. Buy one online and check current regulations at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Lake Almanor?
Lake Almanor has been stocked with Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Brown Trout.
When was Lake Almanor last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Feb 2, 2026, when 142,643 kokanee salmon were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Lake Almanor?
Yes — a valid California fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.