Lake Almanor is fishing well in mid-September 2025 with fall in the air and the water at 66 degrees. Capt. Bryan Roccucci finds trout in the mid-30s to mid-40 foot range feeding on pond smelt. Run Trout Trix Minnows slow at 1.2 mph or rainbow-pattern Trigger Spoons fast at 2.8 to 3.2 mph, both scented with Brown Town.
How is the fishing at Lake Almanor right now?
Good and cooperative. Capt. Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service reports a fun week under mostly flat, mild conditions in mid-September 2025. Fall is in the air, the water keeps cooling, and the fish are still spread throughout the entire lake feeding well on pond smelt.
What depth are the fish holding at Lake Almanor?
In the mid-30s to mid-40 foot range. Bryan targets that band for both his slow and fast presentations. The fish are keyed on the lake's pond smelt population, so he matches that forage. Water temperature is 66 degrees, down about 2 degrees from a week ago.
What lures and speeds work at Lake Almanor?
Two ways. Run slow at 1.2 mph pulling Trout Trix Minnows scented with Brown Town Scent, or run the fast hardware, rainbow-pattern Trigger Spoons, at 2.8 to 3.2 mph in the 35 to 40 foot range. Bryan scents both.
Why does Bryan use Brown Town Scent at Almanor?
Match the hatch. The fish are feeding on minnows, and Brown Town Scent is made from a minnow base. Bryan, a big believer in scent from his fly fishing roots, says if you want to look like a minnow, smell like a minnow. He scents both his slow minnows and his spoons.
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Lake Almanor September 15, 2025 FAQ
Rainbow trout feeding on pond smelt, per Capt. Bryan Roccucci.
In the mid-30s to mid-40 foot range, with spoons fished at 35 to 40 feet.
Slow, about 1.2 miles per hour, with Brown Town Scent.
Fast, 2.8 to 3.2 miles per hour, in the rainbow pattern.
About 66 degrees, down roughly 2 degrees from a week earlier.
Its minnow base matches the pond smelt the trout are feeding on.
