The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Almanor
Plumas County, California · 28,200 acres (44 sq mi)
53°F water, windy Friday (22 mph S).
About Lake Almanor
Lake Almanor spreads over 28,200 acres in Plumas County, California. It was made by Canyon Dam on the North Fork Feather River. Lake Almanor is one of California's largest reservoirs, formed by Canyon Dam on the North Fork Feather River.
From end to end it runs about 11.2 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 44 miles. Its surface is about 4,500 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 90 ft. Chester is about 1 miles northwest. The closest city is Chico, about 48 miles away.
- Size
- 28,200 acres (44 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 90 ft
- Shoreline
- About 44 miles
- End to end
- About 11.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 4,500 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Canyon Dam, North Fork Feather River
- County
- Plumas County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Slow
- 6:15 am – 7:00 amsunrise
- 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual California mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 53°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:48 am · sunset 4:49 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Almanor
- Chesterabout 1 mi northwest
- Westwoodabout 5.1 mi east
- Greenvilleabout 7.4 mi southeast
- Quincyabout 18 mi southeast
- Chiconearest city, about 48 mi southwest
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Questions about Lake Almanor
What fish are in Lake Almanor?
Lakes like Lake Almanor usually hold largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lake Almanor?
About 90 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Lake Almanor?
28,200 acres, with about 44 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Almanor?
Chester is about 1 miles northwest; Westwood is about 5.1 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Lake Almanor today?
The surface was about 53°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Almanor on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
