Good news for next years' fishing prospects on Lake Almanor will come in the form of a large batch of stocked fish, reported Doug Neal of Almanor Fishing Adventures. "The Almanor Fishing Association will be receiving a batch of 50,000 Eagle Lake strain rainbow trout fingerlings on Oct. 21 from the DFG", observed Neal. "Volunteers will transfer these fish to Hamilton Branch fish pens, and then release them in spring of 2010."

Regarding the fishing, Neal continued, "Most of the jet skis and wake boarders are long gone. Fall is spawning season for brown trout on Lake Almanor, and some huge fish are being caught. We had several browns over six pounds this week, and a nice bull estimated to be in the eight pound range. Expect larger rainbows to be mixed in with these browns as well. Pond smelt are everywhere, and all of the fish species are actively feeding.

"The salmon bite is still happening near Big Springs, with several fish going over three pounds. Anchovy tails with scents, or a piece of crawler on a size 10 hook about five feet off the bottom.

"Lots of big rainbows are in the back of Big Springs, and they are after two or three red salmon eggs rigged on a size 12 hook. Cast it out and let it sink to the bottom and then move it slowly back to the boat.

"Lake Cove on the east shore is full of bait and has fish holding there. Trolling lures like a red/white size three Luhr Jensen Needlefish has been doing well, red is the hot color right now. Boats on anchor suspending crickets and mealworms have been getting some nice browns

"Bailey Springs at the west peninsula is still producing some great fishing. Rec area two has a very good bite on large mealworms three to five cranks off the bottom."

Neal tipped, "All launch ramps are operational, water clarity is 17 feet, and surface temperature is 62.7 degrees."