About Almanor Fishing Association

In 1980, concerned fishermen, business people and the Chester/Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce  formed the Almanor Fishing Association.  The main purpose of the Association is dedicated to the enhancement and preservation of a high quality fishing resource in Lake Almanor and assuring its continual availability to everyone wishing to enjoy the sport of fishing.

For those who may have never given trout fishing at Lake Almanor a try, here’s an extra 50,000 good reasons. Every year for over 14 years, approximately 50,000 eagle lake trout have been reared by volunteers of the Almanor Fishing Association (AFA) to supplement the Department of Fish and Game plants. 

The cages that you see in the Hamilton Branch are used to rear the trout.  The California Department of Fish and Game deliver the trout to the AFA fish cages  in early November.  Pictured is the transfer cage which is attached to a pontoon used to move the eagle lake trout from the DFG truck to the waiting AFA cages.

The Lake Almanor "Fish Pen Project", one of the largest and most successful pen projects in the State, appeared to be in danger of ending. After 24 years in the water, the cages needed repairs, the supporting timber and floats were water-logged and looked like one big storm away from breaking apart. The AFA Board of Directors and membership were very concerned and were working to keep this program moving forward.

California Inland Fisheries Foundation, Inc.  (CIFFI) again stepped up and provided a grant of $15,000.  Because of this grant, the AFA has now kicked off the refurbishment of the Almanor Fish Pens.  These fish pens have been in the water eighteen years and are in dire need of repairs. The refurbishment will begin on May 10th.  CIFFI has been very supportive of the AFA over the years by providing $5,000 for much needed fencing for our storage area.  Almanor Dock Supply, Brett Womack, has been contracted by the AFA to head up this repair project.  AFA volunteers will be assisting Almanor Dock Supply by replacing all rivets with stainless steel bolts and nuts.

Kokanee Power (KP) Kokanee Power in 2008 became a partner with AFA and Fish &  Game on the Almanor Trout Pen project.  KP has worked with Fish & Game and AFA to transfer the license agreement with PG&E from Fish & Game to Kokanee Power for the operation of the pens at the Hamilton Branch.  KP has provided funding for the  annual food, maintenance and insurance on the pens.  Recently, the  Kokanee Power Board of Directors  pledged $7,500 toward the refurbishment of the Almanor Fish Pens.  KP has also worked with Fish & Game for a letter of support for the pens that can be used for grants and sponsorships.  KP recognizes that the AFA volunteers are the foundation for the success of the pen project and KP is committing to help the AFA succeed and work toward being sustainable.