Attention all fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers! This weekend, Lake Almanor is the place to be as it hosts the much-anticipated BAM Trail Fishing Tournament. Whether you’re an avid angler or simply looking for an exciting weekend activity, this event promises a thrilling experience against the backdrop of one of Northern California’s most beautiful lakes.

Bass fisherman Lake Almanor

Event Details:

  • Dates: Friday, May 31st – Sunday, June 2nd
  • Location: Rec 1 Lake Almanor, 1100 Peninsula Dr, Westwood

Event Schedule:

  • Thursday, May 30th: Meet and greet with BAM Tour anglers in downtown Chester starting at 3 PM.
  • Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Blast off at 5:45 AM and weigh-in starting at 3 PM at Rec 1 Lake Almanor.
  • Saturday Afternoon: The field cuts to the top ten anglers.
  • Sunday: Final blast off at 5:45 AM and weigh-in starting at 3 PM, followed by the crowning of the champion at 4:30 PM.
Bass Fisherman on Lake Almanor
Mark Pilgrim showcasing Lake Almanor Small Mouth Bass

Fishing Lake Almanor: Lake Almanor is renowned for its vibrant smallmouth bass population, offering anglers a great opportunity to catch fish in the 2.5 to 3-pound range. With fish in all three stages of the spawn, various techniques such as drop shotting, small swimbaits, jerkbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and even topwater lures will be effective.

Local pro tour angler Mark Pilgrim recommends focusing on areas where cold water enters the lake, like the North end’s Feather River and Hamilton Branch on the East side, for pre-spawn bass. The swamp and west shore are likely spots for post-spawn fish, while large flats or islands with gravel and stumps are prime spawning grounds for smallmouth bass.

Exciting Predictions: Mark Pilgrim anticipates it will take between 32 and 34 pounds to make the top ten, with the possibility of an angler catching 19 pounds on championship Sunday to secure the win. The competition promises to be fierce, and every ounce will count in this thrilling race to the top.

Bass Boat on Lake Almanor
Fishing Lak eALmanor

Join the Action: Can’t make it to Lake Almanor in person? No worries! You can follow the live weigh-ins and updates online. Catch the live streams on:

Track your favorite anglers’ progress with live updates on TourneyX.

About BAM Tournament Trail: The Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM TT) is an elite west coast pro-level tournament circuit. BAM TT offers multiple platforms for showcasing the talents of western anglers.


Don’t miss out on this thrilling event! Whether you’re fishing, spectating, or following online, the BAM Trail Fishing Tournament at Lake Almanor promises an unforgettable experience for everyone. See you there! #bamtrail #bassanglermagazine