First time to Lake Almanor

Heading up to Lake Almanor next Friday morning for the weekend. We'll be staying with another family who has the campground so I'm not sure what part of the lake we'll be on just yet. I mostly fish saltwater but I have some light and medium spin setups and a couple of medium baitcasting setups. Any tips on tackle, and what species to target would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Coleman

I've never fished there,,, but I wouldn't leave home without Gulp minnows, lol..

Thanks for the info fellas. Any particular size and color? I'm thinking 3" smelt?.

The key to summer fishing up here is to fish VERY early and VERY late.  Hex Hatch is still chugging along, though by next week it could be tapering off.  Check out the western shore and mooch single mealworms or a cricket-mealworm combo a foot or two off the bottom in 15-30 feet.  I was out there tonight and it was great action on smallmouth bass with a couple rainbows and a Sacramento perch mixed in.  The fish are keyed on aquatic insects right now, but minnow imitations like rip baits and jigs can still get a fish here and there.  If you're targeting trout, try not to play the fish for too long if you want to CnR.  Surface is nearly 75 degrees right now and these trout don't release well when the water's this warm, especially after a long fight.

For the most reliable action, I'd focus on smallmouth bass.  Crawdad-colored crankbaits, rip baits, Zara puppies, drop-shot...it's all working on smallies up to 5 pounds.  Fish in 6-10 feet of water early and late in the day, and 15 to 20 when the sun is up.  Rocky structure anywhere in the lake will hold bass.

I also got word that rainbows are starting to stack up at the mouth of Hamilton Branch.  It's shore fishing only here, and it can get crowded, but it can also be extremely good fishing here.

Go get em!

Best advice would certainly be,,, listen to Clayman. End of story.

Thanks for the detailed info Clayman, much appreciated.

No problem.  I'll probably fish at least once sometime this week after work, so if you want I can send you a PM with the latest-n-greatest info before you come up.

That would be awesome. We're leaving Friday morning and staying at the Rocky Point campground.
Thanks again,
Coleman