The bigger fish we caught were caught on a crawdad colored Daiwa Peanut II crankbait. The locals say cricketts are the best, but the kids tried some and seemed to just be a waste of time and money and caught only one fish, stick with the artificial lures and worms.
Fish the dam on the west shore of the lake in the evenings and use bluegill colored jerk baits and you will catch a fish almost every cast. The fish are pretty small with the occasional 1-2 ponder, but its really an amazing experience. If your looking to get kids involved in bass fishing as I am, take them here at this time and they will be smiling forever!! Get a kid outdoors!!
During the early morning, jerkbaits and senkos (california 420 color works anywhere) will get you bit off any deep rocky point, Lake Almanor is an awesome smallmouth fishery, must hit spot for The Shore Bass Fisherman.