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Almanor Fishing Association

EIN 68-0296702 · Chester, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceFair50 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Almanor Fishing Association AFA a nonprofit organization made up of fishermen and local citizens interested in maintaining the health and quality of the Lake Almanor fishery. AFA objectives to present a strong collective and unified voice in advocating the merits and interests of sport fishing in Lake Almanor and interfacing with local state and federal agencies and with various corporate and private entities to explore and develop solely or in cooperation with others plans programs and facilities for the perpetuation and enhancement of the Lake Almanor fishing resource.

Income
$186,202
Spending
$99,255
Spent on programs
86%
Reserves
33 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 57%
Employees
0
Volunteers
60

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 33.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 47% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 37% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    86% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 50 out of 100. Higher than 31% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    9 of 9 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (7)
  1. $55,049 spent. FISH REARING PROGRAM: The purpose of the fish rearing program is to raise fish in cages in Lake Almanor to be released into the lake and to promote and maintain the fishing in the lake. the program was established in 1985 in the Hamilton Branch area by two local fishermen Jim Pleau and Reuben Chavez with the assistance of Ron DeCoto a biologist with the Department of Fish & Game DFG. The program was started with two nylon net pens which were located at Lassen View Resort owned by Pleau and Chavez. The DFG provided the fish via hatcheries to rear during the winter months. The DFG also provided food to feed the fish acquired the necessary permit from PG&E to have the nets in the waters of Lake Almanor and took responsibility for maintenance of the cages. The cage program was very successful and has since developed into using 10 aluminum cages. AFA has taken over the program of maintaining the cages feeding the fish on a daily basis during the winter months and releasing the fish in the month of April.
  2. $9,735 spent. VETERANS FISHING DAY: Each year AFA members take US Veterans from all areas of the United States fishing for a day. The day ends with a BBQ at no cost to the Veterans. The purpose is to honor Veterans and to give them an opportunity that they might have not otherwise had.
  3. $8,365 spent. NEWSLETTER: The purpose of the AFA newsletter is to share AFAs mission of preserving Lake Almanor and promote fishing on the lake. The newsletter has been produced since approximately 2004.To date over 1,000 copies are produced and mailed out to AFA supporters and dispersed throughout Plumas County annually.
  4. $4,501 spent. KIDS FISHING DAY: Each year AFA members & volunteers take 4th graders from the Plumas County school districts fishing for a day. Each child is given a fishing rod and provided with instruction from AFA members to learn to fish. The purpose of the program is to expose children to the sport of fishing and wildlife in hopes of developing an interest in this sport.
  5. $4,500 spent. SCHOLARSHIPS: Each year AFA awards up to five scholarships to graduating seniors from Westwood Chester and Greenville high schools. The maximum scholarship per student is $1,000. Scholarships are awarded based upon academic achievement letters of recommendation and civic involvement.
  6. $1,495 spent. HAMILTON BRANCH PUBLIC AREA MAINTENANCE: One of AFAs biggest projects of 2003 was the completion of the Hamilton Branch public fishing access area. This project began in 2002 and was completed in November 2003. This area of the Hamilton Branch is one of the most popular fishing areas for anglers and their families. This site is located at the intersection of Hwy 147 and County Road A-13 at the northeast corner of Lake Almanor. A rocked parking lot with picnic tables and restrooms which are ADA approved are available for fishermen and picnickers alike. An upgraded trail leading to the fishing area has also been provided. AFA shares in the responsibility of maintaining this area.
  7. $1,871 spent. ALMANOR FOOD BASIN DONATION

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since July 2010.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.