Countdown To The Trout Opener: Collins Lake Preview
We’re counting down to Saturday’s statewide trout fishing opener with some trout pieces from our April issue. Today: Previewing the spring trout frenzy at Collins Lake.
Anglers who don’t want to wait for the April 26 statewide trout opener can head to Collins Lake ASAP and get in some of the Northern California fishery’s plentiful fish, thanks to liberal plantings. (COLLINS LAKE)
By Chris Cocoles
The statewide trout season officially opens on April 26, but eager anglers don’t have to wait until the last Saturday this month to get in some outstanding action at Collins Lake.
The Sierra foothills lake is conveniently located about 90 minutes northeast of Sacramento and a 30-minute drive from Marysville and Yuba City. It’s also home to some of the best trout fishing in Northern California, and as the staff at Collins Lake resort (530-692-1600; collinslake.com) can report, there are plenty of hungry trout at your disposal.
“Winter trout planting has been a huge success, with over 20,000 pounds of trout planted since October, including rainbow and lightning trout. The trout definitely prefer the colder surface temperatures,” says Ed Palma at the Collins Lake marina, store and campgrounds/cabins.
As the weather improves, more anglers are sure to hit the lake. But go now and think of it as the early bird catches the trout, with or without the worms.
“During the winter there’s lower fishing pressure, which means many of these trout will
carry over into spring and summer, feeding and growing in the meantime,” Palma adds. “Sometimes the (stocking) truck arrives when there’s rain or wind in the forecast; for example, recently we planted 2,000 pounds of lightnings and rainbow trout, and there wasn’t a single fisherman we could see during the drop – not on the beach, not on the shore, not in a boat – so all of those fish are spread out all over the lake, waiting to be caught another day.”
GOOD WEATHER, GOOD WATER LEVELS
The winter has been productive in terms of a healthy lake level at Collins, with “lots of sunny T-shirt days and good opportunities for camping without the crowds,” Palma says.
“We filled very early this year; the lake was spilling in the first week of February and it’s been full and occasionally spilling since then as we continue to receive rain.”
The trout plants – plus some stocking of warmwater species – mean the action should be good throughout this month and next.
“Anglers can expect lots of available trout as plants continue as long as surface temperatures permit (typically until May). Bass, crappie and bluegill should be in good shape, especially as the high lake level has submerged lots of vegetation, which will make great habitat as they move to spawn,” Palma says.
He adds that bass are biting pretty well already, even as the water temperature has remained cool during the winter. “As they get into prespawn, it will only pick up more,” Palma says of the pending bass action. “Typically, the last week of April and the first weeks of May show the most activity. The best catfishing comes during the summer heat, but in reality you can catch a big catfish any day of the year. They’re down there and they’re scavenging.”
RENT A BOAT, EAT SOME ICE CREAM
One of Collins Lake’s highlights is how many amenities it offers visitors. From boat rentals and campsites, to a fully stocked store that features some of the best ice cream you’ll find after a day on the water, there’s no shortage of things to do here.
“We are still renting classic fishing boats, kayaks, paddleboards and, of course, our patio boats. A few years back we brought in some pontoon fishing boats to try, and they were very popular,” Palma says. “This winter, we replaced all of the fishing pontoon boats with brand-new 24-foot Berkshire pontoons. We think they’re better built than the old pontoons, and they’ve got a great layout for a family outing. The new canopies address the main issue on the old boats: shade!”
The resort is also in the process of replacing its rental trailers with new cabins, “which are nicer to ‘camp’ in. That project should be done in time for summer,” according to Palma.
And what about the ice cream?
“We’re currently stocking 24 flavors of ice cream; of course all the classics, and some Gunther’s (Ice Cream) specialties like banana rocky road, salted caramel, espresso chip, and a flavor they created just for Collins Lake: s’mores,” Palma says. CS
Editor’s note: Collins Lake is hosting two events this month, the Get Out and Fish Day on April 12 and a NorCal Trout Anglers Challenge (anglerspress.com/ events) tournament on April 26. Call the resort at (530) 692-1600 for more.
