Why Collins Lake Is NorCal’s Trout Nirvana

The following appears in the December issue of California Sportsman:

By Cal Kellogg

As I idled away from the launch ramp that morning, a flash of white caught my eye. A mature bald eagle was perched on a tall shoreline pine across the lake. Its bright head gleamed against the muted gray-green of the foothill forest as the bird watched over the water like a silent sentry, adding a touch of wild majesty to the day before I’d even made my first trolling pass.

My electric motor hummed quietly as it pushed the boat toward the dam, giving me time to finish rigging my rods. On one outfit I clipped on a chrome-and-blue Cripplure, a proven producer on this lake. On the second, I snapped on a 3-inch minnow plug. By the time I eased into position along the face of the dam, everything was ready.

I was about halfway across my first troll when the rod running the toplined Cripplure snapped down sharply – only to spring back up a heartbeat later. The trout had swiped and missed. I barely had time to process the strike when the rod bucked again, this time burying deeply as the hook found its mark.

Line peeled from the reel before I could get it free of the holder, and the fish dug hard, giving that unmistakable head-shake throb that only a rainbow from this fishery can deliver. After a spirited fight, the thick, bright fish slid into the net and then into the cooler.

For the rest of the morning, I worked a slow zigzag pattern along the dam, riding the light chop and covering water methodically. The action never really stopped. By early afternoon I’d hooked and played more than a dozen rainbows. I released most of them quickly, but I kept three nice trout, each right around 2 pounds, the perfect eating size.

When I finally eased back toward the ramp and nosed the boat onto the trailer, I glanced across the lake once more. To my surprise, the eagle was still perched in the very same tree, surveying the water as if it owned the place.

Between the regal eagle and a morning full of hard-fighting trout, it felt like I’d experienced the very best Collins Lake has to offer.

It was, in every way, a morning to remember.

TROUT NIRVANA

Collins Lake rests at 1,200 feet in the Sierra foothills, tucked neatly between Marysville to the north and Grass Valley to the south. When the lake is full, it stretches across roughly 1,600 surface acres and winds along more than 12 miles of shoreline.

The setting is classic California foothill countryside – rolling oak-studded hills, golden grasslands and coves carved into the landscape like natural fishing lanes. It has always been a productive lake, but in recent decades Collins has evolved into one of the finest and most reliable trout fisheries north of Sacramento.

Part of its appeal is the lake’s accessibility and comfort. Unlike many premier trout waters, which require long drives, have minimal facilities or feature rugged approaches, Collins Lake offers a complete, family-friendly recreation area.

The Collins Lake Recreation Area (530-692-1600; collinslake.com) is a full-service destination with a fully developed boat ramp and marina, shaded picnic grounds, RV sites, tent camping, rental cabins, lakeside trailers, laundry facilities, hot showers, a sand swimming beach and a children’s playground.

The general store carries everything from fishing tackle to ice to snacks, along with its famous ice cream bar. If you don’t own a watercraft, the marina rents outboard fishing boats, patio boats, kayaks and more. For families and anglers alike, it’s a place where you can settle in for a weekend or a full week without sacrificing comfort.

The lake itself was formed in 1964 with the completion of what is commonly referred to as the Collins Lake Dam. Designed as part of a water supply and flood control system serving the Browns Valley Irrigation District and the Yuba County Water Agency, Collins Lake quickly proved it had the ingredients necessary for a thriving fishery.

Fertile water, flooded foothill habitat and a warm climate allowed threadfin shad to flourish. As trout were stocked into the system, they benefited from the lake’s rich food chain and began growing rapidly. Over time, the lake matured into a balanced ecosystem with a deep basin, productive shallow zones and a strong forage base.

BIG, BEAUTIFUL ’BOWS

Yet what truly elevates Collins is the recreation area’s long-standing commitment to maintaining a top-notch trout program. Every year from late October through late April, the lake receives weekly loads of Mount Lassen Hatchery rainbow trout. The majority of these fish run 2 to 3 pounds, but trophy-class trout – fish from 3 to 12 pounds – are included in nearly every plant. These rainbows are healthy, streamlined and strong fighters raised on nutrient-rich feed and released into ideal conditions.

A few years ago, the fishery received a boost in the form of lightning trout from Lassen Hatchery. These golden-colored rainbows are striking to see and thrilling to catch, and they’ve become instant favorites among Collins anglers.

On top of the weekly hatchery plants, Collins Lake also raises roughly 6,000 rainbow trout annually in floating pens near the marina. These trout are fed heavily every day and grow at astonishing rates.

By the time they are released into the lake each spring, many weigh 3 to 4 pounds, and some are even larger. These pen-raised trout fight with incredible power, often rivaling holdovers in strength and stamina.

All of this makes Collins Lake one of the most predictable and productive trout fisheries in the region. Anglers know that if they come in spring, they are almost guaranteed action, and they stand a very real chance of hooking a trophy fish.

COOL-SEASON STRATEGIES

Fishing success at Collins varies depending on style and season, but fall and winter offer excellent opportunities for trollers, bank anglers and boat fishermen.

Trolling covers water efficiently and allows anglers to intercept trout as they roam the lake. The standard approach for trollers is to work the upper 5 to 20 feet of the water column. Speedy Shiners in gold and red, Hum Dingers in shad colors, Needlefish and Trigger Spoons are all proven producers.

Small Rapalas or jointed minnows often excel when trout are feeding heavily on shad. Soft plastics and flies are the secret weapons of trollers in the know.

Many anglers run their lures naked, while others prefer a small dodger paired with a trolling fly or hoochie. On bright, calm mornings, long setbacks – as much as 150 to 200 feet – help entice wary trout.

Bank anglers enjoy equally productive fishing during the cold months, especially along the dam, the beach near the campground, plus the points along the western shoreline. Freshly stocked trout often linger near the marina area, making it one of the most reliable locations for anglers fishing from shore.

PowerBait remains the go-to offering for plunkers, with chartreuse, garlic, pink and rainbow mixes producing consistent action. Inflated nightcrawlers and Mice Tails also shine when trout move into the shallows. During dawn and dusk, lure casters score with Kastmasters, Thomas Buoyants and Panther Martins, especially when trout cruise close to shore looking for insects and shad.

One of the most underrated ways to catch trout at Collins is to fish bait from a boat while anchored or slowly drifting. Many families and casual anglers prefer this method because it allows them to relax while still catching fish.

Anchoring near the marina buoy line, the mouth of the north arm or any point with 10 to 25 feet of water can produce steady action. Sliding sinker rigs baited with PowerBait or nightcrawlers is standard.

A FISHERY FOR ALL SEASONS

Each season brings a different pattern to Collins Lake. Fall marks the beginning of the stocking cycle, with trout feeding aggressively before winter. Winter sees trout moving in secluded areas and becoming more sluggish.

Spring is the undisputed highlight of the year, when warming water, heavy stocking and pen releases create incredibly consistent fishing. Summer can be more challenging as trout seek deeper water, but experienced trollers who understand thermoclines, shad movements and downrigger work still manage to put quality fish in the boat.

FULL-SERVICE FUN

The lake’s long-standing popularity is rooted in more than just fishing; it’s the entire experience. The recreation area is clean, well-

organized and family-oriented. The staff understands anglers’ needs and supports the trout program with passion and precision. The lake itself is scenic and manageable, with enough structure to be interesting but not so large as to be overwhelming.

For new anglers or families, Collins is a confidence builder; it’s a place where kids can catch their first trout and adults can reconnect with the joy of fishing. For seasoned anglers, it is an opportunity to target quality fish consistently, refine trolling techniques and enjoy a setting that blends comfort with the beauty of the foothills.

If you haven’t experienced the exceptional trout fishing at Collins Lake, spring is the time to go. The combination of regular stocking, pen-raised trophies, fertile water and accessible shoreline make it one of the best trout lakes in Northern California. Whether you troll, cast from the bank or soak bait from a boat, Collins offers the chance to land fish – and often big fish – every day of the season.

It’s a foothill gem, a family-friendly destination and a fishery that continues to get better with each passing year. Pack your rods, grab your cooler and make your way to Collins. You’ll be glad you did. CS

Editor’s note: Cal Kellogg is a longtime Northern California outdoors writer. Subscribe to his YouTube channel Fish Hunt Shoot Productions at youtube.com/ user/KelloggOutdoors.