Northern CA Freshwater Fishing Report

Collins Lake trout moving to deeper water, but bass and crappie still shallow BY PAT YOUNG/WON Staff WriterPublished: Jun 07, 2012

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OREGON HOUSE — The hot weather that hit Collins Lake after the Memorial Day cool-down moved the majority of the trout out of shallow water making the bite more productive for trollers or shore anglers focusing on deep water.  On the bright side of the warmer water issue was the improvement in the bite for bass, crappie, redears and catfish. Collins Lake Resort’s Shelley Groce reported good fishing for trollers working flasher/worm combos, Sling Blade/nightcrawlers, dodger/hoochies, and Rapalas for rainbows up to 2-pounds, 6-ounces. The east side of the lake, the bridge area, and the dam produced the best.   Shore anglers who fished near the deep water in the lake at the dam and near the bridge did well using worms and Power Bait. As the summer progresses, look for night fishing to become very popular with anglers. The marina docks will be a hot-spot as the fish move shallower at night after the water cools down and boating activity stops for the day. Bass and crappie fishing was still good for anglers concentrating on the submerged brush found in shallow water. Two anglers from Sutter caught a dozen crappie and a few bass on mini-jigs fished in Elmer’s Cove.  5- and 8-pound catfish were caught this past week at the dam on live bait — nightcrawlers and minnows.