Collins Lake - Browns Valley, CA

Lake Information

Fish Species: Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, White Crappie, Lightning Trout
Collins Lake is a well-managed, 1,600-acre reservoir in Browns Valley, CA, offering year-round fishing with exceptional trout and warmwater action. The lake is known for its aggressive trout stocking program—funded by both state and private sources—which results in some of the best rainbow trout fishing in Northern California, especially from October through May. Trout commonly range from 2 to 5 pounds, with trophy fish exceeding 10 pounds not uncommon.

Shore anglers do well with PowerBait and salmon eggs, while boaters troll spoons and minnow imitations along the dam and drop-offs. In spring and summer, the lake supports a strong warmwater fishery. Largemouth bass are abundant, and spawn in the shallows in April and May. Catfish become active in summer, with night fishing near structure producing fish over 10 pounds.

Crappie and bluegill round out the fishery, providing family-friendly action near docks and submerged brush. Collins Lake features full amenities including a marina, boat rentals, campsites, and shore access. Its compact layout and consistent stocking make it an ideal destination for anglers of all experience levels.

With reliable trout plants, strong bass and catfish populations, and excellent facilities, Collins Lake is one of the top year-round multi-species fisheries in Northern California.



Latest Photos

9 lbs. 8 oz.
Mark Yanuskiewicz made this Collins Lake catch – beautiful 9.5lb rainbow trout,
7-3-2025
ere’s a limit from the end of August, Mike Chyzy caugth these five rainbow trout using a red & gold Spinner near the dam – It will be good to start seeing some more trout. T
10-9-2024
11 lbs.
8-20-2024
7 lbs. 8 oz.
Freddie Rodriguez
11-3-2023

Collins Lake Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Channel Catfish 14 lbs. 9-13-2016 View Report
Channel Catfish 11 lbs. 8-20-2024 View Report
Rainbow Trout 10 lbs. 2 oz. 4-05-2023 View Report
Channel Catfish 10 lbs. 8-05-2016 View Report
Rainbow Trout 9 lbs. 14 oz. 1-20-2022 View Report
Channel Catfish 9 lbs. 13 oz. 8-05-2016 View Report
Rainbow Trout 9 lbs. 8 oz. 7-03-2025 View Report
Rainbow Trout 9 lbs. 2 oz. 1-23-2020 View Report
Rainbow Trout 9 lbs. 3-12-2021 View Report
Channel Catfish 9 lbs. 8-05-2016 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
6-05-2025Rainbow TroutCollins Lake1000
4-28-2025Rainbow TroutCollins Lakr1000
4-21-2025Rainbow TroutCollins Lake1500
4-21-2025Lightning TroutCollins Lake500
4-14-2025Rainbow TroutCollins Lake1500


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
7-3-2025 Summer Sets in but we’re Still Seeing Trout!
Collins Lake is still pretty full- less than... more »
Collins Lake Staff
4-10-2025 Collins Lake Fishing Report
The forecast shows all week is going to... more »
Collins Lake Staff
4-2-2025 3rd annual Junior GOAF'er Trout Derby!
3rd Annual Junior GOAF'er Derby Get ready for an... more »
Collins Lake Staff
3-29-2025 The lake is on fire for trout!
The lake is on fire for trout! Power... more »
Kevin Brock
3-18-2025 Current Conditions
Current Conditions March 18th 2025 10am - 100%... more »
Collins Lake Staff

Detailed Map