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.
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.
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 Date | Species | Source | Total Pounds |
6-05-2025 | Rainbow Trout | Collins Lake | 1000 |
4-28-2025 | Rainbow Trout | Collins Lakr | 1000 |
4-21-2025 | Rainbow Trout | Collins Lake | 1500 |
4-21-2025 | Lightning Trout | Collins Lake | 500 |
4-14-2025 | Rainbow Trout | Collins Lake | 1500 |
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


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