The Fish Sniffer

(Oregon House) Trout fishing has been excellent, and the water conditions are primed for success. 

Kathy Hess of Collins Lake Marina said, “The lake has been blessed once again, as the end of 2012 brought a full lake with fantastic fishing The lake is starting to settle down as the influx of rain slightly muddied the waters, but nothing has deterred the fishing however as multiple fish catches are a common occurrence.”

Just ask Eric Liske, about the great fishing available now. He topped the New Year catches to date with a 11-3/4 lb. trout caught on PowerBait. 

Bank fishing has been very strong with Ken Harris of Marysville taking his 5 year- old granddaughter fishing, and she landed a 4-pound rainbow. Max Cheney and his fishing partner hooked up daily on garlic Power Bait in Elmer’s Cove while Ricardo Gomez of Oroville and friends landed rainbows to 5.75 pounds from the beach with a bonus 5.5-pound bass. The bank access near the Marina or the dam are also good options. 

Trolling is also effective with Andy and Heidi Schweitzer catching and releasing 7 rainbows while using nightcrawler by the bridge. Bruce Rasmussen pulled a Rapala for a huge rainbow at 9.25 pounds. 

In addition to rainbow trout, a few catfish and bass have been taken. Ian Halterman picked up a large whiskerfish at 4.5 pounds on sardines in Elmer’s Cove. 

The lake is full with a surface temperature of 50 degrees and a foot of visibility.