Collins lake

I'm heading to Collins lake in two weeks for my first kayak fishing trip for several days.  I'm am also relatively new to freshwater fishing. Anyone have some simple tips on tackle to use for this place?

I'm heading to Collins lake in two weeks for my first kayak fishing trip for several days.  I'm am also relatively new to freshwater fishing. Anyone have some simple tips on tackle to use for this place?

I've had better luck with kastmasters there than anything else.

Will you be in a kayak?

I'm heading to Collins lake in two weeks for my first kayak fishing trip for several days.  I'm am also relatively new to freshwater fishing. Anyone have some simple tips on tackle to use for this place?

For trout, I've had regular success pulling broken back rapalas in fire tiger to red craw to clown colors, 2 to 2.5 mph, with a shot of garlic scent. That combo kills it every time for me. Of course you can drag flashers with a threaded nightcrawler like the old timers, too.
If they've begun to plant trout for the fall before you arrive, work the west shore from the marina, past the swimming beach, past the boat launch and cross the face of the dam, then back.
If they haven't begun to plant for the fall, look for holdovers in front of the dam in the south & up the creek arm in the north. You can always go deep up & down the main channel as well.
As for bass? I ain't got a clue.
Post your report when you get back. I'm headed up there for 5 days in early November & a little early intel would be fantastic.
Happy fishing!

Go Blue.

The bass fishing in the fall can be awesome at this lake. Anything that resembles a shad will work and there are some giant bass here.

Will you be in a kayak?

I will have my kayak and a float tube as well.  Will also put out a crawfish trap too just for fun.

Will you be in a kayak?

Will also put out a crawfish trap too just for fun.

Let us know if you find any. I've not seen 'em yet, but wouldn't be surprised if they're in there. That and I'll be there the week after you, and love crawfish, so...

ATD And RacinRob  probably have the best experience there , been there several times I don't want to go back and never got s*** spent hours on that lake trying to figure it out I must go on the worst possible days good luck

I am an old timer I guess. Threaded crawler behind Seps Micro willow leaf flashers. About 18". Next is CD 5-7 Rapala's in Rainbow trout. Rooster tail in ALL chartreuse, but they are hard to find with the chartreuse blade. Seps Micro flashes in willow leaf with 18" leader, thread a Power Bait Chartreuse worm. These all work. My best area is troll across the dam to the far corner, turn left up the east bank till you need to turn left again and turn around and go back to starting point. Lastly, use an ultra light rod. Really easy to see a touch of the bait. If they miss you can slow up or speed up to keep their attention.

Far bass?????? I would throw a Chatterbait in white or combo of. Craw colors too. Seances are always a good choice wacky.

Hope something here might help.

So just came back from collins lake and the fishing was pretty dead even tho they just planted a few days prior.  Had the kayak out for about 5 hours on Saturday and only had one bump on a yellow- black rooster tail and another on a silver kastmaster. 

Landed a small rainbow on a neon green camouflage panther Martin while fishing from the shore late Saturday afternoon.

Sunday was spent shore fishing. Nothing much all day.  Caught 2 small rainbows just floating zieks Sierra gold in chartreuse.  I did not see anybody catching any fish all day except for one 16 inch rainbow of a power bait worm near the swimming area.

My kayak will definitely not be making trips into the ocean, but will be OK for calmer waters until I can invest in a more stable boat. I am still very much a newbie to fishing, but I am in love with the peace I find and being able to take a break from the stressors  I face everyday.

Pic of the two trout caught on Sunday

Thanks for your report Blueline!  Sorry the fishing was slow for you but looks like a neat lake and great you got some time out on the yak, I added it to my list. I like that there is all year camping so I definitely look forward to a trip there!

Thanks for your report Blueline!  Sorry the fishing was slow for you but looks like a neat lake and great you got some time out on the yak, I added it to my list. I like that there is all year camping so I definitely look forward to a trip there!

It's a good place to camp/ kayak, especially off-season. During the on-season, it gets a little power boat and DUUUUUDE! heavy. Probably going to head up this weekend myself if the rain doesn't scare me and my wife away.

 

So just came back from collins lake and the fishing was pretty dead even tho they just planted a few days prior.  Had the kayak out for about 5 hours on Saturday and only had one bump on a yellow- black rooster tail and another on a silver kastmaster. 

Landed a small rainbow on a neon green camouflage panther Martin while fishing from the shore late Saturday afternoon.

Sunday was spent shore fishing. Nothing much all day.  Caught 2 small rainbows just floating zieks Sierra gold in chartreuse.  I did not see anybody catching any fish all day except for one 16 inch rainbow of a power bait worm near the swimming area.

My kayak will definitely not be making trips into the ocean, but will be OK for calmer waters until I can invest in a more stable boat. I am still very much a newbie to fishing, but I am in love with the peace I find and being able to take a break from the stressors  I face everyday.

I hit Collins from 7A to about 330P from the kayak on Sunday and landed a 18" spot & a 12" crappie off the troll in front of the dam. I lost a nice hold-over rainbow right behind the kayak. All 3 came on a rapala @ 15' down ...

I did also manage a small 10" rainbow off the shore on a yellow w/gold blade rooster tail...pretty disappointed in the 1st plant of the year up there. Hopefully they'll put some larger fish in soon.

Go Blue.