Last month was one of the mildest California Julys in recent memory with highs just brushing above the 90’s for two or three days mid-month. It’s been great a fantastic summer here at Collins Lake.
If you’ve been looking for a time to camp without the crowds you don’t have to wait till after Labor Day- Reserved weekday occupancy in the third and fourth weeks of August is currently 25% of the same weeks in July. Weekends are still fairly busy but weekdays in August look to be a treat!
The lake is currently about 17′ below spill- normal for this point in the irrigation season. The lake surface temperature is about 79°F. As we start to see it drop more an more we’re preparing a trout planting schedule- tentatively starting mid-October. In the mean time we’ve seen a few big summer catfish, crappie, redear and even a limit of trout in July.
Emma, Sara, Toto and Millie took advantage of the beautiful weather and warmer summer water to catch this chunky 10 pound catfish down by the main marina using a worm.
The Usme family caught a pair of catfish with a total weight of 11 pounds around the same place using the same bait…. so if you’re looking to catch a catfish, yeah.
Nick, Jason & Rick or Sacramento caught 21 good sized crappie using a classic crappie bait, minnows! Years ago we used to keep and sell minnows at the Collins Lake store but now you’ve got to bring your own- apparently it’s well worth the effort!
Amara (right) caught her first fish, a nice redear, on a redworm- great catch Amara! Declan (left) caught a beautiful lightning trout down below campsite #202.
Finally, Roman and Tim beat the odds, nearly catching a double limit by going a little deeper with PowerBait out in the middle of the lake. Check out the side of that lightning trout in the middle! Great job guys!
Get out and enjoy the rest of summer!
Paid WiFi is available in most of the park. Buy an access code at the General Store.