COLLINS LAKE: All 12 of their net pens of trout were opened on May 1. The DFW also planted 1000 pounds of trout on May 8 and another 1000 with trophy trout on May 13, plus they received a DFW trout plant that week, so the place is plugged up with trout.
FEATHER RIVER: Flows increased to 3,000 cfs, improving shad fishing at the Outlet. Lots of spring-run salmon are stacking up at the Outlet, but they are off-limits until mid-July. Striper fishing has been slow on the lower half of the river.
FOLSOM LAKE: Boat ramps at Brown’s Ravine, Folsom Point and Granite Bay are open, but very crowded. Rattlesnake and Peninsula remain closed. Limits of planter rainbows are being caught on Uncle Larry’s spinners or Speedy Shiners near Browns Ravine and Granite Bay. Fishing is slower for landlocked kings. Bass fishing is very good in shallow water. Water levels are up 2 feet from a week ago, at 448 feet of elevation. The lake is 17 feet from full pool. The water temperature is up to 74 degrees
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Red Bluff to Colusa: Shad fishing is very good above Colusa, especially near Princeton and Hamilton City. Most of the stripers are schoolie-size fish, with an occasional bass in the mid-teens. Minnows are working well, but are getting harder to find. Sturgeon continue to bite after this year’s big spawning migration.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Verona to Colusa: Stripers are being caught near Verona. Shad fishing is fair near Verona. Fishing has been very good for catfish for anglers using jumbo minnows near Knights Landing, where sturgeon also are still biting.
LAKE ALMANOR: Plentiful insect hatches have the trout fat, and they are being caught in the top 15 feet of water early, dropping lower after the sun is up. Troll lures at 2.8 mph early, worms and Gulp! Baits at 1 mph later. Canyon Dam is the only public launch ramp open, and the fish are hanging in the Big Meadows area.
The weekly fishing report, compiled by Western Outdoor News, highlights the best angling opportunities in the north state. The report is limited during the COVID-19 pandemic, but will return in full form soon.