Collins has received roughly 16,000 pounds of privately stocked trout this season, a mix of trophy rainbows and lightnings planted since October. Weekly stockings are scheduled to continue through spring. The bite has been excellent for most of the season, though recent storms knocked it back briefly due to reduced water clarity. The lake is currently full, and the latest stretch of clear weather has allowed clarity to steadily improve… and the bite has picked right back up.

Limits are coming from all over the lake. Early mornings have been best on spoons and small scented swimbaits, while PowerBait has produced consistently throughout the day. The past week was capped by a fish over seven pounds. The south end has been particularly productive, though solid limits are being reported lake-wide.

Assuming weather stays cooperative, the trout bite should remain excellent through the heart of the cold season.