Fishin' Talk

By Boots Johnson

Reports tell us the “trophy rainbow trout” planted recently at Collin’s Lake have created lots of happy anglers. Fish up to over 13 pounds have been taken. Congratulations goes out to Croix Baio, who lives in Auburn for catching the 13 pound 8 ounce rainbow. Also, kudos to the following: Jim Hunsaker, who resides in Antelope: 10 pound 8 ounce rainbow; Carrie Deteroing, who lives in Carmichael with a 6 pound trout; Morris Ball from Grass Valley a 6 pound 12 ounce rainbow and to Garbex Tai who caught a 14 pound 12 ounce catfish. More rainbows where reported taken with limits for many. Most of the trout were taken trolling. Way to go!!!

Val and I took a run up to check out creeks for the trout opener at the end of next month. Some of the streams in the Feather River tributaries are low and some of the smaller creeks are just a trickle. We anticipate June conditions for the opening the end of April.

We dropped over and down into Bucks Lake. The reservoir is low but not as bad as some. We ran into snow on the road and surrounding areas on top of the summit. The forest was wet and the grounds were soft. We saw only one boat on the lake trolling.

We were told Paradise Lake, which is located off of Coutolene Road above Paradise, receives a trout plant every year. I was not aware of a trout plant in this reservoir and had always thought it was off limits to fishing. Apparently this has changed but there is still no power boats allowed, only canoes or small boats with oars.

I have passed this lake dozens of times enroute to fish streams higher up. I was not aware of the trout plants or the bass and catfish population, and was told the water holds all species of fish, including planted brook trout. At 3000 feet in elevation I find it hard to believe trout, especially brook trout, would survive the hot summer season.

I will be checking on the above info and report on my finding in the next issue.

Closing thought: According to my friend Steve….Fishing is fishing and catching is catching…so catch!