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Rollins Lake Fishing Report | March 2026

Report by Capt. Cal Kellogg
Cal Kellogg is a Catch America pro-staff captain who has fished Rollins Lake near Colfax for more than 30 years. Shop Cal Kellogg's tackle.
What is working right now

Rollins Lake near Colfax is fishing great in March 2026 for both trout and spotted bass. Cal Kellogg boated six or seven fish in under an hour trolling a Trigger Spoon on top line and hybrid leadcore about 5 feet down. He also cast a Junior Trigger Spoon with a dab of Winter Blend. This is a pond smelt lake, so match the forage.

What is biting at Rollins Lake right now?

Both rainbow trout and spotted bass. Cal Kellogg had a fast morning, boating six or seven fish in under an hour, including a big old rainbow and several spotted bass. Rollins is a strong crossover lake, so a pond smelt imitation appeals to trout and bass alike.

What lures are working at Rollins Lake?

Trolling a Trigger Spoon in 24-karat gold and chartreuse or silver and orange drew fast strikes. Cal also cast a Junior Trigger Spoon in red and silver with a dab of Winter Blend. Spotted bass hit a Keitech swimbait fished slowly along wood.

How deep and fast is Cal trolling at Rollins Lake?

He ran a hybrid leadcore rig down about 5 feet and a top-line spoon near the surface. Trigger Spoons troll across a wide speed range, which is handy since Cal had no sonar or temperature reading. He estimated water in the high 40s to low 50s.

How do you fish for both trout and bass at Rollins Lake?

Match the predominant forage. Rollins is a pond smelt lake, so a pond smelt imitation like a Trigger Spoon or a slow-swimming swimbait will draw trout, spotted bass, smallmouth, and more. Cal fan casts a Junior Trigger Spoon over concentrations of fish, counting it down to find the depth.

What are the conditions at Rollins Lake?

Semi-stained but improving, with visibility of at least 3 feet. A low-pressure system was moving out with temperatures rising from about 50 to the upper 60s and little wind. After days of wind, rain, and snow, Cal called conditions just about perfect for a productive spring day.

Watch the full report

From the report (Capt. Cal Kellogg): I have got this spinning rod set up for top lining with a 24-karat gold and chartreuse Trigger Spoon on it, and on my other rod a silver and orange Trigger Spoon. These spoons can troll across a big speed range. This is a pond smelt lake, so it is a good pond smelt imitation. I have had six or seven fish to the kayak at this point. Big beautiful rainbow on the Trigger Spoon.

Rollins Lake March 2026 FAQ

What is biting at Rollins Lake in March 2026?

Rainbow trout and spotted bass, with a fast morning trolling and casting.

What lure works best at Rollins Lake?

A Trigger Spoon on the troll and a Junior Trigger Spoon for casting.

How deep is Cal trolling at Rollins Lake?

About 5 feet down on hybrid leadcore, plus a top-line spoon near the surface.

What is the water temperature at Rollins Lake?

Cal estimated high 40s to low 50s, with no meter reading available.

What forage do Rollins Lake fish key on?

Pond smelt, so match a smelt imitation for both trout and bass.

What did the spotted bass hit at Rollins Lake?

A Keitech swimbait fished slowly along wood and drop-offs.

How is the water clarity at Rollins Lake?

Semi-stained but improving, with at least 3 feet of visibility.

Tags: cal-kellogg rainbow-trout rollins-lake
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Sacramento River Fishing Report | August 1, 2026

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San Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | July 27, 2026

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