The NorCal Trout Angler’s Challenge event on Collins Lake was truly one to remember as light rain and chilly air did little to deter the over 100 anglers that attended from “putting in the work” to compete in what was to be the last event of the 2025 season.
The NTAC season had 5 events on the schedule - including a last stop of Lake Pardee, but due to boating restrictions cause by the Golden Mussel situation, that final event was canceled, leaving this Collins Lake event the last chance for competitors to qualify for the year-end championship event to be held on Collins Lake in early November.
Collins Lake was stocked in prior weeks with a substantial number of Mt Lassen rainbow trout, as was indicated by the incredible number of fish brought to the scale at weigh-in time, as over 80% of the field came in with something to brag about.
But it was Fred Tinsley that stunned the large crowd gathered at the weigh-in, as he rocked the scales with a fish that weighed an impressive 9.07 pounds, capturing the win and taking home $600 in 1st place prize money!
Fred indicated that he was trolling in some deeper areas of the lake when the fish hit, and his gear was really “put to the test” when trying to land it.
Congratulations Fred on a well-deserved victory!
In the NTAC - River2Sea youth division, it was Eli Edson and Conner Hansen that stole the show as the 2.48- and 5.71-pound rainbows they landed (respectively), earned them 1st place in both the Jr’s and Kid’s divisions!
This event saw well over 30 youth between the ages of 5 and 17 competing and having an absolute fun day on the water with their families, as the NTAC series is designed to encourage our youth to appreciate all the fun that can be had in the great outdoors.
We would like to thank all the sponsors that have helped make the NorCal Trout Angler’s Challenge the premier destination for those that want to test their trout angling skills, in a fun – yet competitive environment, and want to extend a special thank you to all anglers and families that have come out to support the series over the past 10 years.
Remember...if you finished in the the top-ten in any of the four events hosted in 2025, then you automatically qualify for the NTAC Championship event that will be held on Collins Lake on November 1st and 2nd, where the winning angler will receive a new Kayak!
See you all in November!
Angler’s Press Outdoors