![]() It was pretty cool watching anglers weigh in fish, as other guys continued to fish just a few yards away. So much so that the waters of the lake were a scant few yards away from the NTAC weigh in station that was situated at the top edge of the swim beach. The hills are radiant and green and almost all of the swim beach is under water. ![]() Of course, I knew the lake was full, but I couldn’t wait to see for myself and what a sight it was. This spring I hadn’t had a chance to visit Collins prior to tournament day. The lake was a shadow of its former self with lots of its bottom exposed and areas where I’d caught quality trout and bass high and dry a long rifle shot from the drought shrunken waterline. I’ve got to admit that over the past couple years, with the state locked in the grips of a devastating drought, it was tough to look at my beloved Collins Lake. I’ve been fishing at Collins Lake and turkey hunting on the ridges that surround the lake for well over 20 years and it’s become one of my favorite destinations. He the winning rainbow on an orange Kastmaster tossed off the bank. Matt VanSickle took the top spot in the adult division during the April 8 NTAC tournament at Collins Lake. This in itself is a testament to both the popularity of Collins Lake as well as the loyalty and enthusiasm of the anglers that participate in NorCal Trout Angler’s Challenge events. While the event didn’t draw its usual 300 plus participants, nearly 200 anglers did turn out. Talking with tournament director Vince Harris in the hours leading up to the event he expressed concern that with the tough conditions, crowds would be light. The night before the event featured big rain, big wind and in some areas raging lightning and thunder as cold air masses pushing in from the Pacific clashed with the warm air that had taken up residence over the north state in the preceeding days. A couple days before the tournament things changed, foothill temperatures dropped and rain swept in. The week prior to the event the weather was pretty decent, fairly warm and free from precipitation. This is how the conditions were leading up to the 4th annual Collins Lake spring NTAC tournament on April 8. She grew up bilingual in German and conversational in French.It’s been a familiar story this spring: a small window of fair warm weather punctuated by days of wind, rain and chill. She frequents Mammoth Lakes and Mountain for hiking, biking & skiing and for her dogs to frolic in the snow and lakes. She runs, stand-up paddles and skis - both alpine and x-country. Erika’s passionate about animals and outdoor adventure. She’s often written about Saddleback Church and Pastor Rick Warren’s emerging national and global roles. Since joining the Register in 2001, she’s at times covered every city in South Orange County delving into development, housing, transportation, county government and social issues. Her monthly Everyday Hero feature does just that, highlighting achievements of some of Orange County’s most dedicated volunteers and non-profit leaders. Journalism allows Erika’s penchant for telling human stories of conflict, struggle and joy. Erika’s covered military change of command and seen military affairs firsthand from the sea aboard a battleship, air from a MV-22 Osprey, and land including Pendleton’s International war games and San Clemente Island’s ordnance ranges. ![]() She’s won many awards including first place in news (2016) by the Orange County Press Club for her coverage of record numbers of whale entanglements off the California coast. She explores everything from coastal access, environmental issues and marine life to city government, animal welfare and quality of life. Erika Ritchie reports on South Orange County coastal communities, military issues and Camp Pendleton for the OC Register.
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