nhornback

I've debated hiring a guide, might do it this spring. Due to my (lack of) confidence levels, I'm a power fisherman by default. I figure covering lots of unproductive water to find productive water is better for me than finesse fishing unproductive water slowly, but I know that cranks and spinners are rarely the best choice for most days, which leads to another question... When searching for "good" spots, how would you go about it? (pretend you dont have your honey holes already mapped out) I don't know table rock at all really, and almost every bank and pocket looks appealing if I see any sort of chunk rock or visible cover... I read about stuff like channel swing banks and transition banks, but identifying them while on the water isn't as obvious for me as what people describe it as... Once again, thanks for all the info.

I will surely spend my "tinkering" time getting a set up for the ned rig ready. Since I'm new and inexperienced, getting out in freezing conditions to fish in ways I've never done before is a little daunting. I understand its called fishing and not catching for a reason, but I want to feel confident I'm on the right track with my game plan, otherwise it's easy to get discouraged and wonder whether or not I'm totally backasswards on where and how I should be fishing...

You guys are a wealth of knowledge, thanks! What are your expectations for prespawn /spring time with the water levels and temps like they are? Early spawn or delayed?

Quillback, What areas would you target first on your search? Main lake, secondary, backs of creeks/pockets, etc? Type of bank? I've never spent any time using Ned rig, what kind of set up do you prefer for it? Rod/reel/line and type of jig/plastic? I ask lots of questions, if you didn't notice

Based on current conditions (or what conditions are coming in next couple weeks) if you were going to spend a full day or two on the water what would your game plan be? Newbie to bass fishing, and a sponge for any info I can get to further understand this awesome hobby. Hopeful that we can make this thread a recurring monthly thing to follow the seasons, and cover everything from presentation details to moon phases and barometric pressure. Would love to hear not only WHAT you would do, but WHY you would do it that way. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge, and let the debates begin!

Coming to stockton tomorrow, last minute trip. Never fish stockton and like to bass fish. Where are they relating to right now? Are they back in the backs of pockets and creeks or on points? Chunk rocks or gravel? Topwater bite or relating to bottom? Any particular bait or color that's working? Bringing the wife, so won't be out early, more of an afternoon thing...she doesn't like cold boat rides Any and all info will be greatly appreciated! Nick

This sounds like a dream scenario for a newbie like myself who is very interested in learning everything about bass fishing. Unfortunately, I work Tuesday nights. Is there a way to read the chat later on as a transcript?

Drove down and walked the point and my reserved spot that'sxlimits since I posted this. Nothing on the campground is damaged that I saw, just a lot of geese droppings EVERYWHERE. The geese have taken over, and they were not bothered by my wife walking right up to them. Keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks everyone for your input

Thanks. The guy I talked to from mill creek didn't have any answers as to what corps was going to require the lake to drop to before they opened it back up, and different people have given me different answers on how much it's dropping per day. Based on that chart, though, it'll be low enough by the 28th when I'm camping there. Never been to mill creek, heard it's amazing so I'm very hopeful it's open!

Have a site reserved at mill creek at the end of the month, but our spot is off limits until the lake level drops a few more feet... Anyone know how quickly they're dropping the water levels?

Awesome thanks! I thought it looked about 4 to 5 miles but never can tell for certain on a map. Plan on taking my sweet time and fishing every inch possible, just wanted to make sure it wasn't closer to 6 or 7 miles and still have 2 miles to go after 7 or 8 hours on the water. Nothing better than flipping critter craws into pockets on a river, can't wait.. Thanks again

Planning to float this for the first time in a few weeks and was wondering if anyone could give me info on this stretch of the river I.e. length of float, must have lures, things to look for etc. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated!

Where is SK?

Going to be fishing around point 12 this coming weekend (12/17 & 18) and was wondering if anyone had any patterns going this week? Thanks in advance!