2-19-2012 Report

[Feathers and Fins]

Beaver Stripers were not on the bite they Sunday they were Saturday, there were many more boats and a bright sun shining through and as any good striper angler knows the sun is not your friend.

I arrived at the lake about 12:30 and went searching out the bird flocks to locate potential feeding stripers. The birds were working over some nice size bait balls on the East side of the Marina and I managed to get to a couple of them in time to see huge balls of 4 to 5 inch threadfin shad balled up and swirling on the surface.

One out of 15 of the balls had a striper actually swirl on the bait. It was clear on the graph the stripers were below the balls but not nearly as active or interested in busting them on the surface. My brother and I fished till 6:30 and not one taker. We tried crankbaits, swim baits, A-rig and even live bait. We knew with the sun out the odds were not in our favor for a good day, but each day on the water is a learning experience.

We need another overcast day to get the stripers turned back on. I did motor up in the backs of Avoca and Prairie Creek and was surprised to see the amount of Walleye arches showing on the graph, though we did not hook-up to any we did see a few in shallow in the backs of both creeks just milling around. Most were 14 to 16 inches but did see a few well over 20 inches.

There were a lot of shad in the backs of both creeks but they were ¾ to 1 ½ inch size and all of them had bass chasing them around. We sat back there and watched the show for a little while and had a good laugh at a Blue Heron who obviously was young as he kept trying to land in deep water to catch shad and quickly realized he was in over his head. Also had a chance to watch a young deer and a squirrel having a rather heated discussion. Appears Mr. Deer was under a tree and Mr. Squirrel did not like him there as he kept screaming at him and throwing things down at him. Reminded me of Grumpy Old Men.

All in all it was a great day on the water and just enjoying nature and being blessed to be out in it. Also reminded me not to forget the cast net. I would be willing to bet had I got some decent sized shad for bait we might have had a better chance at the stripers or walleye. But that’s fishing.

[Quillback]

I was out yesterday also, but I was fishing the Indian creek area, I was targeting black bass with the A-rig, but did not get a one, I did catch a 10lb. striper on the A-rig, which I was grateful for as I haven't had a fish fry in a while. That was the only bite I had all afternoon. Talked to three guys fishing out of a bass boat, all three were throwing the A-rig, they had caught 8 bass, and had caught 20 on Saturday, so it definitely did slow down on Sunday. Beautiful day to be out, but tough fishing.

[wc1063]

I need to figure out a way not to loose them A-rigs. The cost is adding up quickly!!

[wc1063]

_{BTW, I was out there with pop at PC from around 4 to 7. Not one bite but lost 2 A-rigs.}

_{I think by the end of the year, the bottom of the lake will be full of them rigs, most of them probably from me!!}

_{Maybe I need to pick up scuba diving to recoup the cost!!}

[Stump bumper]

_{BTW, I was out there with pop at PC from around 4 to 7. Not one bite but lost 2 A-rigs.}

_{I think by the end of the year, the bottom of the lake will be full of them rigs, most of them probably from me!!}

_{Maybe I need to pick up scuba diving to recoup the cost!!}

I can give the location of two more.

[Feathers and Fins]

I can give the location of three more but im getting them back when the lake draws down lol.

[wormer]

If a fellow was lucky enough to have tomorrow off, any ideas on where he might start off? Would like to catch a couple fish does not matter what kind.

[Feathers and Fins]

Prairie Creek, If its cloudy work the mouths of Avoca and Prairie creek to the East Bouy line. I would be throwing swim baits in white or pearl. If you see birds working get to them and shut the motor down 100 yards from where they are working and start throwing swim baits toward them as you get closer throw some top-waters. If no birds are working try the points from 10ft to 40 ft depths.

[wormer]

Thanks for the starting spot. I was able to go yesterday but luck was not on my side. One of my trolling motor batteries decided to quit me. With the wind I had no chance. Still enjoyed the day out just not much fishing. I hope to get out again this weekend but that depends on the girls volleyball.

[spahog]

wc - What kind of line are you throwing those rigs on?