Shawnee Trail Ponds And Pits-- Need Info

[MSUFisherBear]

Hey guys, it's been a very long while since I have been on. A new job, internship, and classes has really kept me away from the water. Hopefully I can get back out there quickly.

Right now I'm looking for info on Shawnee... I'm currently without the canoe, so I won't be able to use a boat out there. I would like to know... Are anyof the ponds/pits fish able by foot? If so, are they worth fishing? I have to make a trip to Carthage on the 20th and I thought about hitting it up as its a place that's always intrigued me.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Feathers and Fins]

They are all fishable by foot some less brushy than others, Nice cats in several of the NW Strip pits.

[ollie]

F&F is right, but some aren't managed. Canoe or boat is better though.

[Evolution]

This conservation area is often overlooked but there are some gem pits and ponds, you just have to put the time into it to find out which ones are productive.

[Feathers and Fins]

I should note this time of year the place is crowded with waterfowl hunters, if you are going this time of year its best to go midweek when its not as crowded and if you see hunters in one area move to another. Normally the 4 pits on the Nw Corner dont get much pressure from hunters and the big lake doesnt either, the southern pond is heavily hunted as are the marshes. Be very careful going after any type of rain I have pulled many people out the roads deap rut fast

[ollie]

Friend of mine went rabbit hunting there just a couple of days ago, so yea, there must be some hunters going there!

[MSUFisherBear]

Thanks for all of the tips about Shawnee. I was a little worried with duck season going on. I "graduate" Friday and have to take a certification examination in Carthage next Thursday. Being as it's the birthday and hopefully the end of the road for school for a while, I'd like to celebrate for a couple of hours afterward, and I couldn't think of a better way to do so (especially since the girlfriend has to work for the day).

I had forgotten the other day that I had the old Sea Eagle inflatable kayak that I had bought when I was still in high school to hit some of the larger farm ponds back home. If it's not too windy, I may break that out to fish from. If not, I will be going it on foot. At any rate, I'd like to hook up with a big bass.

I am figuring on really slowing it down because of how cold it's been, but is there a prefered bait for the area. This time of year, I love jig fishing (my heart get's to racing when that line dances off), but I have heard that these "pits" can be a horse of a different color. Any particular version of baits (i.e. crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, soft plastics) better than the other for strip pits in general, or is it more like fishing farm ponds?

Also, I hear there are REALLY nice bluegill in these ponds and pits. Are there any crappie in these ponds? Are the bluegill active this time of year?

Finally, I really appreciate you guys warning me about the duck hunting. I scoped out the area from Google Maps and the MDC website and I think I have a pretty good peg on where I need to go to avoid the hunters and have a shot at some success.

I'll let you guys know how I do. I'll take the new Kodak camera out for some shots. Least ways, I am hoping to see some wildlife.

[ollie]

Some of the ponds are managed for Hybrid gills and some are managed for cats, and others for bass. I personally have never fished them any other time but spring and summer so I would be no help there. I do know however which ones are managed for their species.

[mic]

MSU, no input on fishing but congrats on finishing school and good luck on your test. Please post a report.

[MSUFisherBear]

Thanks Mic. I'll let you guys know as soon as I have some info on it. According to the NWS, a cold front is supposed to push through on Wednesday night. That probably will equal a cold and windy day on Thursday so who knows what it will be like. If I do get to go out, it'll probably be really downsized and super slow. I am thinking of throwing a curly tailed road runner fished under a slip bobber and reeled extremely slow. I've done well on this set-up in the winter before in some other deep lakes when probing for fish. Also, I appreciate the info Ollie. Hopefully I can get a few to bite so I can judge this a little more. I'd like to do a weekend camping trip to there or Bushwhacker later this spring and possibly with the canoe to boot. This is more of just a way to relax and unwind and celebrate a little (I can't think of a better way!)