Fishing Report

[Phil Lilley]

After the report of shad being seen below the dam, I had to go out and see for myself. I put the boat in at the dam and boated to the cable.

Is there shad? Yes. What I saw- 4 shad on the surface and another being gulped by a trout.

First fish I caught... I was against the bank on the south side of the lake at the cable- parked in the eddie... was a 2-pound white bass. I thought, "oh boy- supper!!" and then I remembered we're going out this evening. That's ok- only caught the one so I released it. I got several short bites there and caught one small rainbow- left and drifted down throwing the 1/8th oz white jig. Caught a couple more rainbows but by no means did I tear them up.

Back to the cable and the north side at the cable. Fish were more active there but still no hookups, only short bites. Drifted another 3 times to the boat ramp and boated 6 rainbows, one in the pic. Had a hold of a larger rainbow, very fat, and lost it at the boat.

Here's what I think- there are a few shad coming thru the dam. I don't think they're making it down very far before getting eaten by the gulls and fish. And there's not enough to cause a big feeding frenzy... one like you'd expect during a shad run. But I think it will happen- I think we'll see shad for a few weeks and fish will get accustomed to seeing shad and eating them. I think the fishing will get real good and stay hot for the next couple of months.

White bass- it's not unusual to see whites, blacks and even crappie close to the dam in certain eddies during hard, continuous generation. This especially occurs when the flood gates are going.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Nice report Phil.

Anybody gonna be around Sunday and Monday fishing? I'm thinking of driving down and sleeeping in the truck.

Phil, is it worth trying to get in on the shad bite from shore with water running? Maybe around the first chute? Do you sell shad flies?

I came down a few years ago when the water was coming over the top of dam and we rented your bass boat. We heard the water was coming over the top and drove down the next morning. We had a hey day on em. Spin fished with white jigs and just caught em all day. I can't remember all the different species that were caught, (whites, largemouth, smallmouth) but it was awesome.

SIO3.

[Whodat]

I woundn't lie to Phil A white bass Anyway your place down there is beautiful. I will be down friday with the son at the dam. Boy's Ladies, Happy Valentine's Day!

[Phil Lilley]

I'd fish from either corner at the cable from the shore. Both places- you can fish effectively with jigs and small crank baits. Not sure about fly rod.

We carry bunnies, double bunnies and white woolies.

[perchjerker]

This is the old perchjerker.If any one sees two fat boys fishing Sun.,Mon.,& Tues.it's myself and big bro Skip Smith.We'll be stopping by Lilley's to see if any hats are left.Hopefully we will get wading and some boat fishing above Fall Creek.Just look for a green & gold Lund.It would be nice to meet some of you guys.Do'nt worry about us putting to big of a dent in the population,maybe a couple for a meal up at the Candles.Keep the big end of the waders out of the water. Say Bye...

[LASGTA88]

where is the best place to fish from shore in the trophy area gettin there by vehicle?? we are renting a boat from our lodge, Trout Hollow but sometimes not able to get to trophy area by boat.. any help would be VERY appreciated.. i leave Friday morning at 8am.. cant wait to get down there.. thanks VERY much

LA

[duckydoty]

I'll be down there Friday night and Sunday or Monday night.

Duckydoty

[Phil Lilley]

The water is going to be running everyday so you won't have any problems getting a boat to the dam, unless the policy at TH doesn't allow it.

The outlets are the best. DD can stir you in the right direction if you're going to meet him there.

[Whodat]

Phil is there anyway to pattern the whites or they just up there for the shad?Comming down tomorrow to try it again!

[Seth]

I'll be down there all day Saturday and Sunday morning till noon probably with a buddy and maybe his dad too. I'll be wearing some green neoprene waders that have a big patch of white goop on the left knee pad. If you see the white patch, give me a holler.

If my friends father takes his boat, then we will be up in the trophy area in a silver aluminum Legend with a 40 horse on the back. Just look for a big guy and two smaller fellers in it.