Recent Trips

[MSUFisherBear]

Well, I haven't posted about them, but I've taken some quick/short trips recently to try to avoid being out on the water too long in this crazy heat. Here's some of the things I've found on recent trips that I hope maybe helps others.

1. Generation vs. No Generation - When they've been running units, the bass have been a little more aggressive. I've personally had success with a shallow diving crankbait (Bomber Square A has been working for me). Color hasn't seemed to matter quite as much, as both brown craw and firetiger have been working. I've also done well on smaller swimbaits. When they aren't happening to generate, I've had to SLOW DOWN. Spider jigs and the Ned Rig have worked for me. Green pumpkin has seemed to be the choice color with watermelon seed coming in second. I will say that I haven't caught big fish, but numbers have been pretty good.

2. Relation to structure - In the kayak, I don't have a depth finder, so I tend to beat the banks or shallow water. Fish seem to still be holding in those areas well. Wood seems to be the preferential location. I've noticed bass relating to typical ambush points. If the structure gives a decent break in current that the fish can hold in and wait to ambush prey moving in the current, you will likely find a fish. I've been doing well fishing this much like I would in the river. Cast beyond the structure by a good bit and work the bait back with the current past the places they should be holding. If there is no current, I've caught fish as tight to the structure as possible. If I've missed my target and thrown too wide, the success rate has dropped greatly

3. Bluegill on bed - I did take a trip a couple of weeks ago with my wife to fish primarily for bluegill. They are definitely on bed at this point. I've done really well on a tube jig (1 1/2", White/Red or Junebug) fished under a bobber by about a foot. We've caught several big bulls this way and they've put up some great fights on ultralight gear.

Hopefully I'll have the camera with me next time. I don't take the cell phone out of the dry hatch while in the kayak. 

[Nitro 750]

Great report, very good info. 

[JestersHK]

Any tips on location?  I heard they are catching a bunch of trout down by the landing, but assuming you are down further than that?

[MSUFisherBear]

Thanks  Nitro. 

I've fished some of the creeks around the landing and done well. Turkey and Roark both have been good on bass fishing for me in that area, but it seems to be a little more hit or miss than lower in the main lake. I seem to do better when they are generating in those areas.

I haven't really tried in the main lake area due to the boat traffic. I've heard bass and crappie can be caught around the landing occasionally. I'd imagine that is normally when the water is off. I'm still learning a lot about these lakes, so if I ever figure that out I'll definitely share. Hopefully guys who have a little more experience can tell you more about these.

I also haven't done much trout fishing lately, but a buddy of mine said theyve done pretty good on smaller rainbows around the landing. Ill be honest though, that's one type of fish I'm still learning about as I honestly didn't have much chance at trout fishing when I was younger. From what I know, they are fun when I do snag one.