Catching fish close to accesses?

[top_dollar]

I think you may hit on an important point when you said "conventional wisdom says go further from the access". Most experienced bass anglers follow that rule.  Generally you will often see kids, or non bass fishermen hammering the access, but most serious bass guys find "better" water.  My thoughts are that popular access points really dont get fished as hard as one might think.  St louis county park ponds are the way imo...both get pouned by bait guys sitting on buckets,  but thats about it.

[Hog Wally]

I've noticed guys that keep fish to eat will let them go at the ramp if they didn't catch enough to make it worthwhile. 

[MOPanfisher]

6 hours ago, Hog Wally said:

I've noticed guys that keep fish to eat will let them go at the ramp if they didn't catch enough to make it worthwhile. 

Those fish usually are not in very good shape to say the least.  I think those easy to get to places get fished a lot, but not by "fishermen", mostly by guys with a fishing pole.  Someone who can work a lure or jig may do well while a throw and wind guy might not.  And then some days those throw and wind guys catch the heck out of fish, go figure.

[Seth]

Ain't no retreads at Bell Chutes access. Nope, none at all. 

[moguy1973]

My first "big" smallmouth came on the Huzzah right along the campground while I was fishing amongst the swimmers there.  I'm guessing most people there are ignorant to the fact that fish, much less big fish, actually live there.  I've also seen a 19" smallie caught right there on the Huzzah where Dry Creek dumps in at Huzzah Valley too. 

[Blazerman]

I have said this before on this site. I believe in areas that have large groups of people gathering they usually bring food. Sandwiches, chips, fried chicken bones and everything else gets scattered around these spots. Which brings in the bait fish and you know what follows.

I have had some phenomenal fishing in the evenings in the areas with public access as people start to clear out. Including catching some really good fish.

[Griffster]

My best brown trout came at Baptist camp, right at the access.  I was getting ready to float to Cedar Grove, and was literally testing a real and lure.   About 22 inches abt 4 lbs I guess.   

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

34 minutes ago, Griffster said:

My best brown trout came at Baptist camp, right at the access

He was waiting for the stocking truck.

[Griffster]

It just left.      

 

[405z06]

On 9/18/2017 at 9:38 AM, moguy1973 said:

My first "big" smallmouth came on the Huzzah right along the campground while I was fishing amongst the swimmers there.  I'm guessing most people there are ignorant to the fact that fish, much less big fish, actually live there.  I've also seen a 19" smallie caught right there on the Huzzah where Dry Creek dumps in at Huzzah Valley too. 

Every time my buddy and I float Huzzah Valley, we pay, get our boarding pass, and then drive down to the landing to park. Form there it's an all-out sprint to see who can cast first into that area where Dry Creek comes in. It's good to get off the schnide even before they put you in a canoe