Can Fishing really be any better.

[Bill Babler]

I guess you could say the good times are here now, and really rolling. 

For the past 3 to 5 years this fishery has had a growth explosion on not only our brown trout but perhaps more so on the rainbows. 

We've seen multiple state record browns caught and it really seems like a slow day if the guides don't have client's catch from  1 to 3 bows catch and release per trip over 20 inches. 

 

 As a matter of fact its gotten so that my repeat clients even with catching trophy size rainbows no longer care about the certificate and the badge.   "Been there done that."

Numbers of fish in the restricted zone are unreal,  with tons of quality 16 to 19 inch fish.  They have been on a tear for the last 3 years just devouring scud patterns from size 10 to size 16 depending on flow. UV grey in bright condition and grey in cloudy. 

 

As water speed and moss flow dictate both jerk baits and small wlure crank baits can be fished with phenomenal results. Capt. Ducky has also established a night time guide service on the lower portion of the restricted zone that has produced fantastic catches. 

Yes, we have night fished the dam since it was built but Duane has opened a entire untouched portion of that zone. 

Wasn't very long ago when the bounty of a keeper brown in Phil's winter tournament took years to claim. No longer. Biggins are coming in every derby. 

 

Outside the zone from Fall Creek down for the most part can be just as spectacular. Live bait,  pink worms, you choose.   Most often if your there at the right time of day your going to be successful. 

Plentiful stockers and enough 16 plus inch fish to tickle most of us. 

Day before yesterday my 4 clients fished crawlers from Fall Creek thru Cooper Creek. They caught and released 10 fish between 18" and 21.5 inches.  Not to mention the plethora off solid keepers between 13" and 16."

I've been fishing here since the mid  1970's and did catch lots of big bows in the 70's, but not since then has this lake section of the White River produced the quality that's here now. 

 

About the only thing I can say about that is simply go out and have some fun on this spectacular fishery

Good Luck

 

[Ryan Miloshewski]

Don't think we landed more than 5 fish under 14" this weekend. Most like you said were 16-19". Truly a remarkable time for Taney.

[Bill Babler]

1 minute ago, Ryan Miloshewski said:

Don't think we landed more than 5 fish under 14" this weekend. Most like you said were 16-19". Truly a remarkable time for Taney.

You nailed it Ryan and what is so special is you don't have to be up top to catch those special sized fish. Lots are swimming below Fall Creek as well. 

[Quillback]

That is pretty neat, good to see people catching them!

So Bill, what do you think is the reason the fish are getting bigger on average?  Is it more water being released with TR being so high the last few years?

[snagged in outlet 3]

1 hour ago, Quillback said:

That is pretty neat, good to see people catching them!

So Bill, what do you think is the reason the fish are getting bigger on average?  Is it more water being released with TR being so high the last few years?

Year after year of high water

[Bill Babler]

Ya I agree almost 3 years of constant flow.  Lots of generation of the bug populations.  

[snagged in outlet 3]

And shad!

[JestersHK]

I bet a year or close to it of shutdowns and quarantines gave those fish time to get fat and big as well with less fishing pressure.

Good to see the lake in such healthy condition.  

[fshndoug]

I think that there was way more fishing pressure the last 15 months than ever before .Everyone is fishing these days. Nobody works any more.

[Bill Babler]

I agree, never have I seen this amount of pressure.   Lake is pretty much full 7 days a week and there are more guide trips than all the guides put together can take. Some of the new guides, the young ones are taking 2 to 3 trips a day. Some 4 hr . And some 2 hour trips. 
 

Jeremy Rasnick that just started guiding this year, thought he would just ease into it but has as much or more than he can handle. Way over exceeded his expectations. I’m glad, he is a great guy and very good. 
 

Endless amount of fishermen.  Has not mattered, even with the lower stocking rate these past two years, it’s still spectacular.