Fishing
Upcoming DAY Tournaments
Saturday May 20th:-National Bass West
Saturday May 27th: American Bass
Saturday June 3rd: American Bass
Saturday June 17: American Bass(night tournament)
Saturday June 24th:-Wild West Bass Trail(night tournament)
Fishing Tips
BASS
July and August are typically the hottest months of the year which will drive surface temperatures to the mid-low 80’s. Bass will rise on topwater baits on the gloomy cool days in June. Top water lures in shad pattern are the most effective. When shad are close to the surface, shallow cranks or scroungers with flukes work well. Mid day the drop shot or texas rig in watermelon on dark purple will be your best bet. If you are looking for that 10 pound plus bass don’t shy away from those bluegill pattern swimbaits.
TROUT
With the rise in temperatures trout tend to seek deeper waters. Looking to track down a trout or two during these months? You are going to head to the west end of the lake! Typically the southwest corner is your best bet. When the shad are up during these months take advantage of the “candy baits”. Shad is your best bait for hooking a quality holdover rainbow trout. You can always fall back on those good old nightcrawlers, they are the next best thing! Note: the bite is usually off and on all thru out the day so don’t give up too soon!
STRIPER
The striper bite has been great! As the temps rise so do the shad! Stripers will be spotted boiling all over the lake! Let these fish come to you. Don’t spook them, they will suspend quickly and this will stop the frenzy! The best baits to us when fishing boils are Zara spooks, Cordell poppers, 1oz or larger kastmasters, and shallow running scroungers or darter heads. You can also pluck a few drifting anchovies, cut mackerel or sardines!
CATFISH
Boat anglers should use nightcrawlers, anchovies or mackerel near restroom 2, the stairways along the dams, in Rawson cove, or near the wave attenuator. Look for submerged mounds and fish the side opposite to the sun. Shore anglers should fish in the third cove as it is the deepest of the shoreline fishing coves and also holds the most structure. Catfish will typically be in deep water while surface temps are cool and will gradually become shallower as temperatures increase.
PANFISH
If surface temperatures stay high the panfish bite will be excellent. Panfish will be in 5-20 feet of water along the dams and sandy banks. Best methods are Carolina or drop shot rig with half of a night crawler, mini jigs, and crickets. For bait fishing use 2Lb test with a size 8-12 hook.
*Be sure to check in with marina staff to get the most up to date info on where to go.
