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This has been one of the toughest summers bass fishing I have ever had as long as I have been fishing this lake, which has been a long time.
In 95% of what I have read it seems that the only way to catch fish anymore on this lake is by either flipping or pitching jigs, worms, etc. under and behind docks. Is this what this lake has turned into? I used to be able to structure fish on the main lake fishing the ledges and point ends into the channel with regular success. That bite seems to have vanished also. Has our bass population been hurt in the previous years due to pressure. I would really appreciate Bassing Bob’s opinion as well as other pros or guides that spend their life on the lake on this topic. It shouldn’t mean giving away any secrets.
Thanks,
FrustratedGreat comment and question. First of all the health of the bass population is great and continues to get even better. This summer has been really tough however. From my own and experience and input from others, this summer has been tough for several reasons, the dam drew water creating current into August, that keeps fish relating to the main lake and points/swings that brings bait fish to them, that keeps bass from moving to summer time shade and brush like usual, also the water temp never really got super warm, that also kept fish spread out versus in usual summertime patterns and finally the shad population is off the charts good, there was no shad kill this year with warm temperatures and the shad spawn was really good. All of those combined created a very tough time for us fisherman to track them down and establish a pattern to catch em. This fall, the fish will become more predictable, moving to the backs of creeks to chase bait fish and soon on big rock banks.
It will be interesting to read other BB member responses, but I have found the bluff bite to be alive and well. That’s not to say this past summer hasn’t had some challenging days.
I’ve found the bite to be really good most of the year. I’m not sure where your are located but get the boat up on plane for 10-15 miles and change it up. We’re catching a ton of fish right now on just about everything. Main lake docks, shallow docks, bluffs, points, ect. Catching 20lbs is never easy but catching a bunch of fish that will stretch your line is easy right now.
Another idea don’t wait until the fall turnover to get on the water. Usually the lake turns over around the big bass bash,Thank you guys for all of your thoughts and knowledge. Even these replies are really diversified, just like tournament results at a weigh in, but to me there was a ton of helpful comments that will help me keep my tackle away from a garage sale. . . lol – would never happen.
Living here at the lake I knew we had no ice last year which resulted in a very low shad kill which just multiplies the food source. My little cove has had shad and bass feeding on them periodically during the day for the past month.
Hawghunter, I see your name in the headlines quite frequently and i really appreciate the input you give in this website – great stuff . . . thought out and well presented. Big help.
NickilMO – You touched on the bluff bite. I have fished a hundred different ways but have no clue as to the proper way (or ways) that you fish the bluffs? Do you do it with a slow falling presentation like a senko, fluke or with a crank, jig etc. I’d love to learn, just need a little boost on the proper way.
As I sit here at 6:30 this morning I see the same pattern coming up: Crystal clear skies and no wiind – Another perfect day for me to wonder what to try – lol Thanks again.Guys, this is Bassing Bob, I have the same tag name with Steve Hietman, also Hawghunter :). On these bluebird days, shade has worked best for me or off shore brush, 10′-15′ of water. As you mentioned their are bait fish everywhere, which is good for many patterns. Secondary points leading into those dock flipping coves have bait fish moving in and thus should be good on the bottom with no wind, with a crank bait or rattle trap with wind and even top water on an overcast day. I have heard several fisherman talking lately about a good crankbait bite. Today and tomorrow there will be some good wind, the crank bait should be a good choice, mostly on secondary points and on the flats just out side of a creek channel. Over brush is also a good choice for the crank bait bite. I have heard from one of my experts catching fish on the A-Rig along side of main lake docks. That bite may have slowed down a bit due to the dam shutting down the current. I too am interested to know more about the bluff bite and recommendations for catching them on the bluffs. Thanks for your participation guys. I will start monitoring more often. If you get a thread going and want to let me know, shoot me an email to bob@bassingbob.com or text/call me at 314-575-5545.
I hear your frustration it has been a different summer. There has not been strong patterns seems like the fish have all had different ideas on where to be and no set pattern works. I will say that the shade with a crank bait bite has been great for me lately. If you can find a dock with shade and some kind of underwater cover the fish are there on those no wind sunny days. That being said early this year the deep bite on points was the best that I had seen. Probably due to the generation. We caught them on about everything that we dropped in the water. I am hoping that with things cooling soon and days getting shorter that the topwater picks up and we can whack them at the Bash!
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