Bassman815

Lol, I think it is ridiculous that we are not permitted to fish the dam. What are those buoys going to protect against someone wanting to destroy the d**n? And why would someone want to destroy a d**n in bernville pa..... Of all places??? There are plenty of areas in the country that allow anglers to fish the dams. Even bigger impoundments! I have caught some ginormous smallies at the dam breast and have been fined for doing so. I will pay the $180 fine for fishing there. Already have 4 times... I apologize if anyone feels this is wrong, but I'm only fishing... And I am strictly speaking leisure fishing not tournament fishing.

Phil, feel free to ask away. Use you tube to learn different techniques. It's pretty handy.

Phil, if you are a beginner at bass fishing, this is not the best lake to get started on. This lake could discourage some of the better anglers out there. Especially this time of year. In a couple weeks this lake will turn on. Take time to learn your new rig and electronics and get everything tuned in for the fall bite. Do you have a goto bait? If so what is it? Just curious.

Not knowing the electronics you have but pay attention to them. The big fish in this lake follow the bait. July, August are the toughest on this lake. The big fish either suspend around the bait or go deep. I have caught big smallies in 20- 25 ft. You can find your bank cruisers early in the morning but rarely they get over 3 lbs. but to a lot of people that is a great fish. On occasion I have had some big fish explode on top but not hooked up that may have been over 3lbs. This time of year I would hit the banks ( main lake ) with top water until 8:30 - 9:00 or when that sun is over the trees, then I'm goin deep. DD22, sexy shad #6 , lipless cranks, Texas rigged smallie beaver and jigs are what I have tied on. I've heard of people doing good on a silver buddy in and around bait balls. I have not tried personally. I don't drop shot but seems like that would be a good approach also. Good luck guy! And hope that helps!

Hey guys! I've been reading your posts and I might be able to help. I fish blue marsh probably 3 times a month and rarely get skunked. No doubt it is a tough lake, but you can definitely catch them. Fish your strengths whether it be slow with a Texas rigged worm or cover a lot of water with a crank bait. I like to fish main lake whether its crazy with weekend boaters or not. I target smallies with spooks, poppers, crank baits, lipless crank baits, jerk baits and Texas rigged plastics. Depending on the time of year dictates what I do. But no matter what I begin the morning always with top water. When that water temp hits 45 degrees the top water starts for me. Fish main lake flats , points and bluffs with poppers and spooks. While throwing a spook there is always a great chance to hook up with a striper on top. That is a blast!! If you can't take the boat traffic on the weekend your best bet is to get out early or go during the week. No point on fishing for the smallies in the dark as they rely on sight for hunting prey. But first and last light you should be throwing top water. Or you can fish the no wake zone which you will find predominately large mouth territory. There are a lot of stumps lining the banks back in these arms so crank baits, soft plastics and spinner baits are great choices. As the guy earlier said you sometimes have to just grind it out but there are some real quality smallies in this lake. Hope that helps guys.