Local Lake - Please Help

[johnnylots]

Im trying to figure out where the fish might be located right now. I attached an aerial of my local lake. There is a channel that runs throughout the center of the lake - probably 20 feet deep - and there is a rocky dam on the lower right side with greater depths. The rest of the lake is relatively shallow under 10 feet. I fish from shore and there is no descent structure to work except the docks. The bass don't seem to be hiding under the dock yet and plus Im bored of focusing solely on the docks. But I cannot figure out where the fish are... I thought the fish would have moved out of the deepest water by now to the shallows but with little structure to fish on the bank, not sure where to go. Is time of day an issue? Ive tried fishing the dam but not really sure how to fish it - depth, size, color, etc... I also seem to lose lures on the rocks around the dam. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!

[unionman]

Yes, time of day is a major issue. It directly relates to light intensity. Bass are predators, and like all predators, they prefer low light conditions. Not sure where this lake is , but the bass are most likely done spawning. If your fishing from the bank then you should try early A.M. and dusk. Shallows with no cover get too hot for bass this time of yr. Hope this helps a little. Go get 'em!

[Nitrofreak]

The dam is where I would concentrate my efforts, I am not sure what baits you are referring to since you did not mention what you were tossing, I would toss a top water in the mornings back in the coves, unless the sun is already over the tree tops when you arive, as the day progresses I would work my way out to the dam, since you say it is very rocky there, I would start with a swim bait or a spinner and make sure the bait bounces off the rocks, work the shore paralell to where you stand.

[Jhol]

I'm land locked as well and have had the best luck finding spots that have the most shade throughout the day. This usually means hanging to the southern edge of the lake and lobbing weightless senkos to the edge of shade and slowly working them back in (wacky or t-rigged). My first few casts are usually from a ways back so i don't scare the fish holding near the shore, this has treated me pretty well over the last week. Also, I move to the next bit of shade if I haven't gotten a bite in ten or so casts. That said, I'm a noob and have never fished PA. Maybe a bass veteran can back me up/ call me out here.