Xmas Tree Brush Piles

[slonezp]

Some of the lakes in KS are about as featureless as it gets. The state will often add them to shallow water to help the bass fry survival rates because in some lakes where there is literally nowhere for them to hide, survival rates are extremely low. So it isn't just to help find fish, it can really help the populations as well.

The local DNR has done this to some of the strip mine and powerplant lakes that are void of any natural structure and cover. They dropped "pvc brush" in the lakes. One cooling lake in particular has had the bass population rebound with the addition of these as well as supplemental stockings. 

[Mr_Scrogg]

Our local Dept of Wildlife accepts xmas trees at the office and they disperse them amongst the State lakes.

They even have maps that shows where the brush piles.

[Mr_Scrogg]

wwfarmer, I always find your posts informative and insightful. And it is your opinion to have that view, and I respect that.

[ww2farmer]

Some of the lakes in KS are about as featureless as it gets. The state will often add them to shallow water to help the bass fry survival rates because in some lakes where there is literally nowhere for them to hide, survival rates are extremely low. So it isn't just to help find fish, it can really help the populations as well.

 

 

My "spot" is an oxbow.  Basically where the Mississippi river flows when it is flooded out of the banks.  Otherwise it is a sand pit.  The ONLY cover is What is washed in from the river( floating trees and debris) and what I put in!

 

Jeff

I guess I am "blessed" to have lakes with abundant cover.  And I know guys illegally plant brush here to have the "spot on a spot" type deal for a competitive advantage during tournaments. Thats what ruffles my feathers, I guess if it's perfectly legal in your area, and it's improving fisheries to do so, and not "cheating" like it is around here, than have at it. I'll take back what I said as a blanket statement on planting brush as a whole, but I still feel how I feel about it for the reasons it's done around here.

[Mr_Scrogg]

For tournaments I 100% agree. Just like I have heard of pros scuba diving and placing rock piles in certain locations.

Ill have to dig, but I put a pic of one of the maps that shows piles on here before. Even though I have tge map, Ive yet found one. Lol

Asterisk is piles

[coryn h. fishowl]

I had someone (who wins a lot of tournaments) tell me to put them in a flat area between 10-12' of water that does not have any structure around it and fish will have no other place but to gravitate to.   I think he was being truthful with me but you can never tell with fisherman. Has anyone had success with pallets like this one?

I can't give any personal experience, but the pallet idea certainly looks sound, though adding some random bits of PVC or wood at odd angles inside might make it appear to be even better shelter, plus it would provide more surface area for algae growth

[Surveyor]

These 3 trees were put in the pond at least 10 years ago. I suspect my dad put them there year after year while he was still able.

There are 8 that I can see now that were probably put in one year at a time. The last one that could have possibly been placed would have been in 2003

 

 

 

[00 mod]

These 3 trees were put in the pond at least 10 years ago. I suspect my dad put them there year after year while he was still able.

There are 8 that I can see now that were probably put in one year at a time. The last one that could have possibly been placed would have been in 2003

 

 

 

 

Wow.  That is very impressive.  I guess my comment about them not being any good refers to an oxbow that gets current and that must affect their ability to stay together and last.  Even more curious is the fact your trees aren't even tied down!

 

Jeff

[Surveyor]

Jeff they are tied down with a conc. block. Just cant see it in the photo. They are about 5' maybe 6' trees.

I have the pond down 6' right now to help with weed control (water shields) and to crowd the fish so they will fatten up a bit.

I was surprised to see the trees myself along with a lot of cover I didn't know was there.

[00 mod]

Very cool.  This info should help you when the water level is back to normal!
 

Jeff

[slonezp]

Jeff, On the river system I fish, I come across a lot of trees that are tied to docks to attract crappie. Same trees are there year after year although they seem to be less "full" BTW, I'm still waiting for the gps coordinates of last years Christmas tree drop.

[00 mod]

Jeff, On the river system I fish, I come across a lot of trees that are tied to docks to attract crappie. Same trees are there year after year although they seem to be less "full" BTW, I'm still waiting for the gps coordinates of last years Christmas tree drop.

 

The trees have produced ok, but the drop from the sand bar flat with the pvc  trees and the wooden spools has been the best bet!  Just sayin!

 

Jeff

[BigBassBarry]

All of the above.  I have done cinder blocks, 5 gall buckets with quickcrete, as well as stakes driven into the ground and tied tightly. 

 

Jeff

Jeff, I am planning to sink these pallets flat.  I have stapled mainly plastic binding from packages to simulate grass.   I will let you know how they work.  if they work it will cost me staple thats it.

[BigBassBarry]

 It's illegal in NYS, and I wouldn't do it if it were legal. Personally I think it's pretty sad if you can't find and catch fish on the natural cover and structure of the lake and have to resort to planting brush to make your own secret fishing spots.

I know just because everyone is doing something does not make it right. but those that are winning tournaments consistently in my neck of the woods either know where natural structure is or have planted structure.  Sure the bank beater can get lucky and win a tournament every now and then. but the guys that win consistently are finding fish on some sort of structure either planted or natural.

[Basshammer]

For some smaller ones a few bricks will do but mostly i use cinder Block and clothes line which has rubber coating on it seems to last longer.

[cbass12]

Our local Dept of Wildlife accepts xmas trees at the office and they disperse them amongst the State lakes.

They even have maps that shows where the brush piles.

 

The county parks and rec here accepts them and puts them in their lakes. When I used to fish SMP lake we would catch a good amount of fish out of them.