Tip on a Lake, and Disappointment

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

 

I thought I'd share.

 

I was fishing at a local lake recently and a guy wandered down to talk.  Turns out he took fishing seriously as well, and we swapped information.

 

He told me of a local large pond/small lake he used to fish.  It's not pressured because it's harder to get to (you have to hike in).  He said he'd pulled some really nice bass out of it before moving away several year ago.

 

I knew of the large pond/small lake.  It's on land in the Salamonie State Forest.  In fact, I'd tried fishing it once, briefly, one day, and hadn't been back because I wrongly assumed it was too shallow.  (It turns out the part I was fishing was shallow, but it was deeper elsewhere.)

 

So, I went back to catch these large bass.

 

If found this:

 

Yep, that's a birdhouse that used to stand in water...

 

This was one of a couple "twin" ponds in the forest by Salamonie Reservoir.

 

I checked out the other one.  It's much smaller than above one was:

 

 

I tossed a Ned Rig into this pond and something did start carrying it away, but when I went to set the hook I had a quick fight and then it came free.  I was bummed about this first lake and I didn't really try too hard.  That second pond is hard to get to, as well.  It looks like maybe one person fishes it -- it's a lot better kept, litter-wise, than the other local bodies of water, anyway.  I saw one small container that had had worms in it.  There were no other signs that people fish this pond.

 

Two questions:

 

1.  Why would the DNR drain a producing lake?  I don't understand.  How would I get info?

2.  Assuming the drained pond/lake had bass, do you think it's a safe bet to assume its smaller twin does, too?  Would you try it again, at least?

 

I'd be interested in your thoughts, folks.

 

Regards,

 

Josh

[frosty]

Ha, that's not that small. The pond I catch some decent bass out of I can cast half way across with a spinning reel. I bet there's plenty of bass in there. Maybe not huge ones, but you might be surprised at the number of quality bass a body of water that size can hold. 

As far as draining the lake, I have no idea.  I guess it could be a multitude of reasons, from dam structure issues (if it has a dam) to invasive species. I would start with the park office and see if they can answer your questions or point you in the right direction. 

[tstraub]

I have know idea why they would drain the first lake.  As far as the second one goes, my guess is that all of the ponds at salamonie were connected to the main lake during the big flood.  Anything that swims in the river could have found its way in or out.  I would try it out for bass and throw a line out on bottom could be some monster cats or carp to fight.

Tyler

[Fish the Mitt]

As for why the DNR drained the first one, I couldn't tell you. If you're curious, call your local branch office and inquire. As for the second lake, I definitely wouldn't call that tiny. I mean, it's not huge but you'd be surprised what some small bodies of water hold. Give er' a shot!

[Catt]

We sometimes wrongly assume all waters should be maintained for bass fishing!

Here in southwest Louisiana there is a marsh that produces multiple double digit bass yearly. If the water level was maintained 10-12" higher it would be even better. It is designated by the federal government as a bird sanctuary so bass fishing takes a back seat.

[blckshirt98]

First pond can be anybody's guess why it was drained, but that second lake looks like a nice spot.  Unless it was also completely drained and refilled recently there should be some fish in there!

[Roger, The Smiling BassHole]

This looks like a fun spot to float tube!

Years ago, I fished a MUCH smaller pond with a tube, and caught a zillion half-pounders. They were fighting each other for the fly! And if one got off, another quickly grabbed hold.

About 3 years later, there weren't as many bass there, but those left were much more decent sized.

Anyway, I'd say definitely fish it! And, if possible, get out there in a tube (check the regulations, sometimes no contact with the water is allowed).

Tight lines!

[Dan Ramsey]

13 hours ago, Catt said:

We sometimes wrongly assume all waters should be maintained for bass fishing!

Here in southwest Louisiana there is a marsh that produces multiple double digit bass yearly. If the water level was maintained 10-12" higher it would be even better. It is designated by the federal government as a bird sanctuary so bass fishing takes a back seat.

Say.. Where is said bird sanctuary? 

[Catt]

1 hour ago, Dan Ramsey said:

Say.. Where is said bird sanctuary? 

Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge is located in Cameron and Evangeline Parishes in southwestern Louisiana, was established in 1937 by Executive Order No. 7780 as "a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.

[GORDO]

I would take a 6 pack, enjoy a little hike and see what happens.