I need help with my local lake

[DevinH]

Hello I’m a 16 year old kid fishing out of a decked 14 foot jon boat. I recently fixed up the boat as a project. The past 2 days I was on the water. All that happened was I lost one dink. I’m scratching my head because I don’t know what to do. I threw everything I have. I fished the banks the whole time. I spent some time dragging Texas rigged soft plastics over man made structure. I’m stumped. Can anyone help? Its a week or two beyond spawn now. I have a garmin striker 4 on the boat if that helps. 

[BrianMDTX]

It would help if you gave some more info. What state/locality? Name of the lake? 

[WRB]

Knowing the region you are at helps to determine what type of bass; Largemouth, Smallmouth or Spotted. You don't need to go beyond the basic location like the state. It also helps to know if you are fishing a small lake, pond or larger body of water or a river.

You did mention post spawn ( 2 weeks after the spawn ) and that is helpful.

Post spawn female bass rest to recuperate from spawning and may not chase anything but may react to something in front of them like a Senko. Male post spawn bass are more aggressive and guard their fry for awhile. Baby bass color and smaller size lures that imitate baby bass are good choices.

Bluegill should be spawning and bluegill imitation lures worked around beds and deeper breaks can also be good.

Tom

[dodgeguy]

Typical post spawn bass behavior. Senko and Ned rig are good baits to try. Fish them SLOW. Or fish at the first drop off for recovered females.We are post spawn here in southern NY. I did manage 12 bass yesterday but they were all scattered.traveled like 7 miles to do it.my best bait was a wacky rigged senko in pink.

[RoLo]

 

I see nothing unusual about your experience.

And at age 16, you've got plenty of time to conquer any challenge.

 

As always, the best place to begin is with 'location', and in your current case: post-spawn location.

At this stage of the game, I wouldn't overindulge in tackle, line, lures, colors ~ ~ ~

Though we know the species and season, it's also helpful to know the latitude (north or south),

lake type (natural lake or impoundment), predominant cover (weeds, wood, rock) and water clarity.

 

Roger

[DevinH]

I’m from western pa. I’m fishing the quemahoning dam. It is a fairly big lake with the deepest spot being 120ft. It is very clear as it is fed my a spring. There’s a variety of structure. I found a really nice rock ledge that dropped off from the bank directly to 10-15 feet of water. The lake also has a ton of man made structure. Porcupine cribs/pallets and spider humps. I spend most of my time in submerged trees. I might try another lake this week called Shawnee. Smaller and shallower. 

Edited June 13, 2020 by DevinH

[DevinH]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

Knowing the region you are at helps to determine what type of bass; Largemouth, Smallmouth or Spotted. You don't need to go beyond the basic location like the state. It also helps to know if you are fishing a small lake, pond or larger body of water or a river.

You did mention post spawn ( 2 weeks after the spawn ) and that is helpful.

Post spawn female bass rest to recuperate from spawning and may not chase anything but may react to something in front of them like a Senko. Male post spawn bass are more aggressive and guard their fry for awhile. Baby bass color and smaller size lures that imitate baby bass are good choices.

Bluegill should be spawning and bluegill imitation lures worked around beds and deeper breaks can also be good.

Tom

I’m from western pa. I’m fishing the quemahoning dam. It is a fairly big lake with the deepest spot being 120ft. It is very clear as it is fed my a spring. There’s a variety of structure. I found a really nice rock ledge that dropped off from the bank directly to 10-15 feet of water. The lake also has a ton of man made structure. Porcupine cribs/pallets and spider humps. I spend most of my time in submerged trees. I might try another lake this this week called shawnee

 

•  

[Dminor9]

Wow Devon, I grew up in western Pa and had fished Shawnee a lot when I was younger. Like mid 1970's. I grew up in Johnstown and actually worked in the Bethlehem steel mill for 5 years before the flood in 1977. I have since moved to Texas and been here for 30 plus years. The Quemahoning Dam is in Somerset. Never fished it though. When I fished Shawnee, I did catch a lot of bass. We used night crawlers and crawfish we used to catch in Shawnee with nets. If I recall, live crawfish we caught there and used for bait slayed the bass. Maybe try some crawfish plastics on a shakey head worked slowly on the bottom. Western PA. is very pretty country. Good fishing, at least when I was younger. A lot could have changed over the years. Nice to hear from someone form my old stomping grounds so to speak. Good luck fishing!

[DevinH]

2 hours ago, Dminor9 said:

Wow Devon, I grew up in western Pa and had fished Shawnee a lot when I was younger. Like mid 1970's. I grew up in Johnstown and actually worked in the Bethlehem steel mill for 5 years before the flood in 1977. I have since moved to Texas and been here for 30 plus years. The Quemahoning Dam is in Somerset. Never fished it though. When I fished Shawnee, I did catch a lot of bass. We used night crawlers and crawfish we used to catch in Shawnee with nets. If I recall, live crawfish we caught there and used for bait slayed the bass. Maybe try some crawfish plastics on a shakey head worked slowly on the bottom. Western PA. is very pretty country. Good fishing, at least when I was younger. A lot could have changed over the years. Nice to hear from someone form my old stomping grounds so to speak. Good luck fishing!

That’s so cool to hear! Small world they say! Thank you and good luck fishing to you too! 

[WRB]

Looking at your lake There is a overhead sat map buy no detailed underwater elevation details. The terrian looks hilly not mountainous. I would classify this lake a hill land, not a high land. What does that mean? It means the terrian isn't steep, more sloping banks.

Lets divide this lake into 2 parts, the upper 1/2 and lower 1/2. The lower bald is the dam end with 1 creek arm and a cuase sa with out let. The upper half has a few coves on the left side, a point on the right with a cove and inlet at the upper end.

Upper end coves and small points on the left side should be where post spawn bass are located. The point and cove in the right side is another similar pistol spawn location.

Tom

[DevinH]

6 minutes ago, WRB said:

Looking at your lake There is a overhead sat map buy no detailed underwater elevation details. The terrian looks hilly not mountainous. I would classify this lake a hill land, not a high land. What does that mean? It means the terrian isn't steep, more sloping banks.

Lets divide this lake into 2 parts, the upper 1/2 and lower 1/2. The lower bald is the dam end with 1 creek arm and a cuase sa with out let. The upper half has a few coves on the left side, a point on the right with a cove and inlet at the upper end.

Upper end coves and small points on the left side should be where post spawn bass are located. The point and cove in the right side is another similar pistol spawn location.

Tom

Okay thanks for the advice! In general what should I look for as if I were to go to another lake? Start at a cove and work out to the point if there’s one at the cove? What should I be throwing? Texas rigged soft plastics with a bullet weight, jigs, square bill or deep crank bait? 

[rtwvumtneer6]

7 hours ago, DevinH said:

I’m from western pa. I’m fishing the quemahoning dam. It is a fairly big lake with the deepest spot being 120ft. It is very clear as it is fed my a spring. There’s a variety of structure. I found a really nice rock ledge that dropped off from the bank directly to 10-15 feet of water. The lake also has a ton of man made structure. Porcupine cribs/pallets and spider humps. I spend most of my time in submerged trees. I might try another lake this week called Shawnee. Smaller and shallower. 

There is a tournament scheduled for Shawnee on Saturday 6/20 7am-3pm launching from the in-park ramp. As far as I know, it's still a go.  The lake is only about 450 acres and usually draws 40 or more boats.  With it being the first points event of the year, and with the unique situation over the last few months, it could be more traffic than usual.  Not trying to chase you away, just a friendly heads up as you make your plans. 

[rtwvumtneer6]

5 hours ago, Dminor9 said:

Wow Devon, I grew up in western Pa and had fished Shawnee a lot when I was younger. Like mid 1970's. I grew up in Johnstown and actually worked in the Bethlehem steel mill for 5 years before the flood in 1977. I have since moved to Texas and been here for 30 plus years. The Quemahoning Dam is in Somerset. Never fished it though. When I fished Shawnee, I did catch a lot of bass. We used night crawlers and crawfish we used to catch in Shawnee with nets. If I recall, live crawfish we caught there and used for bait slayed the bass. Maybe try some crawfish plastics on a shakey head worked slowly on the bottom. Western PA. is very pretty country. Good fishing, at least when I was younger. A lot could have changed over the years. Nice to hear from someone form my old stomping grounds so to speak. Good luck fishing!

Shawnee is producing some quality fish.  Guys who have been around longer than I have say it's not as good as it was, but it's getting there.  I won a partner tournament there in 2018 with a 3 fish bag that was 13# 7oz.  The craw deal makes sense.

 

@DevinH load up on senkos, rage bugs and beavers if you make it out there.  

[DevinH]

9 hours ago, rtwvumtneer6 said:

Shawnee is producing some quality fish.  Guys who have been around longer than I have say it's not as good as it was, but it's getting there.  I won a partner tournament there in 2018 with a 3 fish bag that was 13# 7oz.  The craw deal makes sense.

 

@DevinH load up on senkos, rage bugs and beavers if you make it out there.  

What’s the best way to fish senkos, rage bugs and beavers? Weightless Texas rigged or weighted?

[dodgeguy]

I have the best results when I wacky rig a senko. The other 2 get Texas rigged but I don't peg the weight.

[rtwvumtneer6]

36 minutes ago, DevinH said:

What’s the best way to fish senkos, rage bugs and beavers? Weightless Texas rigged or weighted?

Let the grass tell you how much weight you need to penetrate.  1/8-1oz flipping weights should cover the creature baits.  I try to throw the senko more on grass edges weightless, or with as little weight as possible. 

[DevinH]

54 minutes ago, rtwvumtneer6 said:

Let the grass tell you how much weight you need to penetrate.  1/8-1oz flipping weights should cover the creature baits.  I try to throw the senko more on grass edges weightless, or with as little weight as possible. 

Have you ever fished Wilmore? I haven’t heard too much about it but it’s closer to me that Shawnee. Closest is the quemahoning then willmore and Shawnee are about the same distance. 

[rtwvumtneer6]

1 hour ago, DevinH said:

Have you ever fished Wilmore?

Nope.  I fish Shawnee, High Point, Yellow Creek and Glendale most often.

[DevinH]

51 minutes ago, rtwvumtneer6 said:

Nope.  I fish Shawnee, High Point, Yellow Creek and Glendale most often.

I’m actually camping at Glendale next weekend. Any good spots I should try? I know fisherman have secrets so if you don’t want to reveal them that’s okay. 

[PhishLI]

2 hours ago, DevinH said:

I know fisherman have secrets so if you don’t want to reveal them that’s okay. 

This isn't a secret: Fish the shadows. If there's a single Lily pad or a random twig sticking up in the middle of nowhere then drop your bait on the side of it where a shadow is cast. Whether the moon or sun is up, there will be shadows. Always fish the shadows first. Mix up your baits, rate of fall, and retrieve. The fish will tell you what they want.

[rtwvumtneer6]

Pretty decent amount of info available on Prince Gallitzin:

 

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/PrinceGallitzinStatePark/Pages/Fishing.aspx

 

I haven't gone yet this year but if it was me I'd launch from the area I have circled.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

IDK if your having trouble finding fish or just getting them to commit.  First thing I can say is fish the morning and evenings if you can.  The moon can play a huge roll to but just worry about the sun for now.  Big water mean fish spread out but most of the fish will be in similar areas.  I would use a searchbait (something that covers water fast) like a chatterbait, crankbait, spinnerbait or swimbait.  Try 3.3 or 3.8 keitech on a keel weighted EWG and just hit high percentage areas like transitions, points, wood, bridges anything that fish would use for cover.  If you start catching fish try to look for a pattern of where your catching them, are you catching them near the top or bottom are they hitting on the fall or on the retrieve are they deep or shallow in cover or out of cover.  If 3 of 5 fish are caught on grass lines near structure or hard bottom look for areas that share the same features and start picking those spots apart.  Try to figure what the fish want to eat (are they eating craws or baitfish?) and when they eat it, like if your hits are mostly on the fall wacky rig a senko and just kind of yo yo it back.  If you just cant seem to find any fish that want to eat reach for that spinning rod and go with a small keitech, drop shot, or ned rig.  Some people act like spinning gear is for sissies but the reality is sometimes the fish are lethargic or line shy and you have to really go to light line and a small bait to catch anything.  Drop Shot, small swimbaits , neko, and ned rigs put up good numbers and if you catch enough fish eventually your going to get a few good ones.  Everyone has bad days, don't ever forget that, so dont get discouraged by a tough day.  Ive been fishing for about 25 years since I was 4 and my dad didn't really fish so I had to learn as I went which isn't easy, todayyou have some excellent resources like forums and Videos.  Good luck bud.

[DevinH]

On 6/24/2020 at 4:41 PM, Rusty_Shackleford said:

IDK if your having trouble finding fish or just getting them to commit.  First thing I can say is fish the morning and evenings if you can.  The moon can play a huge roll to but just worry about the sun for now.  Big water mean fish spread out but most of the fish will be in similar areas.  I would use a searchbait (something that covers water fast) like a chatterbait, crankbait, spinnerbait or swimbait.  Try 3.3 or 3.8 keitech on a keel weighted EWG and just hit high percentage areas like transitions, points, wood, bridges anything that fish would use for cover.  If you start catching fish try to look for a pattern of where your catching them, are you catching them near the top or bottom are they hitting on the fall or on the retrieve are they deep or shallow in cover or out of cover.  If 3 of 5 fish are caught on grass lines near structure or hard bottom look for areas that share the same features and start picking those spots apart.  Try to figure what the fish want to eat (are they eating craws or baitfish?) and when they eat it, like if your hits are mostly on the fall wacky rig a senko and just kind of yo yo it back.  If you just cant seem to find any fish that want to eat reach for that spinning rod and go with a small keitech, drop shot, or ned rig.  Some people act like spinning gear is for sissies but the reality is sometimes the fish are lethargic or line shy and you have to really go to light line and a small bait to catch anything.  Drop Shot, small swimbaits , neko, and ned rigs put up good numbers and if you catch enough fish eventually your going to get a few good ones.  Everyone has bad days, don't ever forget that, so dont get discouraged by a tough day.  Ive been fishing for about 25 years since I was 4 and my dad didn't really fish so I had to learn as I went which isn't easy, todayyou have some excellent resources like forums and Videos.  Theres an excellent channel called Tactical Bassin.  There both great but Matt breaks things down so that anyone can understand.  They also have gear guides which are great half the battle is knowing what you want when it comes to gear.  Good luck bud.

I’ve been pounding fish with a drop shot. Not on the same lake but I’ve been fishing dense piles of weeds in anywhere from 5 to 15 feet of water. Lots of fun just catching any bass. Size is nice but I’m satisfied with smaller ones. I’ve watched a lot of Matt. Thank you for the tips!!