Fishing a former gravel pit

[BigmouthForever23]

Hey fellas,

 

I signed up to fish a new lake this year. It's a former gravel pit and I've never really fished a lake quite like it. I was intrigued last year when I found a picture online someone posted of a giant bass he caught out of the lake. Check out the pic, I wasn't aware bass get that big near me (northern burbs of Chicago). Anyway, although I've caught plenty of bass, I haven't caught one even over 2 pounds.

 

If anyone is interested, here's a summary report on the lake: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14164/2015-Lake-Minear-Report-PDF

 

Could this be an instance where a lake has very few big bass and mainly small stunted bass? I wouldn't consider myself an expert bass fisherman by any means, but I've caught my fair share of 3-5 pound bass. A lake I grew up fishing near this one, I've caught plenty that size. But I've gotten frustrated over the years due to the crazy ski boats that dominate the lake. This new lake however has very low traffic and 10 hp max. Unfortuently, I just haven't been able to find any decent size bass.

 

Any tips on where I could try? I also attached a map of the lake. Unfortunately, the west side shore of the lake is not open to fishing as it's private to the homeowners but everywhere else is fair game. One thing I noticed about the lake is the massive amount of structure. 5 feet out from shore and it drops like a rock. There's practically no surface vegetation. No docks but decent amount of fallen wood. There's a few raised islands throughout the lake. Any help would be much appreciated.

[jimmyjoe]

   When someone posts a pic of a good-sized bass, don't believe anything they say about location.    jj

[WRB]

Very unusual topography for a gravel pit lake.

Islands for one thing may have been reconstructed and should be ideal locations. The square area and straight walls more typical of a pit lake.

The fact you can fish this lake from a boat is very helpful.

I would start by trolling a deep diving crankbait that runs 10’-12’ in crawdad colors all the around the deeper wall sections and islands watching my sonar unit for baitfish, bass and any boulders or other structure elements like rock piles. 

After surveying the lake then pick apart any areas with fish using jigs and worms. 

If you can fish at night then big worms, jigs and rat wake bait should produce any larger size bass in this lake.

Tom

[BigmouthForever23]

Thanks WRB. Haven't posted here in a while but I was hoping you'd see this. You were helpful years ago when I posted about a different lake in my neighborhood (stunted bass, very shallow flat bottom, no vegetation/lack of structure etc.)

 

I will try what you mentioned. Never really use crankbaits but I think it's worth a shot here. Also, forgot to mention this lake's water quality is very good. Much clearer than I'm used to fishing. Maybe I should downsize my line? I typically use 14 lb mono for topwater and 17 lb flouro for worm/senkos.

1 hour ago, jimmyjoe said:

   When someone posts a pic of a good-sized bass, don't believe anything they say about location.    jj

LOL, possibly but not in this case. The background is definitely this lake.

[813basstard]

I must say you up north bass fisherman have grit.

 

Fishing long and hard for 2-3 pounders would eventually wear me out.

 

Id chase something else like sturgeon or steelheads or meth..

[DitchPanda]

19 minutes ago, 813basstard said:

I must say you up north bass fisherman have grit.

 

Fishing long and hard for 2-3 pounders would eventually wear me out.

 

Id chase something else like sturgeon or steelheads or meth..

Yep it can be challenging for size up here. Last year by this time I had 3 bass north of 6lbs...one was actually around 7. Also has several others around 5. My best bass this year is just under 4.5 and we just had a big fish kill in a local pond I usually catch big one in during fall. Oh well still beats work. Could also do what you said and turn to life ruining drugs.

 

[jimmyjoe]

1 hour ago, BigmouthForever23 said:

LOL, possibly but not in this case. The background is definitely this lake.

 

Well, scratch that idea then! Maybe I'm just too cynical in my old age.  ?    jj