Patoka Lake - Jasper IN

[squid]

Need some help on this lake.  I will be down there the last week of April for a big tournament and I have no idea what this lake has to offer.  What works best this time of year?

[SkilletSizeBass.]

I haven't fished Patoka much lately, but I bud of mine caught some on a Berkley chigger craw crazy legs in green pump. last weekend, inc. a 5lber. I've done good there in previous years on a white dbl blade spinner and a Bomber brown craw.

[squid]

thanks for the info

[Uncle Leo]

This lake has a ton of timber in it that the bass a times relate to. Pitch a jig, the water is mostly off color so use anything dark. At one time this lake was considered the premeir bass lake in Indiana but has been tough in recent years.

[sambrochill]

i talked to the guy at BassPro over here in clarksville indiana and he says he does well on spinner baits he said he normally uses a white spinner bait with a single colorado blade and i think he said his preferred weight is a 3/4 oz.

the guy i talked to does all of the demonstrations in the fish tank so i'm not really sure if thats what he really uses or if he's just trying to sell me a product

hope this helps

[Sfritr]

Part of the reason for the decline in bass fishing at this lake is directly related to the introduction of the striper population.  At one time, Patoka had the slot limit and the average fish was 2-4lbs.  However, the Stripers have put a large dent in the food chain that the LM Bass had once been the apex predator on and thrived. 

Find Weeds and you will usually find quality bass, especially in April.  I assume you are fishing the NBAA championship so I cannot give you too much advice cause I'll be there as well.  But, look for timber with weeds adjacent.  Also, the eastern half of the lake has always been productive for me in the past.  Although it will be a long haul from the launch.   

Good Luck.....

[squid]

Sfritr, be nice to me now...lol..I will be one of the Staff signing you up on registration day..lol. 

Thanks for all the info guys.  I will do what I always do.  Drive around one day and sleep the next...lol.  I will try all that you have recommended. 

I did hear that you can not fish Marina's, is that correct?

[Mr. Whipple]

That would be correct ;D See you all down there  8-)

[squid]

Humm...not much about Patoka Lake here or on their website.  Also looks like the locals don't like tournament anglers.  Should be fun.

[Rand]

I've always heard to find the grass at Patoka. Only been there a handful of times under tough conditions.

[noway]

Fished it a couple of years ago.  Skunk city.  Employee at Hoosier Hills Marina said Patoka sees sixty plus bass tournaments a year.   If you go, better throw something the bass ain't seen.