Lake Moomaw

[heyitskirby]

Taking my dad to Lake Moomaw for Father's Day. Got two questions....

1. I can't find a map anywhere...anyone know where I can find one?

2. Obvious...anyone have any suggestions? Should I target one particular species? Throw for whats biting? Bass or trout? Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Wayne P.]

The largemouth will probably be in some or all of the spawning stages. Check the cove where the beach/campground is where the shoreline is not steep.

Are you lauching at Fortney Branch, picnic area near the dam, or Bolar Flats?

[Wayne P.]

The blue areas on this map are largemouth spawning areas. There may be a few smallmouths around too.

[heyitskirby]

Since about the easiest place to stay the night before appears to be Covington, we plan on launching from Coles Point.

Thanks for the info.

[Nitrofreak]

If you go fishing for trout look about 20 to 30 feet deep and you will most likely pull out a citation or come close to it a friend of mine does it almost every year there, As far as the bass go Waynep has some great info but I have had success staying out 20 or so yards from the shore and fishing a little deeper with trick worms and small crank bait's where all of those bedding area's are on the map.

As for a detailed map or topo. map you should be able to find one at any state park office, I found mine at (Douthat) (I think that's how it is spelled) state park or pay a visit to your local welcome center and I think there is a web site but I will check and see if my friend can help, I'm not sure what the web address is If he has it I will pm you.

[5bass]

Everytime I go there this time of year I fish in Big Lick. You have to put your boat in the trees and cover the water column from top to bottom. Keep your eyes focused on the bottom where you can see it and you'll most likely spot some bass cruising around.

[Wayne P.]

Just past the NO WAKE (maybe 50 yards) bouy in Big Lick where the creek channel swings close to the right shore, the trout (sometimes smallies) can be caught on topwater poppers and Swimming Images during mid day.

[Nitrofreak]

Really, thats cool I never tried that!!

[heyitskirby]

Good tips, thanks again for the advice. 

[Wayne P.]

You can tell the topwater action is about to happen if you see the shad schools on the surface. The water depth in the channel is about 50'.

[Nitrofreak]

Awsome thanks I will be going soon and I will try that out.

[heyitskirby]

You mention poppers, will stickbaits get em goin too?

[Wayne P.]

The Swimming Image is a sort of stick bait. I use it because I can cast it a lot farther than a conventional stick bait when chasing schooling fish.

I guess a conventional stick bait will work with casting limitations, but I have the right tool for the situation.

[heyitskirby]

The Swimming Image is a brand then?  Not something I've heard of...

[Wayne P.]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_12355_100005000_100000000_100005000_100-5-0

It works quite well on the tidal Potomac also.

[heyitskirby]

Coming up next weekend!

Got a couple of those swimming image lures.  Any new info on activity, what to expect?

[heyitskirby]

Skunked.

Threw everything we had at them and all they gave back were a couple of bites. 

Did see a bear swimming across the lake at one point and great scenery, so we still enjoyed the trip.