i cant find the fish

[bassinandrew88]

i have recently started fishing a new pond in my area, i call it a pond its actually probably considered a small lake i dunno its about 50-60 acres it is a conservation lake but is known to produce, i have noticed alot of bobber and worm fisherman catching brim and to be honest have only seen 4-5 other actual bass fisherman, but the thing about it is no boats allowed on it, but in my opinion its not necessary because most of the structure is fishable from the shore(i have checked with the cons. agents they purposely set it up this way) but i just havnt been able to get the bites consistently, the water is in the 75+ range and deep into the post spawn, but i cant seem to find the fish, it is a rocky bottom with alot of cattails and primrose patches and alot of sunken trees ranging from twiggy sapplings to a couple of full grown oaks that have fallen into the water all withing 30 feet of the shore the water is open in the middle with virtually no structure(again according the the cons. agent) i have been throwing senkos and t rigged worms in and around the trees, pitching senkos in front of the edges of weedbeds and cattails and throwing rat-l-traps through the trees and i get bites but not consistently on anyone bait if anyone has any thoughts of a tactic let me know please

[Hot n Tot]

How deep is the lake?  Does it have a creek running into it?  What is the average size of the bass caught?

Your description sounds very similiar to some water shed lakes close to my house.  However, boats are allowed on these lakes using electric motors only.  Most are shallow, 4 feet or less, with the creeks dropping to 6-10 feet.  In the summer the fish will hold on any cover located on the edge of the creek channels.  When no cover is available look for the fish to hold on the bends in the creek.  I know this doesn't sound good for someone fishing from the bank, but these are the areas that consistantly produce for me in the summer.  Some fish will still be in shallow water after the water temp rises, but they will be holding tight to cover during the day.  Early morning or late evenings will be a good time to try a topwater lure.  Ask the cons. agent if a float tube or wading (if the water isn't too deep) is allowed.  This will allow you to access areas that you can't get to from the bank.

[Chris]

Bass should be schooling so when you find the shad you find the bass. Look for feeding areas. and watch the wind and current if any this can clue you in on which bank to start on.

[gamblerOH]

Go with a tube, start with a large tube and then downsize if no luck. I have found on small lakes (ponds size) that a tube works very well. Fish it slowly and let it kick up some mud on the bottom.If your bass are indeed schooling as chris said then I would go with a lucky craft lipless vibrator(rattle trap) and try to throw into the school. If you do find shad then also try to throw a sammy into them. I also have had luck with a fluke in these conditions in very early morning. I would probally begin with the fluke and then go to the tube baits, but crankbaits will almost always pick up a bankrunner or 2 so be sure to tie one on.By the way rig that tube on a jighead.