Any explations?

[StatosDadRI]

Ok fish a little 40 acre reservoir in Rhode Island named Curran. Last year it threw out all quality 2-3 pound largemouth usually 15-20 per trip and you would get a few shorts here and there. Now there is really only two ways to fish this place and catch large numbers of quality fish. Either flip a 300 foot shoreline with all brush or fish scattered boulders around the lake ranging from 2-10 feet. Here is the issue, this year you are lucky to pull a 2-3 pound fish every few outings but you will catch dozens of shorts with a 12 or 14 incher here or there. Any ideas? The place is much clearer than last and I have fished every inch of the pond hard and just cant find those bigger fish. No signs of dead fish ir anything. Just dont know?

[dman]

maybe your not the only one that noticed this last year and its now getting overfished??

[CJ]

Probally something to do with the water clarity or have you noticed any other factors that differ from last year?Is this the same time of year you were successful last year?Have you tried anything different?Successful patterns may change year to year.

[StatosDadRI]

Its just really clear but there is more baitfish thats why I cannot understand why. There is just as many anglers as last if not less. I just cant figure it out. Like I said the two main ways to fish this lake that have always produced year round is the shoreline brush or the boulders, there is really no other structure or anything to hold fish the deeper water 12-18' is just beach sand.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Ahhhhh,..the Curran Reservoir.  I have fished this in years past and found the exact same thing.  Beat the bushes, dissect the rocks or go home, the rest is beach sand.

I have a few friends that fish there regularly, when I get home I will inquire to see if they have found the same situations or if it's just that you guys forgot how to catch.   ;D  Seriously though, I know 2 UPS drivers that fished it all the time, I'll ask next week if they still do and, if so, what they have found.

[StatosDadRI]

The only other thing I can say was that 2 weeks ago it was green like Roger Williams Park and now you can see down to about 8-10 feet. Just really strange.

[Catt]

Over population and stunted growth  

[Tin]

ok then where did all those 2-3 pound fish go?

[CJ]

ok then where did all those 2-3 pound fish go?

Exactly.If there were 2-3 lbers there then there're still are.Water clarity will cause cause mature fish to become tough to catch if your not working the right lure and presentation,especially if you don't have the right weather conditions.

LBH is probally going to be able to help you more than anybody.

[T-rig]

Its just really clear but there is more baitfish thats why I cannot understand why. There is just as many anglers as last if not less. I just cant figure it out. Like I said the two main ways to fish this lake that have always produced year round is the shoreline brush or the boulders, there is really no other structure or anything to hold fish the deeper water 12-18' is just beach sand.

I bet those fish are still around but with the lake having alot of baitfish (more then usual) they probably are overfed and not interested in anything to eat.

[Randall]

Fish are most likely suspended in open water just feeding on the baitfish when the bait comes near since there are so many bait fish and the water is clear. If you can see down 8-10 feet those bigger fish are going to be in deeper water in most cases. Ride around in open water and look for bait or fish on the depth finder.

[Bassin_Cowboy]

When is the last time the reservoir had rain? A little murkiness may help since it is that clear. I've never had much if any success where the water is 50' or less in depth and crystal clear. The warmer the temp, the deeper they will go so you may have to go deeper yourself if necessary.

[Chris]

We have a winner Those bass are suspended out deep away from the shore. If you catch a day that is overcast, lowlight or night,  or when the water has some stain to it those bass will move up.