Laurel Lake Bass fishign Tips or Stategy for pressured lakes

[ls1chris]

Well i have started back fishing after a 6 year absence and the two closest lakes to me are laurel lake and woods creek lake.So i have started fishing laurel now that i have finally got a boat back but seem to be not fairing well at all.I know laurel is Heavily Pressured with all the local fisherman not to mention all the tournaments they have back to back.But yet some ppl still manage to have productive days on that lake


But my patterns and spots that i use to fish years ago have not been producing,and i have thrown the book at them trying to figure it out.I am just a weekend angler fishing only on sunday with my father,and looking for some tips or areas that may help us have a productive day at this lake.I know it has some good fish but they are very hard to catch.Also abundant small mouth but i have only caught a handful in my time fishing it.

From talking with local angler most will not offer any help or advice,So i thought i would ask here.Hoping to get a better game plan to put some fish in the boat snap a few pics of them and let them go as we are catch and release.

[gocats]

fish your same places after dark.

[alycat]

I have fished both lakes. Laurel being the deepest. But both are clear water lakes. Look for tansitional areas points leading into creeks. Don't always assume that fish will always be in the same areas they will follow food. You'll have to use your electronics and find bait fish. Lipless cranks, jigs, spinnerbaits slowrolled, float n fly. Are some of the things you may want to try. I've got a tournament at Wood creek this weekend and here are the baits I have tied on. 1 6'' yum swimbait 2 wiggle wart 3 rattle trap 4 jig 5 spinnerbait 6 hard jerk bait 7 wacky worm. On clear water try to stay with natural colors if it's cloudy out and flashy colors when it's sunny. And of course florocarbon line. Long cast work better in clear water than in stained to keep from spooking the fish. Good luck and tight lines!!!

[ls1chris]

Thanks for the tips so far guys.I always keep a close eye on my electronics and if i find a school of fish ,humps,drop offs,or structure i make sure to fish it thoroughly.But most of the time it is the wrong type of fish lol.I dont know how many times i have found a school of fish and start catching trout left and right lol .But it is all fun



Granted i have old electronics so they are not the best but they work for now.Usually i always have a Shakey head,crankbait,tube,rattle bait or jerk shad on .I always try to have a Selection of baits that cover the water column at different depths to try to locate the fish.


Hey alycat how do you like the new Wiggle warts,I have one of the old versions before they changed the way they acted and sound of them and love it .


Typically years ago when i fished i always fished from flatwoods down river i have never fished in the main lake toward holly bay or grove as i have never done no good.I just cant seem to find the fish up that way or know of any decent spots

[Carter1]

You might also try a drop-shot. You don't have to just fish it vertically either.

[agreynolds]

You might also try a drop-shot. You don't have to just fish it vertically either.

I don't know about woods creek but the bass are on the bed at Laurel