New to the site questions about Patoka.

[Jigjunky81]

Let me start by saying I don't tournament fish. I make custom bucktails,fnf, and hand carved baits then go try out my colors etc. thinking about making Patoka my lake. Since it's close. Curious if there is a population of smallmouth in there?? Also though about dragging some night crawlers? just curious if I would be waisting my time with the second question. Feel free to private message me since this seems to be a very hush hush subject on this particular lake. Thanks

[Moveon]

Let me start by saying I don't tournament fish. I make custom bucktails,fnf, and hand carved baits then go try out my colors etc. thinking about making Patoka my lake. Since it's close. Curious if there is a population of smallmouth in there?? Also though about dragging some night crawlers? just curious if I would be waisting my time with the second question. Feel free to private message me since this seems to be a very hush hush subject on this particular lake. Thanks

There are some small mouth in Patoka. I saw a 6 lb small mouth come out of Patoka during a Bass Fishing tournament at Patoka years ago. Patoka also has Walleyes in it that have been stocked over the years.

[Jigjunky81]

There are some small mouth in Patoka. I saw a 6 lb small mouth come out of Patoka during a Bass Fishing tournament at Patoka years ago. Patoka also has Walleyes in it that have been stocked over the years.

Good deal thanks for the info. Going to start working it mid February. I'll be giving updates etc. its been fairly difficult to get any info on this lake.

[Moveon]

Good deal thanks for the info. Going to start working it mid February. I'll be giving updates etc. its been fairly difficult to get any info on this lake.

There use to be a web site that was dedicated to small mouth bass in this state. Indiana Smallmouth or something to that affect.

You might try to google it.

The Corp of Engineers in Louisville, KY has some nice topo maps of the area around Patoka Lake before they filled it in with water. It shows features like fence lines and property lines as well as contours. A friend of mine was able to go to their office and make copies of the maps. I tried to write to them when the lake first opened and asked about maps but didn't get good results back them. You might drive over there and visit their office and see if they still have them and can make some copies for you too. They are clear laminate and they make a blue print like copy off them

[Jigjunky81]

There use to be a web site that was dedicated to small mouth bass in this state. Indiana Smallmouth or something to that affect.

You might try to google it.

The Corp of Engineers in Louisville, KY has some nice topo maps of the area around Patoka Lake before they filled it in with water. It shows features like fence lines and property lines as well as contours. A friend of mine was able to go to their office and make copies of the maps. I tried to write to them when the lake first opened and asked about maps but didn't get good results back them. You might drive over there and visit their office and see if they still have them and can make some copies for you too. They are clear laminate and they make a blue print like copy off them

Faaaaaaantastic that's what I'm talkin about. Thank you so much.

[raporter]

The smallies are doing well in Patoka. Dragging a nightcrawler has been frustrating due to all the yellow bass. I am going to try dragging some leaches this year.

[Jigjunky81]

The smallies are doing well in Patoka. Dragging a nightcrawler has been frustrating due to all the yellow bass. I am going to try dragging some leaches this year.

That's exciting news thank you raporter. Maybe we will run into each other one of these days. Chomping at the bit to get out there. I'm in an old spectrum boat.

[raporter]

I am in an old 17'Tracker TournamentV. Just look for one or two old grey beards mainly throwing jigs. Fish mainly in the Lick Fork and South Lick Fork areas. Also Walls to Kings Bridge area.

[Jigjunky81]

I am in an old 17'Tracker TournamentV. Just look for one or two old grey beards mainly throwing jigs. Fish mainly in the Lick Fork and South Lick Fork areas. Also Walls to Kings Bridge area.

Grey beards check! So does anyone float and fly out there?? Do you think I could access the lake mid February? Or do you think it will be iced over??

[Jigjunky81]

I think I attached it right but here is an example of some of my smallie custom bucktails. I pour and tie.

[raporter]

Normally it is clear of ice in February. I usually start out just for crappies and prefer upstream from Walls ramp. There is a primitive ramp at Kings Bridge that should be ice free by the middle of Feb. The water is moving there.

[Jigjunky81]

Normally it is clear of ice in February. I usually start out just for crappies and prefer upstream from Walls ramp. There is a primitive ramp at Kings Bridge that should be ice free by the middle of Feb. The water is moving there.

Sweet thank you so much For the info. Ha that's my plan is crappie but I have a few tricks up my sleeve for those other fish. Lol