Patoka,how to catch them?

[Cincybass2]

I am going to Patoka for the first time Sunday&Monday. I need some help, please. What are bass doing right now,post or pre spawn? What's water temp& clarity? What general lures& colors this time of year? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Frenzy]

I was up there this past weekend. Water temperatures were a little warmer on the main lake. Surface temp. was around 65-66. Up river and in some areas it was as low as 60. Water is clear on the main lake and pretty stained as you go further up river. I'm not sure what stage the fish are in up there, it's probably a transition time right now with fish in all 3 stages. Someone else might be able to help you out better with that.

[PL]

I had 60 degrees as well last week up in the river. I caught some good size crappie counting down a 1/16th jig and reeling slow. Most fish were right at 7/8 feet. If I were bass fishing I'd throw a jerkbait or a crankbait that would run that deep. All my fish came from fishing the channel where it makes real quick turns near the bank or the mouths of coves. I'll be back up there early sat morning and sunday as well. My biggest crappie was right at 16" and she was still full of eggs as well as the rest of them. Fish slow regardless of what you use and good luck to you.



Larry

[Moose1am]

Thanks for the tips Larry. I have read that those types of areas are good but it takes a lot of patience to fish all of them on Patoka. There are a lot of places to cover on that lake. But your information should help narrow down or eliminate about 90% of the unproductive water. And the depth level is critical when fishing for crappie.

I got a new rod and reel and am ready to go fishing. I got my frogg togg bibs back from the factory yesterday. The inseam is too short and the legs are too long. LOL! But they sure do keep me warm and dry. I have them packed up in the boat already.

It's finally warming up and I am eager to get some fishing in this weekend.

16" long Female crappie at Patoka is a big fish. That lake needs more of them babies. I am sure that they are there but they are hard to locate. But it makes driving up there worth it even if gas is over $2.78 a gallon these days.

This looks like a good weekend to fish.

Regards,

Moose1am