Turtle Creek or Raccon lake

[stratosjoe]

Wanting to hit either for bass this weekend. Has anyone heard or done any good on either lake.....Thanks stratosjoe:-)

[Topwater2004]

Stratos,

I fish Cecil Harden Res. for bass and don't do too bad at times.

I went in early October and caught bass off of rip rap areas with a very small crankbait (Rapala jointed-Shadrap) that was almost a perfect color match for these crawfish that I seen in the rocks when I launced my boat.

I had 5 hits that day, only on that bait. That being said, the water was still warm enough to swim in back then. We had one of the coldest October's on record (13th in history), and I would assume it is very tough fishing. Looks like they are releasing water like a torrent so that would help at least there should be a current in the entire lake.

As far as Turtle Creek goes, I have not heard much good about that lake since they started killing the grass off. One of the best fishing days of my life came down there on the east side of the lake throwing a Norman's Weed Walker on the huge moss matt. Now its all gone and so are the fish. I heard the only thing worth going for it channel cats anymore.

I did fish in a strip pit last Sunday and caught a lot of bass on a super bright chartruese colored crankbait, called a Yozuri Hardcore Shad. I really think it was the color that triggered them, the normally super clear water had turned a medium murky green and I just kept picking up fish about 8ft deep and about 10ft parallel to the shore line.

I personally am going to try for some stream smallmouth bass this Friday, looks like 3 days of 60+ temps that should raise the creeks back up into a good range to catch a few bronze backs.

Good Luck,
topwater

[stratosjoe]

thanks topwater I am going to Cecil Harden (raccoon) I will let you know how we do Good luck on them smallies:-) :-)

[muskyman87]

I hit Turtle Creek about a week ago. I got one 17-incher and had a few bites. Very mediocre for what I expected, even though it rained all day that day.

The fish are still there but the majority of the lake still has comfortable temps for the fish. So, they're a bit scattered right now, even though you can still find some feeding up on shad.

I'll be heading back down there once February hits. They should be bunched up a bit better towards the warm end from February through April and the fishing is pretty good around that timeframe. During that timeframe, all you have to do is pay close attention to the temps found in various areas and you'll find the fish.

[Topwater2004]

Caught 12 smallmouth today, with another 25 plus "warmouth" or goggle eye, if you prefer.

The stream was flowing nicely, yet relatively clear. By the time we got back to the Jeep at 6pm, it just started to rain.

I hope you were able to get out today, because it looks like a "diminishing return" on the way.

Let me know how you did, if you go. I will be back to the smaller strip pits on Sunday, throwin' for glory and gowin' for broke.

topwater

[stratosjoe]

went to Coon Like to froze my dinkus off . Didn't dress right for it .My buddy and I caught a few, nothing to brag about but considering the drastic change in weather we did ok all bass. They were dropping water FAST if you go down watch the ramp it is slick as the funk is exposed with the falling water!!!!!:-)

[Topwater2004]

Stratosjoe,

If the forecast holds up, it looks like 4 straight days of 50F or better by Friday.

You might get another trip in, the lake came up a couple feet and they slowed the release to help out downstream.

I plan on going somewhere on Friday myself, it might be the stream again if those temps hold up the smallmouth will still bite.

topwater