TAPPS. I'm not complaining but...

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Comment by Russ Kroeker on August 24, 2015 at 1:21pm

That's what I'm thinking.  The one area we saw fish, we saw 3" fingerlings swimming around.  I think what's going on in part is that the weeds are just starting to grow.  The water, looking poopy, is cover in itself so I think there are a lot of roaming fish in the lake, especially aroung the pools where they wintered.  The Musky seem to be taking advantage of the cover that grew when the bottom was dry.  I've seen the same plants growing in my ditch.  Rattle traps seem to call in larger fish, but unfortunately, they call in the Musky too!  That could be taken as a plus I guess, as long as you use a leader.

Comment by Jake Anderson on August 24, 2015 at 1:08pm

Russ,

Im wondering if the drawdown has had its biggest impact on baitfish and other forage. If you are catching few fish, and they are skinny, then I would say the bait isnt using those areas so neither are the healthier bass. If the bait was there, but bass populations were just "down" the fish would be anything but skinny

Comment by Russ Kroeker on August 24, 2015 at 10:29am

I get that.  This is my 5th trip though, and the fishing isn't improving for me, just getting more discouraging.  I'm just venting because I can.  I've paid over a $1000 in launch fees over the past 15 years, and much much more in fuel for the 1/2 hour drive and boat, and watched the lake get to the level of 50 fish days (last August), so I'm just letting folks know what I'm seeing, coming from someone that fishes the lake once a week normally.  I'm sure I can figure the fish out, I always have, but I want everyone to have a good idea what it's like and what it's "no longer like" so that we all can put some pressure on the people whom are responsible for damaging this fishery.  I've never had such consistent Musky bites/catches as I've had in these last 5 trips, so obviously the Musky are thriving.  Wish the Bass were as consistent...

Comment by Jake Anderson on August 24, 2015 at 7:49am

i understand the draw down had its implications, but keep in mind that just because you dont catch em a couple days in a row doesnt mean they aren't there. Todd Reis seems to think they were alive and well a few weeks ago.

Comment by Russ Kroeker on August 23, 2015 at 6:24pm

Yah. I'll give it a shot.  I went out again last Thursday and did considerably worse, but I'll try to shoot them an email this week.

Comment by Todd Reis on August 23, 2015 at 6:20am

Hi Russ, I reccomend that you email the DFW..tell them your thoughts and what you see out there. Feedback is important to them..really! The smallies were hot and heavy a month ago..that musky looks healthy and a good tail! see ya out there man! Todd