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Jan 30
Today was a very interesting day. After researching yesterday to try and find an open ramp, I came up empty. Every boat ramp was frozen from the dam to Jefferson Pike Bridge! This morning I thought I would try West Fork ramp, luckily the water was not frozen and I could launch the boat. That’s when the fun started!
The next 500 yards I had to break the ice with my lure retrieving pole! Way more work than I thought it would be. The depth finders were empty, no bait, no fish….nadda. A few hours into the day I made it down to the East/West Fork split. There for 3 minutes I notice some fish feeding on the bottom of the lake at 20ft. I dropped my Crappie Magnet down(Chart jig and chart body). As soon as the magnet made it to the bottom, BOOM, nice 2+ spotted bass! I threw the bass into livewell for a picture later and hurried up to get my line back down. As soon as I did, BOOM, another 2+lb! Then the spaghetti lines on the bottom of my screen disappeared and the bites stopped.
That was it for the day. By the time I was ready to head in(2pm) most of the ice had melted!
Water was 38, 6ft visibility!
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8 Replies
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Great report Brian. I am heading out soon as I take my daughter to school. Looking forward to some water time.
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Returning from Spring Creek yesterday I noticed that most of the lake was still frozen including Fate Sanders. We caught several crappie and a largemouth fingerling all the way back at the spring.
Am thinking West Fork should still be open since temps remained above freezing last night. Guess I’ll find out.
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Those are a couple NICE spots! I guess it goes to show that small baits can catch quality fish as well, especially this time of year!
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Went to Mona… launch ramp was free of ice, but the water was so low I was afraid i would get stuck getting the boat off the trailer.
Went to West Fork… first time launching there. What a great deep ramp. River was pretty much free of ice with just a couple patches that broke easily all the way to the East/West Fork. Unfortunately, nobody was catching anything. Water was green tinged, but you see the bottom up to 5-6 ft. Water temps ranged from low 40s at the ramp to 38 at East Fork.
Despite the lack of fish, it was nice to finally get the boat on the water.
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Oh, and a 2 lb spot is something to be reckoned with. Pound for pound on par with a smallie.
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Nice report, thanks!
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I hope I am breaking ice tomorrow but doubt it. Last day of duck season for me taking my 10 year old on the youth hunt. Once duck season is over I’ll be back to fishing! Thanks for the reports gives me a clue as to what’s happening for when I get the rods back out!!
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Anyone have an opportunity to check out fate sanders?
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