[Phish]

Time: 6-10AM
Air Temp - high 50s
Weather: Thick overcast, light wind out of the north
Current: Not drawing water
Water temp: 57-59 degrees
Clarity: 1-3 feet, some spots better than others, but stained and dirty

Woke up to rain and ended up getting out a little later than I planned. Headed down to the old dam and the structure around there and got zero bites. That spot never produces for me without current, but I always have to try for some reason (oh, it's the occasional 4-pounders that lurk there). After that I drifted the flat above the old dam throwing grubs, cranks and the occasional spinnerbait. Decided to head the other way after getting zero bites and fished to the left of the launch in the two coves hoping to find some spawners. With the dirty water and the overcast, I figured I'd make some noise and started throwing my Lobinas Rico popper (color: ghost). As always, the popper delivered. I caught 4 smallies and a crappie in the final hour of fishing - all on the popper, all in 3-6 FOW. The biggest was pushing 3 pounds or more and fought like a river fish. Came out of the water on the strike. She was full of eggs and I got her back in the water ASAP after the photo and skipped the weighing. 2 of the other 3 were keepers and the third was s dink.

Not a bad way to start the day. Always love it when I can get some good fishing in early and can still be around for the family later in the day.

Just a note: i have had that popper (and a couple other colors) and have caught at least one fish every time I've used it. It's just a great little popper. Yeah, a bit expensive ($17), but worth it. I had it set up on 20LB green PowerPro braid on a Revo. G. Loomis Medium Heavy 6'6" rod.

I have a photo, but haven't uploaded it yet and the camera's in the car at the moment.

[MarkO]

Great informative post Jed.

[PECo]

So all we had to do is head left from the launch to find some DAM fish?!?!

While I was catching dinky largemouth bass yesterday, I heard a rumor about Jed's smallie:




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Don't forget to wear sunscreen and don't litter!

[SkeeterRon]

That a good day on rainbow.. I think is better when the waters moving.
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Sleep...Eat...Fish!!!!! Then do it all over again.