Post by reelteacher on Apr 27, 2008 6:13:32 GMT -5
Well, this past week has seen beautiful skies and warm temperatures! Crappie, bluegill, bass and now carp and catfish are becoming very active. 
I headed to some new water yesterday, the upper section of Eagle creek reservoir, north of I-65. I put my pontoon boat in at the bridge on Lafayette Rd. I rowed north into some good looking water and found myself surrounded by muddy backwater bays and great looking spawning habitat for big carp. And yes, the carp were there in huge numbers! They were thrashing and jumping in the shallow mud flats and moving in and out of the emergent vegetation. There were so many, I felt compelled to fish for them, although I knew that they had other things on their mind besides food. I tied on my favorite carp enticer and threw it anywhere I saw puffs of mud or water movement. And sure enough, I had a take on my third cast! Although, it wasn't the creature I was targeting. Yes, it was a bottom feeder, but of the more respected variety. The channel catfish I hooked put up a tremendous fight and took a few yards of line from my reel. I snapped a quick picture and released it back into the murky water.
Unfortunately, that was the only fish I caught, but I learned that the big carp are beginning to spawn and nice catfish are becoming active and feeding readily. This is a great time of year to be on the water!
Also, as water temperatures increase, smallmouth bass are now starting to spawn. Tuesday, April 22, I witnessed large smallmouth bass spawning in shallow gravel beds in Eagle Creek. Water temperatures that day at that moment were already 66 degrees! The bass I encountered wanted nothing to do with my flies, and they were not shy of my presence. It was just amazing to witness their nature and know that the future of our sport will continue!
NOW is the TIME to plan a visit to your local creek and enjoy some great fishing! Remember, Catch and quick release of these beautiful and marvelous fish. The future of the species depends on this and spread the word to others you see!
Good luck and get out there before the wonders of spring disappear into summer!
I headed to some new water yesterday, the upper section of Eagle creek reservoir, north of I-65. I put my pontoon boat in at the bridge on Lafayette Rd. I rowed north into some good looking water and found myself surrounded by muddy backwater bays and great looking spawning habitat for big carp. And yes, the carp were there in huge numbers! They were thrashing and jumping in the shallow mud flats and moving in and out of the emergent vegetation. There were so many, I felt compelled to fish for them, although I knew that they had other things on their mind besides food. I tied on my favorite carp enticer and threw it anywhere I saw puffs of mud or water movement. And sure enough, I had a take on my third cast! Although, it wasn't the creature I was targeting. Yes, it was a bottom feeder, but of the more respected variety. The channel catfish I hooked put up a tremendous fight and took a few yards of line from my reel. I snapped a quick picture and released it back into the murky water. Unfortunately, that was the only fish I caught, but I learned that the big carp are beginning to spawn and nice catfish are becoming active and feeding readily. This is a great time of year to be on the water!
Also, as water temperatures increase, smallmouth bass are now starting to spawn. Tuesday, April 22, I witnessed large smallmouth bass spawning in shallow gravel beds in Eagle Creek. Water temperatures that day at that moment were already 66 degrees! The bass I encountered wanted nothing to do with my flies, and they were not shy of my presence. It was just amazing to witness their nature and know that the future of our sport will continue!
NOW is the TIME to plan a visit to your local creek and enjoy some great fishing! Remember, Catch and quick release of these beautiful and marvelous fish. The future of the species depends on this and spread the word to others you see!
Good luck and get out there before the wonders of spring disappear into summer!
