Dave
6/17/2008 3:34:00 AMI am surprised to hear that the fish are around 14 to 16 inches. You would think that because it has been catch and release for many years that these fish would be 20+ inches. I fished Pass Lake throughout my childhood back when you could harvest a limit (30 years ago). I drive by it on the way to Cranberry Lake often thinking I need to stop there but haven’t done so. I need to get back on that lake. Thanks for your report.
bjkhred
6/26/2008 6:32:00 PMWhen you first get onto the water at Pass and look down to see any chironomid shucks to see what size and approximate color to use it is common to see size 12-14 black and brown ones. Most people tend to get so excited about using a big black chironomid that they completely ignore the thousands of size 16-18 grey/clear shucks all around. It is actually the small guys that are the most popular with the trout. And while most guys tend to make a b-line straight for the weed bed or over the spring in front of the launch to fish them you will actually be most successful putting your fly two feet under an indicator or with a sinking line and hand twist retrieve within 6 inches of the shoreline throughout the perimeter of the lake. Pretend the lake has an invisible fence that runs the entire perimeter of the lake and is about 15 yards from the shore- 90% of the browns and the large rainbows that have learned from the browns are all going to be inside the fence. Outside the fence through the middle of the lake is generally going to consist of the yearly stockers. So don't get discouraged when you see people making a big ruckus while fighting numerous fish in the center of the lake- what they aren't telling you is that they are all 12-16inchers at the most.
Try fishing an orange crayfish on a type 3 or 4 sinking line and throwing it under the tree that sticks out on the south side at the entrance to the second bay. And when you do decide to go really deep make sure to use a white or chartreuse leech because contrary to what most believe- those two show up better than black at greater depths. And above all.... throw all your flies ONTO THE BANK before you attempt to retrieve them- those fish are within 6inches of the shoreline! And slap the surface with your fly to get their attention... I promise it works. Good Luck!
Try fishing an orange crayfish on a type 3 or 4 sinking line and throwing it under the tree that sticks out on the south side at the entrance to the second bay. And when you do decide to go really deep make sure to use a white or chartreuse leech because contrary to what most believe- those two show up better than black at greater depths. And above all.... throw all your flies ONTO THE BANK before you attempt to retrieve them- those fish are within 6inches of the shoreline! And slap the surface with your fly to get their attention... I promise it works. Good Luck!