Dan
4/7/2016 9:53:00 AMNice 8thB. I debated Terrel vs Clear & choose clear (you & I fished there together several years ago). Had a day like yours on Clear Lake about 5 years ago. Couldn't repeat it today & only got one. Looks like you picked the winner. I am somewhat familiar with Terrel & have always done well in the NE corner around the outlet but I don't know where the "spawning area" is. Care to share that with me?
Thanks for sharing & best regards, Dan
Thanks for sharing & best regards, Dan
8theB8
4/7/2016 12:09:00 PMAmx: Well half of the day was epic :)
Dan; How was Clear Lakes visibility? I've nearly written that lake off due to the persistent algae blooms WDFW created. Sure is a shadow of it's former self. I find myself fishing more in the May-October months than March or April anymore. Sad.
Spawning areas dot Terrell as shallow as it is, the off limits area is one, there's one by the outlet, and another around the corner from the public fishing dock. The thing to remember with this lake is due to it's shallow nature, a 1 foot change is structure is a big deal to these fish. More often than not I've found that structure means more than cover in this lake.
Dan; How was Clear Lakes visibility? I've nearly written that lake off due to the persistent algae blooms WDFW created. Sure is a shadow of it's former self. I find myself fishing more in the May-October months than March or April anymore. Sad.
Spawning areas dot Terrell as shallow as it is, the off limits area is one, there's one by the outlet, and another around the corner from the public fishing dock. The thing to remember with this lake is due to it's shallow nature, a 1 foot change is structure is a big deal to these fish. More often than not I've found that structure means more than cover in this lake.
Jerome716
4/7/2016 10:08:00 PMDarn you! you're just fueling my fire to get my Terrell cherry popped. I know its one of the bassier lakes we got up North here and has been on my hit list for the past two years but have yet to make the drive up there for one reason or another. Alas I have made a promise to myself that I shall make a trip up there this year when it turned on... and it looks like it really has. very awesome and detailed report! I like it.
Nice trip my friend.
Nice trip my friend.
Dan
4/7/2016 11:03:00 PM8theB8: I posted a report last night with picture it looked like it posted then, but its gone now -- odd..
The lake was like pea soup, almost didn't launch. You can't see a white spinner bait more than 6" under. Fished from 3:30 to 7:30 pm. No sign of fish until 7:20 when I landed a 4 pounder on the flat at the N end of lake. Fish was in reasonable shape but not as fat as I expect for this time of year. I fished Lk Samish this afternoon & eve. Lake is in decent shape & temp 57-58, but didn't see a single fish. You may know that the smallies have taken over, I have seen / caught very few LM there the past couple of years.
Regarding Terrell: by closed area do you mean the large very shallow flats with multiple islands on the S end of lake? What color was working for you? I'd love to go out with you again if you are in the area. I don't recall if you have a 4 stroke motor or not. If you want to fish Lk Whatcom sometime & have a 4 stroke on my boat . I'm generally available M, T, & Weds. 360-739-5073.
The lake was like pea soup, almost didn't launch. You can't see a white spinner bait more than 6" under. Fished from 3:30 to 7:30 pm. No sign of fish until 7:20 when I landed a 4 pounder on the flat at the N end of lake. Fish was in reasonable shape but not as fat as I expect for this time of year. I fished Lk Samish this afternoon & eve. Lake is in decent shape & temp 57-58, but didn't see a single fish. You may know that the smallies have taken over, I have seen / caught very few LM there the past couple of years.
Regarding Terrell: by closed area do you mean the large very shallow flats with multiple islands on the S end of lake? What color was working for you? I'd love to go out with you again if you are in the area. I don't recall if you have a 4 stroke motor or not. If you want to fish Lk Whatcom sometime & have a 4 stroke on my boat . I'm generally available M, T, & Weds. 360-739-5073.
8theB8
4/8/2016 6:31:00 AMJerome716: Now through the next 3 weeks in an awesome time to fish Terrell, as well as many other lakes, with Terrell though this is the only time of year it's fully navigable without the use of a push pole or the grass choking off vast sections of the lake! GO! If you head up there PM me.
Dan: I appreciate the offer. Yes the old boat still runs a 2 stroke. I dang near upgraded boats this year but waiting one more year just made sense for me. Between the old Tracker and the Jon Boat I modified there's not much I can't do fishing wise but it is definitely past time to go Ranger (aluminum or fiberglass is the last question). As far as fishing goes my crazy schedule makes it difficult for meet ups and there are times when I'm on call, if I take vacation or something I will remember that offer! Color on the jig was black 1/4oz with a blue Zoom Super Chunk Jr. swim trailer and yes, the area you are referring to is correct. It will load with bass once they get started spawning but they will spook more than bite. Near the outlet to the left is a good spawning area as well. Targeting them just outside of these areas for the next couple weeks is your best bet.
Unfortunately I think Clear Lake is close to a goner :( If left alone it will recover hopefully but I still remember the first time I saw the treatment signs posted and my heart sank. Why? Why spray pads on a lake that has always had pads?!! So incredibly pointless and stupid that I doubt I will ever understand the logic behind the decision....
Dan: I appreciate the offer. Yes the old boat still runs a 2 stroke. I dang near upgraded boats this year but waiting one more year just made sense for me. Between the old Tracker and the Jon Boat I modified there's not much I can't do fishing wise but it is definitely past time to go Ranger (aluminum or fiberglass is the last question). As far as fishing goes my crazy schedule makes it difficult for meet ups and there are times when I'm on call, if I take vacation or something I will remember that offer! Color on the jig was black 1/4oz with a blue Zoom Super Chunk Jr. swim trailer and yes, the area you are referring to is correct. It will load with bass once they get started spawning but they will spook more than bite. Near the outlet to the left is a good spawning area as well. Targeting them just outside of these areas for the next couple weeks is your best bet.
Unfortunately I think Clear Lake is close to a goner :( If left alone it will recover hopefully but I still remember the first time I saw the treatment signs posted and my heart sank. Why? Why spray pads on a lake that has always had pads?!! So incredibly pointless and stupid that I doubt I will ever understand the logic behind the decision....
Jerome716
4/8/2016 12:43:00 PMThanks for the encouragement lol. I will try to make a full day trip up there not this weekend but the next. I'll let you know when the ink dries on the calendar.
Now i'll butt right into that Clear lake discussion with you and Dan if I may. I totally agree with 8theB8. I cant believe the decline over there since they started that treatment crap. It's my old favorite lake and one that I used to hit 3-4 times a week since it's so close to me but the steady decline in fish activity (except for the planters that tend to fill the parking lot) and the incline in skiers just drove me away. I haven't fished it in over a year. Some guys use it as a lake to just test their boats in, which I understand to a point because everyone after working on their motor should run to a lake and test her out before planning an actual fishing trip. But what I'm talking about is a guy going out there with a ski boat or river jet sled that does 10 trillion miles an hour and using Clear lake as a drag strip. It's too small make loops at full speed so they literally just go back and forth back and forth.... anyways I shall save your time and stop my rant cuz believe me I can keep going... point being I stay clear of clear lake anymore.
Now i'll butt right into that Clear lake discussion with you and Dan if I may. I totally agree with 8theB8. I cant believe the decline over there since they started that treatment crap. It's my old favorite lake and one that I used to hit 3-4 times a week since it's so close to me but the steady decline in fish activity (except for the planters that tend to fill the parking lot) and the incline in skiers just drove me away. I haven't fished it in over a year. Some guys use it as a lake to just test their boats in, which I understand to a point because everyone after working on their motor should run to a lake and test her out before planning an actual fishing trip. But what I'm talking about is a guy going out there with a ski boat or river jet sled that does 10 trillion miles an hour and using Clear lake as a drag strip. It's too small make loops at full speed so they literally just go back and forth back and forth.... anyways I shall save your time and stop my rant cuz believe me I can keep going... point being I stay clear of clear lake anymore.
Jerome716
4/8/2016 12:46:00 PMB8- also thanks for disclosing some of your tactics, experiences and insider knowledge into certain areas you include in your posts. Most guys give the basics and will only PM you with details if you really press em.
8theB8
4/8/2016 2:24:00 PMJerome716: once again, thank you for the appreciation. I've never been one to withhold much information, guess I just don't worry if people want to run out and buy the same lures or fish the same areas. What's always been more important to me was helping people interested in the sport I love find success. That's what keeps the sport alive, not the frustration of a lack of information or unsuccessful trips. If the true pro's that fish for a living can share their tips then who am I not to do the same? As I said, PM me your email and I would be happy to discuss techniques, gear, lakes, whatever. The only thing I try to hammer into people is respect the fish! They provide us with countless hours of enjoyment, challenge and adventure, don't let them flop around the bottom of your boat while you high five your pal or do some goofy dance!