Back to Bass

[PaulRoberts]

Didn't get an elk, so I'm back to the fishing.

Dropped in on Pella this past week and following the first severe fall cold front: 45F nights! Found the ponds down to mid 60s. With bright sun and expected warm days I expected shallows to warm. But they didn't very much. Pond's were nearly isothermic. Could not find bass on shorelines as I'd hoped, after three hours of trying. What am I thick?!! So I headed offshore.

The first fish I hit fan-casting completely away from cover in an open basin -likely suspended, but not surface oriented (They were cold to the touch!). Three came in three consecutive casts. I dropped the next fish then lost the group. I fan-casted, then trolled as I left the area, catching one more. All these fish were 12-14" and an interesting golden-brown color, and in good body condition.

I then kicked over to some large coontail clumps and took four more, and dropped two others. These were a bit bigger fish (14-16+), darker green, and in average body condition.

All fish took a crankbait.

[ednadolski]

It's been pretty warm out this past week esp. afternoons.  Is Pella worth trying just for bank fishing, or do you really need a boat or tube?   Would mornings be good?

Thx,
Ed

[PaulRoberts]

Ed,

You can fish from shore. There will be some bass just about everywhere. And you can hit deeper water, if you want to, in some locations.

Now that we're cooling down, look for warming days and avoid the cold days. Today would have been great! I couldn't get out though. Tomorrow looks good, but a severe front is due in. Should pick up again afterwards.

Paul