BASS FISHINGBass Fishing Sports Blog

By MARC FOLCO July 24, 2011 12:00 AM

The Mass. Dept. of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Office of Fishing and Boating Access recently announced the completion of eight boat access projects valued at close to $1.4 million that include boat ramp renovations, parking lot improvements, and new docks that will greatly enhance boating and fishing opportunities in Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod.

Projects in new Bedford included Clark’s Cove — $249,000 for the reconstruction of the existing boat ramp with a new float system, and new Bedford Harbor — $239,000 for the reconstruction of the existing boat ramp. This facility provides access to Buzzards Bay and has 30 car/trailer spaces.

Other projects included: Apponagansett Bay, Dartmouth — $6,000 for repairs to the parking area; Mashpee-Wakeby Pond, Mashpee — $49,000 for repaving and repairs to the access roadway; Barnstable Harbor (Blish Point), Barnstable — $49,000 for construction involving the replacement of piles and drainage improvements in the parking lot; Sesuit Harbor, Dennis — $467,000 for reconstruction of the existing boat ramp with a new float system; Green Harbor, Marshfield — $4,000 for pile replacement for the float system; and Scituate Harbor, Scituate — $329,000 for the reconstruction of the boat ramp and replacement of floats.

The Office of Fishing and Boating Access manages the construction, repair, and operation of state boat ramps, canoe and car-top launch sites, parking areas and approach roads. the office is charged with providing access to more than 1,200 miles of seashore and hundreds of ponds, rivers and streams in the state. the agency oversees 273 boat and canoe launch sites, shore fishing areas and fishing piers in Massachusetts.

A partnership between DFG and the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) has resulted in the permanent protection of 290 acres of conservation land in West Stockbridge. These newly protected public lands feature recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, and bird watching, while preserving critical habitat for waterfowl and several rare plant and animal species.

Located in the southwest corner of West Stockbridge, the new parcel includes 273 acres just north of the Massachusetts Turnpike, which will be named the Flat Brook Wildlife Management Area. the acquisition incorporates an additional 17 acres south of the Turnpike into the existing Maple Hill Wildlife Management Area.

DFG also recently acquired an 843-acre parcel in Tolland that features an 81-acre lake and extensive forest habitat, and abuts the existing 4,000-acre Tolland State Forest. together, the acquisition of the two parcels expands brilliant public turkey and deer hunting area by more than 1,000 acres and protects it from further development.

“Large, unfragmented tracts like this one (Tolland) support wide-ranging wildlife species such and bear and moose and reduce the stress of habitat fragmentation, a significant threat to endangered and threatened wildlife species,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Mary Griffin.

These properties will be managed by DFG’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), which oversees more than 190,000 acres of conservation land in Massachusetts, all of which are open to the public for hunting, fishing and trapping.

MassWildlife announced a Becoming an Outdoors Family Camping Weekend will be held Aug. 13-14 at the Myles Standish State Forest in Carver. the weekend is especially designed for families new to camping and no prior outdoor experience is necessary. Learn some basic camping and outdoor recreation skills with knowledgeable and friendly instructors to help you and your family enjoy the fantastic outdoors. Fishing, canoeing, and hiking along with outdoor cooking, and a bird walk are among the activities offered.

The fee is $30 per participant and includes all instruction, materials, two meals and limited loaner camping equipment. the registration deadline is Aug. 5. More information and registration materials are available at mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/bow/bow_calendar.htm.

An amendment to the Firearm Identification Card Law was recently signed into law, reducing the application fee for anyone under the age of 18 from $100 to $25. “While this might seem like a small victory to some, this fee reduction shows a fantastic change in the political leaning on Beacon Hill,” said Jim Wallace, Executive Director of GOAL (Gun Onwers’ Action League). “This change is a direct result of the hard work of our members in their efforts to educate their local legislators on the positive impact the shooting sports have on our youth.”

A killer grizzly bear is roaming Yellowstone National Park after recently mauling a man to death who apparently surprised a sow (female) and her cubs according to a report by Grand View Outdoors. the man was hiking with his wife close to Canyon Village, in the middle of the park. the woman was not seriously injured. it was the park’s first fatal grizzly mauling since 1986, but the third attack in the Yellowstone region in just over a year.

Colorado wildlife officials killed a black bear last week, believed to be involved in an unprovoked attack that injured a teenage camper in his tent near Leadville, according to the Outdoor Wire. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said the incident began at 3:30 a.m. on July 15 when the teen was awakened as the black bear bit into his leg.

Officers inspected the campsite to determine what might have lead to the attack and learned that the bear had apparently ransacked a cooler outside the tent in the adjacent area of the camp prior to the attack. But, officers said there was nothing found in the tent that would clarify the bear’s actions.

“We manage wild bears for a healthy and thriving population,” said Dan Prenzlow, Regional Manager for Wildlife with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “But when an individual bear enters a tent and attacks a sleeping person, we manage that animal to protect the public safety.”

Campers are reminded that food items should be securely stored in bear-proof containers or kept in the locked trunk of a vehicle.

Reckon bears are a scary threat in the outdoors? They can be, but not nearly as scary as some savage two-legged animals. Consider that there have been 63 deaths due to black bear attacks in North America in the past 100 years, not including deaths due to grizzly or polar bears. now compare that to the same of number of people who were murdered at the hands of man in just a five-year period in National Parks. According to an article in the Washington Post, there were 63 homicides/murders in National Parks from 2002-2006. Add to that, 240 rapes/attempted rapes and 1,277 aggravated assaults during the same five-year span. It’s the reason that women are advised never to hike or camp alone and also the reason that many people carry guns for defense when hiking and camping.

Capt. Al Andersen of Narragansett, R.I. and Steve Medeiros of Coventry, R.I., two popular men in the world of saltwater sportfishing, were among five people from across the country recently honored by Sport Fishing Magazine’s 2011 making a difference Awards. the program debuted this year to recognize individuals who have made a positive difference in recreational saltwater fishing.

“The valuable contributions people make to our sport too often get small recognition,” said Doug Olander, editor-in-chief of Sport Fishing. “Sport Fishing is changing that by focusing a national spotlight on individuals who have made a positive difference in saltwater recreational fishing — the sport, the resource, the industry.”

Capt. Anderson received a Judges’ choice Award for his contribution to the scientific understanding of migratory fishes in the Northeast, having put tags in more than 57,000 fish, including striped bass, tuna, sharks, bluefish and other species.

Medeiros was nominated by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and received a popular Vote Award for his accomplishments including gaining access for anglers, getting kids out fishing, enhancing reefs, protecting forage species and more.

Nominations are now open through Dec. 31, 2011, for the 2012 making a difference Awards, which now include a category for corporate nominations. for more information or to submit a nominee, visit sportfishingmag.com/makingadifference.

Marc Folco is the outdoor writer for the Standard-Times. Contact him at

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I am looking for a new reel to throw spinner baits this spring, I would probably be throwing a 3/8 oz spinnerbait, unless you have other recommendations. Here is the situation. It will be on a small pond where im doing most of my fishing, my plot for the spinnerbait fishing is that im going to be throwing the spinner bait parallel to the shore over the bass beds during the spawn, I am hoping to catch some of these bass as they are defending their nests. I am not sure whether this would require burning the bait, or a difernet slow retrieve, what do you reckon? also, am i gunna want a road that has most of its power near the tip or near the bottom of the rod. Im plotting on using a chartreuse and white titanium spinner bait with dual colorado blades, probably silver blades, will that work good. I am fishing in south east michigan, the pond is moderately clear water with grass for cover. what type of line should i use here, would standard mono be good, or should i look into braid or micro filament?also, is this tactic of spinner baiting over the beds a good thought to catch these bass, it is my understanding that during the spawn, the bass will not eat, rather they defend the bed and will attack anything that invades, but wont swallow, rather they will move it out and drop it outside the nest, would this mean the bass would attack the spinner bait and then with a quick hook set i could get it on and bring it in, does that sounds legit? Finally, is this ethical, to take the bass of the beds like that, or would i be greatly endangering the fish and the eggs, possibly harming the bass population of the pond?

sorry for all the questions, I'm trying to do my homework the best i can before getting out there again when the ice melts, I greatly appreciate your answers. thanks!

d funk

7:1.1 for fast retrive
6:3.1 for slow retrive

Please release the bass when caught off the bed, the female or male. The female will always be the larger of the 2. It's vital for future fish and the male protects the fry after the eggs have hatched. I don't mind bed fishing just be responsible rather it be a pond or large lake.

I would reccomend any gear ratio that is greater than 6 for the lures. Mono line should be okay. I dont know about the bass takeing and dropping and if they did it would be hard for them not to get hooked. I wouldnt be worried about the population of the pond because they usually stock it and bass are not endangered. you might want to try live crayfish or plastic worms in addition to your lures.

Okay, now I'm not a greenhorn fisherman, I've caught trophy sized largemouth/smallmouth bass, walleye, wiper and pike. Also some pretty good sized trout in the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan rivers in Colorado. I've never rigged up my own reel and line for general fishing. I need to know what should be used for a main line and if a leader line is necessary.

I'm using a Mitchel Advocate Silver Edition reel…let me know if i need a different one.

This reel/line set up must be for good size largemouth and smallmouth, channel/bullhead catfish, bluegill, carpie, wiper

20-30lb test Spiderwire

First off, it is ok to be an amateur fisherman. most that come through here are, so no need to be embarrassed of your ignorance in this arena. Catfish can range in size so that shouldn't be a part of this list. you should have a reel with 30 pound wire on it like RB said for cats. for the others, use an 8 pound main line with a 6 pound leader about 2 feet long. your reel is fine, just make sure your rod has enough backbone to set the hook through the lip of your fish. This type of set-up will work just fine for all of the fish you mentioned except bigger cats. good luck out there.

I strongly agree with devyn but I reckon I would use 10 lbs. of course in the area that I fish in you never know when you may hook a red fish as long as your arm. Those things can do some serious fighting.

As far as my opinion goes I would stay away from the spider wire or any other brands of that braided stuff. I despise it. It has a really bad tendency of getting twisted and I don't know about you but when my line gets twisted and knotted up the fishing day is over. if I wanted to sit and untangle knots all day I would just give my shoes to my dog for a while. Stren single braid line for me and like I said I use 10 lbs. about the reel, I have never heard of one, I use an Ambassadeur 6600CL Rocket and a Berkly Series one rod and I like the setup.

My brother has promised to take me tarpon fishing on the Rio Colorado, and I figure it's the chance of a lifetime!

I've only done your basic fishing for bass and bluegill before, and I know this will be a lot more, shall we say, athletic. and of course, I'll be in a country I've never visited before. I know my brother will help me out with more info later on, but what can you tell me?

and whats the whole deal about the lunar cycle? is that only for bass or what? I already know that early morning and late afternoon/evenings are good for trout fishing, but how does the weather play a part in all of this? I'm in colorado and just go for lake and rainbow trout. (and whats a good bait for lake trout?)

Cloud cover tends to make trout less spooked in the daytime. they are more likely to feed on an overcast day because there is not as much sunlight.

And trout bite better in the early morning and late afternoon because one of their main food sources is insects that hatch from the water. Those insects tend to hatch and fly at night, much the same as mosquitos. As the sun starts to set you can see trout rising to eat nymphs just below the surface of the water.

Lake trout tend to be predatory fish, so they eat large baitfish or lures made to mimic large baitfish like diving plugs and spoons.

DENVER — the Colorado Division of Wildlife is encouraging anglers young and old to take advantage of Colorado`s fantastic fishing opportunities during Free Fishing Weekend, Saturday and Sunday. the first full weekend in June is set aside each year to promote sport fishing and no fishing license is required in Colorado during that weekend.

“Free fishing weekend is a fantastic opportunity for people to try out fishing if they haven`t yet,” said Greg Gerlich, aquatic section manager for the Division of Wildlife. “It`s also a chance for those who used to fish Colorado`s outstanding waters to get back into the sport.”

While no fishing license is required during the first full weekend in June, all other regulations remain in effect. That means that limits on the number of fish that can be caught you can catch in a day, known as a “bag limit” and restrictions on bait in certain waters will still be enforced.

Outside of free fishing weekend, anglers between the ages of 16 and 64 must buy a fishing license before casting a line. an annual resident fishing license costs $26, and an annual non-resident license costs $56. One-day or five-day fishing licenses are also available. Youths under age 16 are not required to have a license. the Division offers resident seniors, age 65 and older, an annual Colorado fishing license for $1.

Fishing licenses can be bought at any license agent or Division of Wildlife office. Licenses can also be bought over the phone at 800-244-5613 or online at wildlife.state.co.us/ShopDOW/AppsAndLicenses/.

Colorado has more than 2,000 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs that hold a variety of fish including trout, bass, walleye and catfish. There are also more than 10,000 miles of streams and rivers in Colorado, which offer outstanding trout fishing opportunities. many of Colorado`s 42 state parks offer fishing opportunities and camping options for a fantastic family outing.

Each year, the Division of Wildlife stocks more than 3 million catchable-sized trout; in addition to 14 million trout fingerlings. the Division also stocks more than 80 million warm-water fry and fingerlings around the state each year.

For more information on state fishing regulations, the current Colorado fishing brochure is available online at wildlife.state.co.us/RulesRegs/RegulationsBrochures/. an interactive version of the brochure provides links to maps and useful videos for beginning to experienced anglers.

The Division of Wildlife produces a weekly fishing report that includes information about dozens of hotspots around the state. the fishing report is available online at wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/StatewideConditions/.

For more news about Division of Wildlife go to: wildlife.state.co.us/news/index.asp?DivisionID=3

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: wildlife.state.co.us.

He’ll mark the anniversary in mundane fashion, continuing his rehab from Tommy John surgery while finding ways to spend his disproportionate amount of free time.

“I haven’t really thought about it much, to be honest,” Strasburg said Tuesday. “It was an amazing experience, but it’s kind of foggy right now. I’m really focused on living in the now, and I’ve got a lot of work to do and a lot of work ahead of me. my goal right now is to get back to 100 percent and go out there and fill up the stadium like I did on that day.”

Strasburg struck out the last seven batters he faced, putting a sold-out ballpark into a state of delirium during his seven innings in the Washington Nationals’ 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 8, 2010.

He was 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA in 12 starts before his right elbow gave out. He had ligament replacement surgery on Sept. 3 and is working his way back at the Nationals’ spring training complex in Viera, Fla.

“A lot of it’s mental,” he said on a conference call with reporters. “When you first start throwing, you’ve kind of got to realize that everything’s good inside, and you just need to let it happen. and it’s just trying to stay sane down there in Florida when you’re pretty much doing the same thing every day.”

Strasburg reached a major milestone when he began throwing off a mound on May 23. He now does three bullpen sessions per week, throwing 30 to 40 fastballs. There’s no radar gun, and he expects to start throwing breaking balls soon.

“They want me to throw it nice and simple and fluid and maintain proper mechanics,” he said. “That’s the largest thing now, is working on getting the timing back and just getting the mechanics down.”

The recovery time for Strasburg’s injury is typically 12 to 18 months. He is expected to get some rehab starts in the minors later this year, and there’s a chance he could make a start for the Nationals in the season’s final weeks.

The 22-year-ancient right-hander said he passes the time by seeing “pretty much all the movies that are out there.” He also plays golf and has taken up fishing, both saltwater and freshwater. His largest catch so far is a 7-pound bass, and he wants to give deep sea fishing a try.

As for the events of 365 days ago, Strasburg is small on details. He remembers soaking in the crowd before the game, the walk from the bullpen, the shaving cream pie-in-the-face he received after it was over, and not much else.

“I don’t really remember how I pitched certain guys,” he said. “As far everything that went on during the game, that was all a blur.”

Struggling Uggla returns to Miami

MIAMI (AP) — Dan Uggla says he finds it hard to believe former teammate Hanley Ramirez is hitting so poorly this season for the Florida Marlins.

But then Uggla has done even worse with the Atlanta Braves.

Back in Miami for the first time since being traded to Atlanta last fall, Uggla began a series Tuesday against the Marlins ranked last in the majors with a batting average of .172.

Ramirez, who was Uggla’s keystone partner for four seasons, ranked eighth-worst at .210 and is on the disabled list with a back strain.

“It looks like we need each other or something, you know?” Uggla said with a chuckle. “But he’s a fantastic, fantastic hitter. He’s going to come out of his thing, and I’m going to come out of mine.”

Uggla signed a five-year, $62 million contract after the Braves bought him in November, and some speculate he has pressed at the plate because of his huge deal.

“You can look at it a bunch of different ways and try to make excuses about it,” he said. “It’s just one of those things. I’ve had a rough start to this year for whatever reason. Who knows? People can say the contract, the pressure, the city, the team. For me it’s just a rough start. I’m going to battle and try to get out of it.”

There was no sign of that happening: He began the series in Miami with five hits in his past 60 at-bats (.083). In 221 at-bats he had seven homers but only 16 RBIs. He was batting .102 against left-handers and .111 with runners in scoring position.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez noted that Uggla was a model of consistency when played for the Marlins from 2006 through 2010. each year the second baseman had at least 27 homers and 88 RBIs.

“You read the back of the baseball card and see all of those home runs and RBIs — I’ve got to believe that is going to kick in,” Gonzalez said.

The series at Florida was also a homecoming for Gonzalez. He grew up in Miami and managed the Marlins for 3½ seasons before being fired last June.

Nats’ Marquis, D-backs’ Vasquez suspended, appeal

NEW YORK (AP) — Washington Nationals pitcher Jason Marquis and Arizona reliever Esmerling Vasquez have been suspended for throwing at hitters last weekend after both teams had been warned.

Marquis was penalized five games and fined an undisclosed amount Tuesday by Major League Baseball. Vasquez was suspended three games and also fined. both pitchers have appealed and can play until the process is complete.

Managers Jim Riggleman of the Nationals and Kirk Gibson of the Diamondbacks were each suspended for one game and fined. Riggleman will sit out Tuesday night at San Francisco and Gibson will miss Arizona’s game at Pittsburgh.

“I expected it, I reckon that’s what happens,” Gibson said. “There’s nothing we can do about it.”

Arizona bench coach Alan Trammell managed in Gibson’s absence.

The Nationals and Diamondbacks were warned in the fifth inning Sunday. Marquis then hit Justin Upton in the sixth and Vasquez hit Danny Espinosa in the eighth.

“Part of the game. I thought J-Up handled it well, took his base,” Gibson said.

“You have to command the inside part of the plate. There’s little room for error in there, that’s why a lot of pitchers don’t like to throw in there. if they leave it a little bit out over the plate, it goes a long way, so you have to tuck it in there, and if it runs on in, you’re going to hit a guy, and that happens.”

Gibson added: “On our side, I told you about the scouting reports on these guys, kind of crowd them and we crowd them and we hit a few of those guys and they hit a few of us, and the games were very intense and very even, so I thought that was a good series overall, good baseball.”

Prospect Rizzo to visit specialist in San Diego

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Prized prospect Anthony Rizzo will be in San Diego on Wednesday to have his left thumb examined by a specialist, Padres general manager Jed Hoyer said Tuesday night.

Hoyer wouldn’t say if Rizzo will remain in San Diego to join the huge league club, although indications are that the slugging Triple-A first baseman will make his huge league debut within days.

Rizzo is one of two prized prospects bought by the Padres when they traded three-time All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox in December in a five-player deal.

Rizzo, who is tearing up the Pacific Coast League with Tucson, injured his left thumb May 31 when he collided with an umpire. He sat out the following two games, played three games and then sat out Monday and Tuesday.

Rizzo told the Arizona Daily Star that an MRI exam on Tuesday was negative.

“I guess with today off and tomorrow off, I’ll get it checked out tomorrow,” he told the paper. “Got the MRI today. It showed up negative. So, we’re just going to be careful, with the doctor in San Diego and check it all out.

“There’s no structural damage,” he added. “It’s just swollen. It’s a bruise just like we said all along. It’s like 100 percent better from the last time I played.”

Rizzo is batting .365 with a .715 slugging percentage, .444 on-base percentage, 16 homers and 63 RBIs.

The Padres continued to lay the groundwork for Rizzo’s promotion. Brad Hawpe, the opening day starter at first base, started in right field for the second straight night for the last-place Padres.

Pirates designate Ascanio, recall Watson

PITTSBURGH (AP) — the Pittsburgh Pirates designated reliever Jose Ascanio for assignment and recalled left-hander Tony Watson on Tuesday.

Ascanio had a 7.11 ERA in eight games, allowing 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings in his first action in the majors since 2009. Bought from the Chicago Cubs in a trade July 30, 2009, Ascanio missed all of last season following right shoulder surgery.

The 26-year-ancient Watson had a 2.45 ERA, 29 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings and had limited opponents to a .179 average in 22 games for Triple-A Indianapolis. He was Pittsburgh’s ninth-round pick in the 2007 draft.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle has oft stated his preference for having two left-handers available in the bullpen. Watson joins rookie Daniel Moskos. Veteran Joe Beimel is on the disabled list.

Rockies OF Fowler goes on DL with abdominal strain

DENVER (AP) — the Colorado Rockies have placed slumping outfielder Dexter Fowler on the 15-day disabled list due to a left abdominal strain.

To take his place, the team purchased the contract of outfielder Charlie Blackmon from Triple-A Colorado Springs. He’s expected to be available Tuesday night when the Rockies play in San Diego.

Colorado has went Fowler around in the batting order, trying to find a comfortable fit for the speedy center fielder. He’s hitting .238 and leads the team with 66 strikeouts. He also have five triples, ranking among the league leaders.

This is Fowler’s first trip to the DL since bruising his right knee in August 2009. the 24-year-ancient Blackmon was hitting .337 with 10 homers and 49 RBIs for the Sky Sox this season.

Mets’ Beltran back; Brewers rest new dad Axford?

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Carlos Beltran is back in the New York Mets’ lineup for Tuesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Beltran left Sunday’s game against Atlanta with a right leg bruise. X-rays were negative. Beltran says he still has some soreness, but he received treatment on the Mets’ off day Monday and expects to be OK to play.

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke says he may be without John Axford after the closer’s wife Nicole gave birth to their first child, John Brian Axford, early Tuesday morning. Roenicke said he and Axford talked about taking a night off, but said there was still a chance he might show up for the game.

A pile of baby gifts was sitting at Axford’s locker before the game.

Reds recall Volquez, option Thompson, move Chapman

CINCINNATI (AP) — the Cincinnati Reds recalled right-handed pitcher Edinson Volquez from Triple-A Louisville in time to start Tuesday night against the Chicago Cubs.

Right-hander Daryl Thompson was optioned back to Louisville. He was sent down a day after being promoted.

The 27-year-ancient Volquez was Cincinnati’s opening day starter. but he fell to 3-2 with a 6.35 ERA in 10 starts after absorbing a 12-4 loss on May 22 at Cleveland. He was optioned the next day to Louisville, and he went 1-0 with a 1.88 ERA in two starts.

The Reds also transferred the rehab assignment of lefty Aroldis Chapman to Double-A Carolina. He’s been on the disabled list since May 16 with inflammation in his left shoulder.

Cards’ Craig limps off field with injury

HOUSTON (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Allen Craig left Tuesday’s game in Houston after running into a barrier trying to catch a foul ball in the top of the first inning.

Craig was chasing down a popup hit by Clint Barmes and collided with a padded railing down the first-base line, suffering what the team called a contusion to his right knee. He crumpled to the ground as the ball bounced away, and assistant trainer Barry Weinberg and manager Tony La Russa came out of the dugout to check on him.

First baseman Albert Pujols and Weinberg helped Craig to the dugout. Jon Jay replaced Craig.

So I caught this fish and I reckon it's a bass. It was fairly small and stout. It was green, had a white belly, yellow fins, and turquoise swirls around it's gills and mouth. It's mouth sort of folded out like a suction cup, just like most bass that I've seen. could it be a perch? What kind of fish is it do you reckon? (PS I caught it in a small lake in Colorado, near the Rocky Mountains).

sounds like a sucker to me, too based on your description of the mouth.

Doesn't sound like a bass.sounds more like a sucker

Sounds like a pumpkinseed.

Going after largemouths, black bass, smallmouths and…maybe bluegill

The lake is about 4-15 feet deep where I'll be fishing. It's deepest is supposed to be about 125 feet.

Talking about chatfield reservoir if anyone was wondering. It's been about high 60's mid 70's for the past 2 weeks.

Colorado is not the Midwest. Thats Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin etc.

Bass fishing in that part of the country is really tough I NEVER enjoyed it. I'm glad I no longer live there. however if you are up for a challenge you might enjoy it. the water there is still very cold and because it's a deeper lake you will have to wait longer till you can fish it as it stays colder longer. Depending on which part of the state you are in the best times to go are in early may maybe even later may depending on when it stars warming up. I never got good reactions from bass before may because for some reason they take longer to get active.

Pella Crossing Resevoir in Hygiene has some very nice fishing as well.

-Connor

Call it a delayed reaction, but it’s been worth the wait. With reservoirs at good levels and water temperatures well into the 60s, the prime time for warm-water fishing finally has arrived. from north to south, anglers have reported good fishing for crappie, bass, walleyes, wipers, white bass and even catfish that have went into shallow water to spawn.

“I haven’t heard about anything bad anywhere,” said Bob Todd of Bennetts Tackle in Berthoud. “It’s all been good. now is the time for warm-water. Get out and delight in it while it lasts.”

High water levels have flooded brushy areas of many lakes. those are magnets for baitfish, game fish and, in turn, knowing fishermen. Largemouth bass, walleyes, white bass, wipers and crappie all might be found near the flooded brush, and all now are active.

While the possibility of catching a mixed bag of species is among the attractions of warm-water fishing, crappie are the favorite of many late-spring and early summer fishermen.

Working the brush with live minnows under a bobber is a favorite technique of crappie fishermen, but a wide range of soft-plastic or hair jigs, as well as relatively small spinners, also can be productive. Crappie usually go in schools and when the bite is on, the actions often is quick-paced. Fishermen might locate a school by trolling or drift fishing with a Mepps-type spinner or soft-plastic lure from a boat or float tube. when one crappie is caught, others are likely to be nearby. That’s when floating fishermen drop anchor and start casting or letting out their minnow/bobber rigs. Often as not, the reward may be a platter of tasty crappie fillets, ready for the batter bowl and frying pan.

Crappie are found in many northeast Colorado lakes. though crappie fishermen can be a bit tight-lipped about their hot spots, some of the best recent activity has been at Boedecker and Lonetree reservoirs. North Sterling Reservoir, a little father to the east, remains a traditional favorite.

In the southeast, Adobe Creek Reservoir (aka Blue Lake) and John Martin Reservoir are Fishermen in a trolling boat at Pueblo Reservoir. Likely spots for other warm-water fish include Horsetooth Reservoir for smallmouth bass and Boyd Lake for white bass and walleyes. Fishermen at Pueblo Reservoir report consistently good activity for walleyes by trolling bottom bouncers and spinners in the vicinity of the dam.

Fishing remains good but summer has officially arrived. Hot weather could slow down fishing through the dog days of summer, but at least for the time being, warm-water fishermen can hardly go wrong.

SAME ANCIENT RUNOFF: Virtually all major streams and many tributaries remain high and discolored with runoff from an unusually heavy snowpack. Northern drainages have been affected most; southern streams such as the Rio Grande and San Juan probably will be the earliest to drop and clear. in the meantime, the South Platte River tailwaters offer the best conditions for stream fishing.