Welcome to summertime, when the days are hot but also beautiful. Along with the heat there has been some monsoonal type weather passing through and both the heat and rain have helped clear the water of our natural algae bloom that occurs. Less algae and less weeds make for a much better day of trolling. As of today, the surface temperature is around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit so the pressing question is, how deep should I troll? Stay tuned: the answers lie ahead! The best fishing has now been between 6:30 AM and 11:00 AM with a healthy bite showing up again around 2pm.
The water levels have been going down so it is key to pay close attention to your depth. What was once the depth in an area a month ago may have changed. In order to be successful you have to think like a fish, don't just drag a lure behind your boat in open water. Think of where structures and fluctuations and depths might be located in order to find where the fish are feeding. Lead core is recommended but not the only method. Trolling a little deeper, somewhere around 3-8 colors or roughly 18-48ft down has produced the most success recently which hasn't changed much since last month. The Perch have moved out a little deeper from the shallows so consider trolling for them as opposed to jigs or bait, especially since no-bait season is right around the corner here at Crowley Lake. Continue to keep your speeds somewhere between 1.5 - 3mph depending on your choice of lure. Good luck out there!
Top Spots
Between Alligator and Sandy Point
395 Run
Lifeguard around to the Chalk Bluffs
McGee to the cave at the Chalk Bluffs
Sandy Point to the Willows
Lifeguard to the Dam (especially since trolling has been deeper)
Top Lures:
Tasmanian Devils: Orange, yellow, reds, fish patterns and frog patterns of all variations (all sizes and styles have been effective)
Spoons of all kinds and Thomas Buoyants: (different fry patterns, frog patterns, pinks and bright colors) (all sizes and styles have been effective) Needlefish, Speedy Shiners, Crocodiles, Thomas Buoyants etc.
Rapalas and Flicker Shads: (different fish patterns, pinks and bright colors) Jointed and Countdown
Quick Tips:
There are currently a lot of Chub and Perch fry in the water so the trout are ready to chase and eat! Don't forget about the channel lines which you can find on our lake map online or in the tackle shop. Also, a tip from some long-time local trollers: Consider consistently trolling 5-10ft off the bottom no matter what the depth, just beware of those weeds!
It has continued to be a great season here at Crowley, let's keep that going! Tight lines and good times my trolling friends!!
Vince Ortiz - Crowley Lake Fish Camp