It's starting to feel like Fall out there, the days and nights are getting much cooler. Along with the cooler temperatures, there is minimal algae bloom and the weed beds are starting to drop which makes for a much better day of trolling. As of today, the surface temperature is around 62-67 degrees Fahrenheit so the hope is the fish will start rising a bit more. Also, the water levels have gone down significantly which typically helps concentrate the fish which should produce good days of trolling. The best fishing has now been between 7:30 AM and 12:00 PM with a healthy bite showing up again around 3pm when the afternoon wind usually dies down.
As previously mentioned, the water levels have gone way 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 somewhere around 3-6 colors or roughly 18-40 feet down has produced the most success. The Perch have moved out a little deeper from the shallows so consider trolling for them as opposed to jigs or bait, especially since we are officially in no-bait season here at Crowley Lake. Keep your trolling speeds somewhere between 1.8 - 2.5 MPH depending on your choice of lure. Good luck out there!
Top Spots
Between Alligator and Sandy Point
Small area from Alligator to Leighton area
McGee to the cave at the Chalk Bluffs
Sandy Point to the Willows
Trolling from the Dam into Crooked Creek
Top Lures:
Spoons of all kinds and Thomas Buoyants: (different fry patterns and bright colors) (all sizes and styles have been effective) Needlefish, Speedy Shiners, Krocodiles, Thomas Buoyants etc.
Tasmanian Devils: Something with bright colors (all sizes and styles have been effective)
Rapalas and Flicker Shads: (different fish patterns 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. Allow the channel lines to be your guide, especially if you aren't as familiar with Crowley Lake.
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