Paradise PFA Fishing Report – December 2010

Paradise PFA: Level: Most lakes are 12 to 18 inches below full pool. Temp: 68 degrees. Clarity: Clear to lightly stained.

Bass: Fair. Several anglers are still reporting bass being caught using crankbaits. Shad Raps and Rat-L-Traps have been the best choice for baits. Fish over drops in Lake Patrick and Horseshoe 4 in deeper water along dams and around drain structures.

Crappie: Good. Crappie are biting in 3 to 4 feet of water using 1/32- to 1/16-oz., float-rigged jigs. Anglers are reporting good catches with some 2-lb. plus crappie being caught. Based on recent reports, the best bet is to use black-on-yellow, white and solid chartreuse jigs in Lakes Tacklebuster, Patrick, Horseshoe 4, and Beaver. Anglers have also reported doing well fishing around spillways and also from the three fishing piers on Lake Patrick.

Catfish: Fair. Although catfishing has slowed, anglers are still having good luck in Horseshoe 1 and 2. Best bet is to fish deep water along the dam using mullet gut for bait. Many anglers are also catching brown bullheads (speckle cat) fishing from the pier using cut bait. There is no limit on bullheads, and they have a flavor much like a channel cat.

Bream: Good. Best bait has been red wigglers and pond worms fished on the bottom in 6 to 8 feet deep water. A few big redear have been caught from lakes Patrick and Bobben. Look for cover in deeper water that may be holding fish.