Paradise PFA Fishing Report – July 2008

Paradise Public Fishing Area: Levels: Most lakes have dropped 6 to 12 inches below full pool. Temp: 78 to 80 degrees. Clarity: Lakes are lightly stained ; there is 24-inch visibility on Lake Patrick.

Bass: Good, according to area manager Charles West. Bass are hitting buzzbaits and topwater lures in the early morning. Concentrate on shallows and along weed lines. Switch to crankbaits by mid morning, and concentrate on the deeper water down to about 6 feet. This has typically been a good tactic from now through the August. Anglers have reported taking 4- to 5-lb. bass fishing heavy cover and open pockets behind islands on Lake Patrick.

Catfish: Fair. Horseshoe 1, Tacklebuster and Beaver have been the best. Most anglers are using liver and mullet gut.

Bream: Excellent. Lake Bobben and Lake Patrick have been giving up some hand-sized bluegill. Red wigglers, pinks and crickets are the most common baits. Some anglers have reported good catches of redear and bluegill fishing several days before the full moon. Anglers have also reported the best luck fishing on the bottom or just off the bottom in 2 to 3 feet of water. Good bank access to bream beds can be found on most lakes at Paradise Public Fishing Area, and fishing for bream typically has been excellent in July.