Paradise PFA Fishing Report – July 2010

Paradise PFA: Levels: Most lakes are 3 to 6 inches below full pool. Temp: 86-88 degrees. Clarity: Lakes lightly stained; 24-inch visibility on Lake Patrick.

Bass: Fair, according to area manager Charles West. “Fishing for bass has been very tough. Try topwater baits during early morning periods,” Charles said. “Switch to crankbaits by mid morning, and concentrate on the deeper water down to about 6 feet. Some anglers are reporting good luck fishing Texas-rigged, 6-inch black plastic worms in Patrick, Paradise and Russell around piers and in heavy cover. In the past, the Chug Bug, Buzzcraw and Pop-R topwater baits have been good during early mornings in Lake Patrick and Horseshoe 3, Horseshoe 4 and Horseshoe 5.

Bream: Good for bluegills. “Red wigglers and crickets are the most common bait, with crickets being the No. 1 choice,” Charles said. “Lakes Bobben and Patrick have been the best for bluegill. Lakes Horseshoe One, Horseshoe Two and Tacklebuster also are producing some good catches. Drop a cricket into shoreline cover and around docks, particularly during early morning periods. Anglers are still catching some pound-size redear in Patrick using red wigglers. Fish in 4 to 6 feet of water with the bait suspended just off the bottom. Use the lightest tackle possible.”

Catfish: Fair. “Lakes Tacklebuster, Horseshoe 1 and Horseshoe 2 have been giving up a few catfish in the 1- to 2-lb. range,” Charles said. “Also, Lake Cup is temporarily opened to fishing. Lake Cup will be restocked and reopened in the fall for the fall kids fishing events. The best bait for catfish has been mullet gut or liver.”

Note: On Sept. 25, in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, a JAKES/Outdoor Adventure Day will be held at Paradise Public Fishing Area. During the event, Lakes Cup, Saucer and Bowl will be opened to kids 15 years of age and younger. In addition to the these ponds, on this day, Lake Horseshoe 6 will also be opened to all anglers from sunrise to sunset.