PFA Fishing Reports – September 2006

Paradise PFA: Level: Most lakes are six to 12 inches below full pool. Temp: 84 to 85 degrees. Clarity: Lakes are lightly stained; 24-inch visibility on Lake Patrick.

Bass: Fishing for bass has been very tough, according to PFA manager Charles West. Try Texas-rigged, black plastic worms just off the edge of the weedlines during early morning periods. Work it slow, and give it plenty of time to reach the bottom. Switch to crankbaits by mid morning and concentrate on the water down to about six to eight feet. This has been a good tactic for fishing Lake Bobben, Patrick, and Russell. Good catches of smaller bass have been reported in these three lakes. Water temperatures should gradually start to drop beginning in October, and bass action should shift mostly to shoreline cover. Spinnerbaits and topwater lures typically prove to be the bait of choice after water temps come down some, and the bass start moving back up into the shallows to feed.

Bream: Good catches of bluegill are being reported. Red wigglers and crickets are the most common bait, with crickets being the number one choice. Horseshoe 2, 4, and 5 have been the best for bluegill. Drop a cricket into shoreline cover and around docks, particularly during early morning periods. Fish in four to six feet of water with the bait suspended just off the bottom. Smaller bluegill are still bedding in most lakes. The east side of Patrick and several spots in Horseshoe 5 have provided easy limits for bream anglers. Light tackle works the best, and a few fly fishermen have done well with flies and small popper bugs.

Catfish: Fair. Lakes Paradise, Horseshoe 1, Horseshoe 2, and Beaver have been the best for catfish in the 1- to 2-lb. range. Use mullet gut or liver.

Note: Two kids ponds, Lake Cup and Saucer, will be opened 7:30 a.m to 2 p.m. on September 23 for a Kids Fishing Event during JAKES/Outdoor Adventure Day. Lake Horseshoe 6 will also be opened to everyone. Contact Paradise PFA at (229) 533-4792 for more information.