Anatoliy

After seeing other anglers succeed where I failed I decided to arm myself with knowledge so I can stop failing and start succeeding. I put together a "battle plan":

1. I should fish not at the closest proximity to my truck, but where the fish are.
2. I should use lures that are attractive to fish not ones that attract me.
3. I should present the lure so as to attract the fish.

I would appreciate everyone's input on the points below. Also, if I missed a crucial point please let me know.

1. Where are the fish?

a) I need to get a map of the pond. Ideally with depth, major points of indentation etc. Alternatively, I need to get a map that shows as much detail as possible and add pertinent information to it.

b) I need to learn how to anticipate fish behavior according to the weather patterns.

2. What lures to use?

I need to find out what lure to use according to the weather patterns (kind, color, size etc.)

3. How to present the lure

a) I need to know how, and where, to cast properly.

b) I need to know how to retrieve the lure (speed, depth, etc.)

Anatoliy

I got manny books from the library with info on fishing in general, trout fishing, fishing in a lake. Trying to understand how do fish move in a lake according to the weather.

I spent some time online searching for a map of the Junction City Pond. Didn't find anything. Does anyone know where I can find a map of the Junction City Pond (online or in a store)?

18406ej

Anitoliy, the poor fish won't stand a chance against such a detailed and dedicated plan! I agree with several points that you have listed, especially the point about not fishing nearest to your vehicle. You have to move around and find where the fish are.

In my reading some of the most important tips on lake fishing are: Fish structure, meaning look for places where fish congregate, such as where the land extends out into the lake or where there are depth changes; Fish the side of the lake where the wind is blowing toward, as fish come to these areas in search of blown-in food; Still-fish or present your lure at a slower speed when the water cools.

Also, be careful when selecting books on lake fishing. The Salem library has a lot of books on lake fishing, but they are actually writtten about fishing the Great Lakes in the midwest, which is a completely different topic than we are looking for. Not sure why they stock these books in Oregon, but they do.

Finally, be patient. Bring a cooler to sit on and work a spot for at least 45 minutes before changing your bait, lure, or location. The fish will come if you are willing to wait for them. I have always been succesful wherever I go (except for that damn Big Cliff) as long as I am willing to put in the time.

EJ

Anatoliy

Can the points 1, 2, or 3 (see the picture above) be considered like "the land that extends out into the lake"? Or not realy?

18406ej

It looks like those would be good points to try...perfect examples, according to the books

Anatoliy

That's what I've been doing up until now. But may be I was wrong

Here is what Jed Davis says in his book "Spinner fishing for steelhead, salmon and trout":

"...One contradiction occurs when an angler who is fishing one spot gets a strike only after 45 minutes. This is misleading occurence. In his mind, the angler thinks, "It took me 45 minutes to get that darn fish to hit," and thus feels justified in making many repeated casts in the same spot. What most likely happend is that a fish moved into the drift after 45 minutes".

P.S. Here is information I like a lot

"Basic Fishing" by Ray Ovington.
Lake fish and favored temperatures
"Lake trout survive best in temperatures of 40-55 and are most active on the serface at this time. When the temperature of the lake rises above this point, they sink down to cooler levels. If it is colder, they become dormant".

So now my chances to get the brooder are the highest

Anatoliy

I didn't find a map of the Junction City Pond but I need it so today I started to create my own map. I have a thermometer/depthometer (I have big doubts about it's correctness). So today few new points appeared on my map. But it'll take more than just one trip to the pond to cover the map with such dots. Where is Mokai with his magic "Smart Cast"?

Also I bought a Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4 oz gold (a woman got a brooder on it the other day). I was not planning fishing today - I was planning to cast my thermometer. But it was just impossible not to cast a spoon. On the 5th cast I got this 14" beauty! So it looks like one question (what lure to use) got the answer.





Then winter came. And more Ukrainian looking winter than Oregon looking one.

18406ej

Great- another piece of tackle I will now have to buy. Actually I am saving up for that transducer of Mokai's. Congratulations on the fish!

EJ

18406ej

Anitoliy, where did you find the Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4 oz gold that you used?

Anatoliy

BI-MART in Junction City