St Louis complex #3 1/7/12

Only my second visit to the ponds since learning about them last month through ODFW Stocking Report. On my first visit in late December I put a spinner through most of Pond 6, and still fished 3 for a good 6 hours with no results. After talking with my Dad and getting his recommendation on a new lure I headed back out 1/7. Was with the girl and was only going to "show her the ponds" and get as much fishing in as i could on our little walk. First cast off the dock, of all places, with my 4'6" Ugly Stick with some fresh 11.1lb Frog Hair and the new lure. She put up a good fight and peeled off some line. Took about 15 minutes before I could reach in and grab her, but it felt like an hour. Beautiful pink meat, 28 inches and 10.75lbs gutted, went to the smoker today! I dont care what anyone says about hatchery fish, I caught over 200 bows last year in NW OR and every single one of them tasted great. Thank you ODFW for giving fishers the opportunity to catch broodstock rainbows like this!

HOLY CRAP! That is one awesome fish. Awesome job man.

Yeah! Ugly Stick... Good - Beautiful Fish.... Better! Way to go!

Nice fish, pretty.

If you are interested in exploring the ponds more I know a good spot in Pond 6 that produces better than average. Also a tip for bass and crappie in the Summer if you are interested. PM me if you want.

Hey, welcome to the forum to both SKIN ION and RIPALIP! Great post and porn SKIN ION, Thanks for sharing both!

great fish and I am a fan of Ugly Sticks, good value rods that usually get the job done...

Holy Moses !! :shock::shock:

Never even heard of this place.

Where the heck is it?? :think:

Welcome to the forum. Nice catch and thanks for sharing.

Keith, St. Louis ponds are located near Gervais, about 11 miles north of Keizer. You can get to it from Salem by just going north out river road, and when River splits and you have to take a left to stay on River itself, you continue on your path and the road will turn in to French Prairie road. About a half mile later, take a right on to St. Louis road. Take a right on Tesch road, which is immediately after the RR track crossing. This time of year there is a gate on the road and you can't drive in to the main parking areas, but you can walk in. Coming from Hwy 99, just take St. Louis road to the west out of Gervais. It's the only road in Gervais that crosses over I-5, and you would take a left on to Tesch road immediately before the tracks.

St. Louis is primarily managed for warmwater fisheries, and the ponds grow monster channel cats. I have personally seen a 22 pounder, and someone caught a 39 pounder a while back. The bass fishing is fair, but they can be hard to catch because of the high amount of angling pressure on them, and there is also a lot of catch-and-take pressure on the bass as well. Crappie fishing is pretty good if you put in the time and find the good spots (or I could tell you... lol). The bluegill are thick and are extremely easy to catch if you want to take kids out and catch lots of fish in the summer time. By the way, only ponds 3 and 6 are stocked with trout (including the brooders).

Google Earth coordinates:

45 06'46.57" N 122 55'54.10" W - Main parking lot
45 06'44.20" N 122 55'45.34" W - Pond 6
45 06'49.12" N 122 55'57.43" W - Pond 3

Thanks

Thanks

Thank you for the warm welcome and comments. Looking forward to posting more porn and learing from other anglers. @ PNW Sam, id love to hear more about your honey hole and any other tips your willing to share bud. Oh and just a heads up, I've been to Devils lake twice in the last month. Been pulling out very nice winter bows, slow trolling with wedding rings in the deeper waters. Happy fishing and good luck all!

Thanks PNW SAM.

I'll have to look in to it some time!!