Shaun Solomon
So this is a "Spotted Bass" ?Cottage Grove. I have not yet fished at Dorena. I plan on it, but have heard a lot of mixed messages about the place.
Spots... ahhh, spots. I happen to love them, as I have lived in several places down south where they are common (Texas Guadalupe bass and "Kentucky" spots in Georgia) but I admit they can cause problems in lakes. I do think it would be about impossible to get them out of a lake, and the best option would be to manage them aggressively by encouraging killing the shorts. They breed like rabbits, absolutely insane.
The easiest way to tell if you have a spotted bass and not a largemouth is to feel the tongue. If there is a little "bur" on the tongue, like a piece of sandpaper, it is a spotted bass. They also have a narrow caudal peduncle (meaty part in front of the tail) and a slightly forked caudal (tail) fin compared to LMB. They are often more vividly marked, sometimes showing turquoise hues, and sometimes have reddish eyes. They have a mouth larger than a smallie, but smaller than a largie.
They are also evil, and a three pounder will pull drag on all but very heavy setups. If you think you have hooked a giant, only to pull up a sixteen inch bass, it might just be a spot. I think they are stronger than the average smallie, which are very strong fish.
SS
Be aware: bass, cats, crappie, and 'gills from that lake may have poisonous levels of mercury. Trout may have high levels too; if they've been in the water for long periods.
You're kids should be able to find some panfish, from the spillway. Be sure to check the special reg's for bass; before you venture out. Good luck.
Ok, thanks. I appreciate the help.Page 16 of the 2015 reg book, will answer more of your poison questions.