Bassin' USA - Bass Fishing Forum Archives

Hello fellas! I'm in need of some help fishing a power plant lake. I'm wondering in warm powerplant lakes do the fish follow the same patterns as they do in natural lakes/res. I fish a lake named Morgan in Farmington, NM and I can't seem to find my groove at this lake. Partly because I'm not sure what the fish are doing. Here is some lake insight. The lake is fairly small maybe 4 miles long 1-2 miles wide. The lake stays warm if not hot all winter long. Temp ranges from 90 degrees to high 70's. The bottom at the south end is full of moss and the water depth 60' from the shore is 2' all the way around the lake expect for the ripp rap dam which is around 20-50' depending on how deep you fish. No trees stumps or rocks mostly open water. Which is completely different from what I normally fish. The food source is shad. Can someone please help. I have trouble locating fish. Help!

Hawg Hunter,
Power plant lakes can be a boon to anglers, but also tough to figure out since water temperature is so important to bass fishing. Considering bass prefer a temperature of 70 degrees, that's what I'd look for first. Then locate schools of shad in the 70 degree water. Note the depth of the shad schools. Then select "chase" baits that can be fished at the depth the shad are concentrated. By chase baits I mean fast moving crankbaits, heavy spinnerbaits or heavy tail spin lures (Little George). Fish in lakes like you describe with no cover or significant structure are acclaimated to chasing down their food as opposed to hiding and striking. The bass are most likey to run in select schools. They are more efficient predators when schooled when there's a lot of open water. Don't be afraid to leave the shoreline to find open water fish. There are a lot of fish out in open water, and they are catchable. You need to learn to use the bottom-shad and depth as structure to cast to instead of trees or stumps or rocks. I would try to key on shad in fifteen to eighteen feet of water. Good luck, let us know how you're doing. Johnnie

As usual Johnnie has great advice, some of which I will try to use. Unfortunatly the power plant lake we have to fish, the bass are scattered and hold on cover according to the temps of the structure. Lots of rip-rap, some stumps and lots of boat docks, but the lake doesnot aloow fishing within 12' of a private dock. I cheat alot Carl.

Johnnie thank you for the help. I'll have to try the open waters. Your right about schooling fish. When we catch 1 we usually catch a few, then the fish are gone! I assume they are following the shad. I've been tempted to troll, but as a tournament fisherman I can't bring myself to troll for bass. It just doesn't seem right. Everyone has told me to stay away from the 90 degree water, but I seem to do very well in the hot part of the lake. (there is a few overhanging trees) Anymore advise would be valued. I'll try your advice for now!! Thanks again. Your the man Johnnie!

Hawg Hunter,
There is one thing you may want to try since you mentioned trolling. It's a little known-legal in tournaments- trick that often brings results. It's called strolling. Simply go to where you think you could catch fish trolling, stop the boat, make as long a cast as you can then push the reel spool relelase button and start the trolling motor, let out line as you go with the lure either floating or on bottom. When you've reached a good length of distance. Stop the boat again, engage the reel and start crankin'. This is almost trolling but legal. You can cover a great deal of water too.