Finally, a break from a long, hot and dry summer has arrived. We humans are certainly glad to see the temperatures fall and receive a little bit of much needed rainfall. Hopefully the wildlife in our area will benefit from it, also. This has been an unusual summer to say the least. We went over 70 days without rainfall, had one of the hottest summers on record, and for one reason or another, the bass fishing at Richland-Chambers reservoir was horrible. In fact, it has been the worst I’ve ever seen. Perhaps the cooler temperatures will spark a change in the fishing. Let’s hope so.
Spring is upon us and my fingers are itching to get bass fishing! Generally bass will begin their annual movement towards the shoreline in preparation for feeding and bedding within the first few weeks following ice out (for those who live in areas where your lakes and ponds freeze over the winter). Males will bite more readily close to the shoreline, however the larger females will hold back, usually at the first or second drop-off. This annual ritual is probably the best time to catch that lunker fish you have dreamed about.
While most youngsters are enjoying school being out for the summer, there is another type of school going on, summer school. I don’t mean your traditional classroom education type of summer school, I am talking about summertime schools of sand bass fish and hybrids. The action is fast and fun. Richland-Chambers reservoir is loaded with sand bass and an abundant supply of food for them to eat, shad.