Locomotive Springs

[chickenlicken]

I am taking a group of young scouts out to locomotive springs this weekend. Can anyone give me fishing conditions and tackle recommendations? Most of these scouts have never fished before. Thanks, Chicken.
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[Theekillerbee]

I would guess about now it is a little muddy. The bugs will also be out in full force, so take plenty of southern cologne (repellant) with you. They stop planting the ponds around the end of March or so, because the birds really put the hurt on the fish, but you should be able to find some willing troutskis. Most baits will work for you, with worms and power bait being very successful, but don't forget to take a few salmon eggs as well. Use small diameter line out there and you will catch more fish. Spinners and Rapalas will also catch you some fish. Good luck and have fun.
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[Jethro]

Powerbait is the key.. Rainbow color (they call it Rainbow but it is yellow, green and orange)..
Use smallest treble hook you can find use just enough to float hook on 18"-24" leader and sit back and watch the fun..
Best place to go is the first pond you come to.. Go half way down the road there will be camping pullout on your right walk over berm and fish in the deep holes..
Keep your truck on the gravel if you don't want a ticket..
Have fun
Pete
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[chickenlicken]

Thanks for the advice. What kind of rapalas do you use? I have a bunch I got for a Baja fishing trip but they are just gathering dust in the tackle box now. Maybe I should try some of those. Sounds like mostly planters at locomotive. Is there anything bigger in there? Thanks, Chicken.
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[Theekillerbee]

As far as Rapalas go, I used the little rainbow ones, but you can catch them on most of the smaller ones. Just use the floaters, because the ponds aren't very deep.

All the trout out there are planters. The migratory birds, especially the cormorants, really put the hurt on the little trout in the spring and summer, another function of shallow/clear ponds. The only big fish out there are carp. You'll probably hook into a couple of those big dawgs while you are out there. They put up a nice fight for a minute or two. There used to be LMB out there, but it's been a long time since I've seen one swimming around. I think they gave up on planting them as well.

Good luck and I hope your group has fun.
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