Cutler Dam

[jign]

This will be a first time for me to Cutler Dam.
Looking for Crappie, or anything that bites
Please offer any advice.
Thanks in advance..
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[SkunkedAgain]

What part are you planning on fishing? Cutler is a big area and has lots of different areas that all fish different. I'm assuming since you're a first timer you're probably looking for somewhere to start and since you mentioned crappie, I'll try to start you in a spot where you may be able to find a few... Note of caution, I'm not a good crappie guy... Also not sure if you're a bank tangler or boat guy so directions will work for both... I'd start at the Benson marina, the bridge there and along the rock bank to the east seems to hold some crappie each spring... I usually catch them on a 1.5" curly tail under a bobber with a piece of worm... depending on depth where you are at I usually fish about 2' under the bobber, unless it's too shallow, then pull it up... I seen a ton of small crappie there last summer in my cast nets, so I know there are fish there, but catching them is never easy with the stained water... I usually catch crappie when I'm after other species and so I don't know how to tell you to catch them exactly, but spring is usually a good time to find them.. However, Cutler is a slow starter for me, it takes a while to get things warmed up out there so the fish bite very well.. So far I haven't even tried it because I know how many skunks it usually gives me each spring.. But once in a while I hit things right and you can have a lot of fun with the crappie... it just doesn't happen very often so don't plan on a big day.... Good luck... J
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[Ahi1953]

went there last week Thu . hooked 2 nice catfish. tried for crappie but no takers. Fished right where Scunkedagain said next to the bridge. good luck.
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[SkunkedAgain]

Nice cat, guess I'm going to have to get my long poles out. Thanks for the report. J
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[jign]

I'm going to go with my boat. I was thinking about launching at the launch by Newton. My boat might be kinda big for the Benson site til I get an idea where the channel and obstacles are.
Thanks for the info
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[jign]

Do you fish the bottom for Cats or hang it off a bobber?
What bait do they like?
Nice Cat
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[BagABigOne]

If you're launching at Cache Junction I recommend going across from the launch and fish by the junk cars for crappie and maybe a bass or 2. Try 1-2 inch curly tail grubs.
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[SkunkedAgain]

From that launch you'll want to go west if you have a larger boat and be fairly careful until you get a ways west of the highway bridge it's sort of shallow in places. Cutler canyon is really cool but it can be a tough spot to fish for me. I've seen folks that really roll monster fish down there, but I haven't figured them out down there yet. Think walleye and channels down that way. Good luck. Later J
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[SkunkedAgain]

Rod you need to show me those cars and how deep is it there? I thought they pulled all the old cars so if I could find a few I'd love to try the crappie around them. Also been wondering about the church farm bank this spring. It used to be good, but it's a long toon float for me. Seems like the fishing is picking up faster than I expected. May have to try it this weekend. Later J
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[BagABigOne]

Last time I went by (south side east of the bridge) the cars were still there and there was a channel about 8-10 feet deep along there. But that was before the draw down and you know how things change year to year. Always got to keep a careful eye out, never know where a submerged log has drifted to.
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[SkunkedAgain]

Thanks Rod, I'll have to run down in the toon and try that sometime... thanks... J
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[CoyoteSpinner]

As you go towards the train bridge along the west bank. Quite a few, don't think they're going anywhere.
Up the canyon there's a lot of submerged hazards farther up. Parts of the old dam.

Lots of Cutler gets really shallow and muddy. But folks do seem to know where the channel is.

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[lavaman]

Some of my biggest Channels have come from that area at Cache Junction. Lots of good fishing holes over that way.
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[SkunkedAgain]

Thanks Yote, that picture helps a bunch... Need to try it in the toon some day... Later J
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[SkunkedAgain]

I've sure graphed some big fish down there, but I haven't fished it enough to know where to catch them down there... One of those places that someday when I get more time in my life, I'd like to try to figure out... I see lots of pictures on FB and such with big fish from under the bridge, so I know they are there.. Anyway more mudcats again tonight, but no channels for me yet... Need to move to a better spot, but ice is just leaving my favorite spots so I figured I fish the warmer water for now... Hopefully next week I can start finding some cats... Later J
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