12-12-2019, 12:56 AM
As the Pirate said, spend time on Wayne's words to get a basic idea. A group of friend and I used to spend the week between Christmas and New Year's down there. We went about 6 years straight. Several things to remember. If you go to Bullfrog, be prepared for VERY limited services. Gas station, stores, docks don't open till 9AM and they close right at 5PM, so any shopping you need to do or gassing the boat has to be done 9-5. There will be very few people on the water, so be sure your equipment is in good shape. You breakdown somewhere, you may be there for several days until you can get a tow. A marine radio is almost a must this time of year. Cell service is spotty due to the canyon walls. Carry emergency equipment incase you have to stay on the water overnight, or two !!.
As to fishing, it is usually great. You have to locate the schools, whether you are looking for SMB, Crappie, Walleye, or Stripers. This is trophy striper time !! The big ones can pretty much roam anywhere because water temps are down and they don't have to stay deep. In the past, trolling with DEEP diving lures was the ticket, but another trick would be to find a school of shad and vertical jig with a big flutter spoon. These are 4-6" spoons that "flutter" on the fall. They imitate a dying shad and should be a good bet. Check online vendors like Bass Pro, Tackleware House, etc for them. You will need a good med hvy to hvy baitcasting outfit to work them.
Schooling stripers can be jigged with spoons or caught with bait. SMB & LMB will hit the usual baits. Walleye can be caught with bouncer/crawler rigs, spoons, or jigs. Start in 15-20 ft of water during the day, or shallower in the morning or evening. Fish crappie around the docks and brush/trees 15-20 ft.
Enjoy the lake, the scenery, and the tranquility of the lake. As I said, you will almost be alone out there !! Great sunrises and sunsets, so take a camera !!!
As to fishing, it is usually great. You have to locate the schools, whether you are looking for SMB, Crappie, Walleye, or Stripers. This is trophy striper time !! The big ones can pretty much roam anywhere because water temps are down and they don't have to stay deep. In the past, trolling with DEEP diving lures was the ticket, but another trick would be to find a school of shad and vertical jig with a big flutter spoon. These are 4-6" spoons that "flutter" on the fall. They imitate a dying shad and should be a good bet. Check online vendors like Bass Pro, Tackleware House, etc for them. You will need a good med hvy to hvy baitcasting outfit to work them.
Schooling stripers can be jigged with spoons or caught with bait. SMB & LMB will hit the usual baits. Walleye can be caught with bouncer/crawler rigs, spoons, or jigs. Start in 15-20 ft of water during the day, or shallower in the morning or evening. Fish crappie around the docks and brush/trees 15-20 ft.
Enjoy the lake, the scenery, and the tranquility of the lake. As I said, you will almost be alone out there !! Great sunrises and sunsets, so take a camera !!!