Nice Weather Leads to Highly Pressured

I’m sure that many of you have been fishing in busy places at one time or another. I have been in the middle of live shows at times when things get crowded, sometimes it has been really difficult to get the situation under control. But things like this can actually be a blessing in disguise... Let’s take my local waters here in the beautiful Portage Lakes in Ohio for instance. These waters are highly pressured throughout the warmer months. Between the pontoon boats and the tournament anglers as well as the general population of recreational anglers, and jet skiers, it can get kind of busy, but there are many different ways to make your day successful.

First of all, I will get out super early in the morning to get to my best spots before the traffic gets too bad. As more boaters come out, I will generally throw my lures behind their boat where they just passed through as their prop wash kicks up debris and stunned bait fish from the shallow channels. I have to think of everything that will help my guide-clients catch fish. You can still find some quiet spots during busy times though. At the Portage Lakes, the East Reservoir is still my top hot spot with West Reservoir running a close second... Just find the spots that are a litter farther from the boat ramps, etc. June is the right time for some good fishing, the bass in these waters certainly welcome plastics, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jigs no matter how busy it gets. Be safe out there...

Ron Slater, Pro #808 N.P.A.A. Portage Lakes Guide Service bassfisher273@gmail.com