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Flaming Gorge Smallies - 6/23-24
#1
I probably should have posted here firs snce it about tubing and, etc. Actually I was looking for some ansers to my questions from the locals but based on my response I shoul just gone ahead and posted here for your enjoyment. Sorry about that.[frown]
Sparkinator and I spent a 1 1/2 days tube fishing and another 1/2 day just slumming at the Confluensce of the Gorge. It was warm, if not hot and perfect fishing weather. It was very tough fishing. [Image: frown.gif] Managed to catch about a dozen and kept 8 for eating that second night and eating at home. Caught them all on my split tailed reaper as usual. Nothing like the action being reported down on the Utah side.[Image: unimpressed.gif]
Hear are some of my observations and then a question or 2. My guess is that it was cold and rainy for the previous 3-4 weeks, It had been warm for the last 2 days, water was about the highest I've seen, water was very dingy with a lot of suspended "stuff", looks as though all females, 6 out of 8, had not spawned (assuming those w/o eggs could have been male), eggs not very ripe (in my opinion), did not actually see any bass swimming, very scattered/tough fishing, no big females, all on the smallish side, they weren't in usual areas, carp not doing their thing in the shallows.
I've always been told that the N. end spawn starts before the S. This doesn't make sense to me based on my observations and the 2 rivers coming in with much colder water?? So, am I right in that it's still too early and to give it another couple of weeks or is there another answer? [Image: unsure.gif]
Still well worth the trip. I love the remoteness of this area with all the wildlife. Saw a group of 6 Sage Hens. [Image: smile.gif]

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Leaky and the Sparkinator
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#2
[cool][#0000ff]Glad you were able to make your annual smallie smackin' pilgrimage. But sorry you found such slow fishing. Normally they would be a lot more active by now. The long cold spring, with greater runoff, has slowed things down on many waters in our area.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have heard that the smallies are much more active further down the lake where it is warmer. They have already spawned down there. The fish you caught with eggs in them will probably spawn during the full moon period in July...if it warms up enough by then.[/#0000ff]
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#3
Your reply is pretty much along the same lines as what I was thinking. Still have a couple of questions.
What effect will the high water have. Will they most likely be in the same general areas around points, shallow rock/gravel shore lines of bays and vegetation cover even if those vegetation areas are deeper? Also, How important is the full moon thing assuming right water temps. and warm days will have been going on for 2-3 weeks before? Even with the warmer temps. now, will they still wait for the full moon? If so, when during that period will it be good fishing? Will it be good the first day or would it be best to wait a few days?
It's such a long ways for me and my fishing partner who is as old as I am, (and you well know how ancient that is) along with gas $ we need to plan for our best shot since that will probably be the last one this year. Any help is more than appreciated!!!! [Smile][Smile][Smile]
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#4
[cool][#0000ff]Many bass will spawn during times other than the full moon. That is just a period of greatest activity, providing water temps and all other conditions are suitable. Not just one thing that determines it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The bass prefer a certain depth to spawn, and the right kind of bottom conditions. They do not spawn in vegetation like crappies and other species. They like clean gravel or sand. If the area they spawned last year is deeper...or shallower...they look for another spot with the right conditions.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]More than water temps I think stable weather is helpful. The up and down weather pattern has caused the bass to just put everything on hold until a few days of decent weather. In some parts of the country some species of fish will actually hold off spawning if they do not have suitable conditions. If it goes on long enough, the females just reabsorb the eggs and try again next year. But, don't give the fish credit for thinking things out. They just respond to nature's stimuli and seldom check the barometer or a 10 day weather report online.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I would say that anytime after the second week of July clear through September would provide decent fishing for smallies in your favorite spots.[/#0000ff]
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#5
I think ther are some pictures in your report but I cant
see them [frown][frown][frown][frown].

Peter
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#6
Don't know what happened. Did it again.[Smile]
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#7
[quote Leaky33]Don't know what happened. Did it again.[Smile][/quote]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaah much better [Smile] Thank you.[Wink]
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