Pelican Lake

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Don't know how long it has been since you fished Mantua, but the bluegill situation has changed over the past couple of years. DWR uses Mantua as their "warm water hatchery" for bluegill and bass. The hold sessions where groups of anglers all fish for them and keep everything they catch...transferred to a holding pen. Then the fish are trucked to community ponds and to the Kids Fishing Pond at the State Fair.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]That, plus increased angler harvest from others has resulted in fewer large gills...and the ones that are left are much more difficult to catch.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]During the summer months, the aquatic weed growth in Mantua comes almost all the way to the surface, even in 20 feet of water. The bluegills swarm over the top of the weed mat and will mob almost any fly or small lure you present. Only problem is that the average 'gill is only about 5 or 6 inches long. Fun on a flyrod, but not worth the gas money from Idaho.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Twin Lakes, above Preston, has some great action for larger bluegills in the early summer. They are all over around the trees along the east side. Also some good largemouth and big perch.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If I was Michael, I would spend more time on Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir.[/#0000ff]
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