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I haven't seen a report on Pelican lake in months, if you make it over there, let us know how you do. WH2
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I'm disappointed, oh well. I was hoping you'd get more feedback. Maybe this will bring it alive. I've been out there spring and winter, but never this time of year. My best guess - do what you always do and you'll probaly do ok. Would like to know where they ar most concentrated, huh? My best guess? Scattered. Please report back. By the way, I'm a float tube guy and don't have the mobility you do so any help would be appreciated.
Leaky
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[cool][#0000ff]I'll chime in with some basic info, but I have not fished Pelican in the fall for many years. I have found that it drops off a lot in the late summer, with high water temps, lower water levels and low oxygen levels when the algae starts to die off. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]However, when the water cools, the fish tend to move to the deeper spots, especially around springs, and begin to feed again. In short, you need sonar to find out where they are, but if you can find them you can usually get them. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The colder the water gets, the more you have to fish them with a vertical presentation. Anchor up over them, or drift if there is no breeze (not often). Fish them almost like ice fishing...with a small jig tipped with crawler, meal worm or waxie. I'm a tuber too, and vertical jigging is ideal from a tube. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Small spoons can also work well this time of year. I did very well on both bass and bluegill in falls (and winters) past with a tiny silver Kastmaster, jigged slowly just off the bottom. Adding "sweetener" (bait) helps, but is not always necessary.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Otherwise, use small tube jigs in white, chartreuse, black or motoroil. Little marabous or my baitbugs work well too. You can also use ice flies and mealies, even before iceup. Whattacrickets and buggers are well received by Pelican's bass and 'gills.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Sometimes the fish still orient to the stands of reeds, but often they school up out in the open, in deeper pockets or around springs. Again, use the sonar to find them.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Bottom line, the fishing can be a lot better than during the dog days of late summer, and will stay good right up until iceup. Then the hard deck fishing can be splendiferous. Until then, wear your neoprenes and watch out for duck hunters. The "lead rain" out there can get fierce.[/#0000ff]
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