Recent warm weather has warmed up Lake O’ the Pines and the fish, especially the Crappie and Catfish, are starting to feed aggressively in preparation for the spawn.
Please forgive me for not writing Fishing Reports over the last few months. Quite honestly, I have not been fishing on Lake O’ the Pines until recently. Partly because I spent the fall hunting and because the fishing on the lake this winter was below average compared to years past. Normally the fish bit best in deep water when the water temperature is in the mid 40’s. Even though we did have some cold snaps, the water never got that cold this year. In December most fisherman were catching a few fish off of the points an on creek channels. In the few trips I did make this winter, I caught very few in the deep water.
Crappie Fishing Report
I have fished several times in early February and have caught Crappie in good numbers and sizes. With the warm weather, the water temperature has risen to 55-58 degrees. This is pushing the fish into shallow water.
There are limits being caught under the bridges. I caught fish in 25′ of water about 20′ to 22′ down. If the bridge column is not in 20+ feet of water, it is not holding fish yet. As the water warms the fish will go shallower. Friends are reporting that the 155 bridge is holding a lot of fish and a lot of fisherman. I have fished the Johnson Creek bridge and the Alley Creek bridge with good success.
I caught most of my Crappie on minnows, but I watched 2 fisherman from Kansas catch numerous fish on jigs.
The female crappie are literally stuffed with eggs. I have never seen them so big this early in the season. I suspect the spawn will be early this year. Some of my fishing friends on other lakes are catching fish in the shallow water already. If you are looking for a trophy fish, you should be fishing now. Last week we caught several fish over 2 pounds.
Bass Fishing Report
I have been fishing for bass this year with poor results. 2 years ago I was catching bass on plastic salamander’s on structure from 4 to 10 feet. This year I have not caught one fishing this pattern. I have talked to several bass fisherman at the ramp and the consensus is the fishing is slow at best. I suspect it will improve very soon.
Catfish Fishing Report
Catfish are starting to bite under the bridges. I caught several nice fish while fishing for Crappie. As I cleaned Catfish, I noticed they are already holding eggs. I suspect they will spawn early this year as well. I caught Catfish on minnows.
Lake Conditions
The water temperature is 54 to 58 degrees. I saw temperatures as high as 58 on February 4th.
The water clarity is lightly stained. On windy days it will mud up some close to shore.
The water level is 230.05. Normal seasonal elevation is 230.00.
The water release rate is 2945 cubic feet per second.
This Lake O the Pines Fishing Report is done as a courtesy.
Useful Information
Place to Stay on Lake O’ the Pines, Texas
Boat Rental on Lake O’ the Pines
Lake O’ the Pines Public Access Information