May 14th Lake O’ the Pines Fishing Report is a compilation of my fishing trips and conversations with various Bass, Crappie and Catfish Fisherman I know and encounter on the lake.
It has been a strange spring on Lake O’ the Pines, but the fish are biting. As of last week The Crappie and Bass that were cleaned from the lake had eggs in them. This is highly unusual as the water temperature is now above 80 degrees. The consensus from several fisherman is that the water was too high for most fish, Crappie and Bass, to spawn. When this happens the fish generally absorb their eggs. Even if the fish have not spawned, they are biting right now.
Crappie Lake O the Pines Fishing Report
As you may know, I am an avid Crappie Fisherman. I fished hard in March and April but never got on any Crappie in the shallows. I caught 3 to 4 male Crappie on beds, but nothing like has been caught in the past springs. During the KYKX fishing tournament last week, I did catch a crappie under a fallen tree in 6 foot of water. After the tournament I went back and caught 10 12″ to 14″ Crappie under the tree. There are some still in 6 feet of water up the main creek channels but you will have to work hard to get them. I also caught a few under docks as well. I am catching Crappie though. They are starting to move out to the brush piles and Crappie Structures on the lake. You will catch a few small fish, but there are some keepers on the piles as well. There is plenty of structure on Lake O’ the Pines if you know where to look. It will only get better as the water heats up.
Bass Lake O the Pines Fishing Report
There were a lot of Bass caught in last weeks KYKX fishing tournament. The Big Bass weighed 9.44 
pounds and there were lots of big fish weighed every hour. Most fish were caught shallow early in the day. Many fisherman reported catching fish close to the shore where the bass were chasing shad up into shallow water. Fish were also caught around docks, on points and where the wind is blowing bait fish past a point. We had some luck on spinner baits, flukes and Whopper Ploppers. One fisherman reported catching 25 or more fish and many of the females were still holding eggs. Overall, fishing is good and improving.
Catfish Lake O the Pines Fishing Report
Catfish are everywhere and are preparing for the spawn. During the bass tournament I caught several on Spinner baits and crank baits in 4 to 6 feet of water. The worms are now rising to the surface under fallen leaves and are excellent bait for catfish. If you throw out Catfish Food you will attract several catfish at sunset.
Lake Conditions
Water Temperature, 78 to 82 degrees. I was fishing on May 13th and the water temperature was 84.5 on the surface on Johnson Creek.
Water Clarity, The lake is stained. On windy days there are some muddy areas on the lake, but overall the clarity is improving.
Water Level, The current water level on Lake O’ the Pines is 229.57. 230.00 is normal pool elevation. The Corps of Engineers is releasing 136 cfs.
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
Park and Boat Ramp information
Zebra Mussel Alert Information