With the state trying to lower the water level of the lake from 80 feet (full) down to 65 feet (flood control incase of a hurricane) the lake level has been like a yoyo. With a little rain in the mountains, the lake level can rise 3 or 4 feet in a matter of as many hours.

With the water level way low, the small fish don't have any grass to hide in and the peacock bass cruise the shoreline. Find some very shallow water filled with little fish and the big guys are always near by.

The water level rose 10 feet this week and the baitfish are all way back up in the grass. The good news is... everything is chasing shad in the middle of the lake. Peacock, largemouth, and smallmouth bass. Since there is nothing to tangle the lines, we use 3wt and 4 wt flyrods. Good fun catching 2 to 5 pound fish.

Sometimes the red devils are caught under the schooling peacock bass.


Stan with an average size (2 pound) Hawaii peacock bass.