As I suspected, the smaller ponds are alive…three Black Crappies, about a dozen BIG Bluegills and a LargeMouth of about 11".
Looks like a prespawn is happening…larger fish lurking off shore…behind beaver lodges, off drop offs, outside shadow edges…you know the places.
Next the larger lakes should start popping and then the rivers with the exception of the dam tailwaters which are reported to be throwing out Saugeye.
Sorry, no pics.
These 70 degree temperatures sure make for a nice day fishing eh?
I decided that it was way too nice to eat lunch today, so I spent 45 minutes casting in Alum Creek. No takers, but I’m sure those smaller ponds are perfect right now. (I’ll bet that pond up by Delaware Lake is on fire right now–I’m Utard, BTW).
Here’s a fun little read for those who don’t know which pond I’m referring to (most of you). I call this pond the “Tick Pond” because the first time I went there (as directed by brhoff) I went home with not 1, 2, or 3 ticks…but 9 little nasty ticks on me and my clothes. The first time I fished there, however, I lost count of the number of Rock Bass and bluegills that I caught when it got up around 50.
Was there this weekend…still no ticks on me BUT, I think last summers heat and drought may have killed off many of the fish…I heard there was a kill around August and I didn’t see one fish this weekend…the water was still pretty cold so maybe in a week or so.
Yup, many a hundred plus days on that little pond…the one below is full of hungry Carp, very agressive when it gets warmer!
Also, you other pond that you like…you know the one…(hint the beaver lodge) is waking up nicely…Crappie are just starting to head into the shallows.
I hope the rivers are in good condition at the end of the month when we head down to visit my wife’s parents. A few smallies would be nice.
I found out personally yesterday. Spent only about 45 minutes working my way up the shore closest to the parking lot. Once I got to the really shallow end I saw a ton of fish including some decent sized bass. I couldn’t entice any of the bass, but did land 2 nice bluegills and one very fiesty crappie that came in around 10-11 inches! They all fell for a size 14 PTN. I also tried an olive green bugger, a white/brown clouser and a partridge and hare’s ear. Nothing worked but the pheasant tail. What have you done well with there?
jsalkas,
I tried Alum Creek the other day (down closer to Columbus) and thought I had a hit, but it was tiny. I’ve heard of some being caught on the 'Tangy in Delaware though too. In another month, I think most river smallies should be out and about.
Chart over Chart mini buggers…whacked about 60 Crappie so far this year largest going about 12"
Also, saw some HUGE Bass but couldn’t get any.
Jeff…CALL ME!! Just give me more than 4 hours notice. 
Mike
Do any of you from Ohio fish around Newcomerstown in the Mohawk River? There are 2 more rivers there, but, I cannot think of them now. It has been 25 years since I fished that area. How about the Ohio Power lakes? Do any of you fish them? I assume they still exist. I have tried to get Mikey (Ohiotuber) to fish them, but, he has not that I know of.
Just wondering it those areas are still there and how they are fishing…
Warren,
I have fished for smallies in the Tuscarawas River in Newcomerstown…never heard of the Mohawk…or are you referring to the Mohican (although it’s a good bit northwest of Newcomerstown)??
I have (years ago) fished the AEP (formerly Ohio Power) lakes. Maybe I’ll get back in the not too distant future.
Mikey
Haven’t fished any of those areas.
Wildone, get back out around that pond. It’s not so much the fly but rather the finding them in that pond.
I won’t give it away but the 10-12" Crappies are located near an obvious area…just look, you’ll find it. Something you probably know from your days out west.
Used a small Chart. Foam popper on that shallow end and came up with about 10 Gills of decent size.
I am usually hitting the Crappie around 9-10 am and the Gills as the day goes on.
Good to know. I appreciate you sharing the knowledge. The real trick is not convining the fish what I’m doing is right, it’s convincing the wife ;). I might see if I can convince her to let the old dog out this Saturday morning in the rain!
Warren,
Since our mini-non-fish-in for steelhead bombed due to water quality, I’ve been toying with the idea of a mini-non-fishin for warm water fishies down at the AEP (as Mike said–Previously Ohio Power) ReCreation land/lakes. If it materializes rest assured that it will be posted here.
This is supposed to be a “massive” cold front…you might save your begging for another time.
If your find the spot…you should catch about everyr cast!
Wild One and Tuber,
If you get anything going on a “non-fish-in” at AEP, I would love to join in. I have been trying to work getting down there into my summer for 4 years without success.
Mike
Might be in as well…don’t have a tube though.
Bought one last summer, it leaked the first trip out…thought I was a goner for a minute in Alum Creek…promptly returned it and have yet to replace it…kind of spooked me.
I can swim OK but with waders, boots, vest, sunglasses, cell phone and gear to consider…it was not what I wanted to be doing.
Mikey,
I guess the 3 rivers I have fished over 25 years ago were close together and they were the Mohawk, the Mohican and the Walhonding rivers.
Just a thought…
Mike,
Depending on timing, I would be willing to go, although the few times I have been there, I was limited to fishing at the lake(s) by the campground(s) & never caught anything of note. Small gills, bass, & cats. It would be interesting to see some of the better water…I’m sure there’s a lot of it.
Warren,
There is no Mohawk River in Ohio…the 3 rivers you are speaking of, all of which flow into the Muskingum in Coshocton, OH are the Mohican, Walhonding, & Kokosing Rivers.
Mike
The Kokosing River is the third one. As soon as I saw your post I remembered it. The Mohawk Dam, which led me to believe it was on the Mohawk River, is on the Walhonding River.
Years ago I had some great times fishing the Kokosing River and the area is beautiful!
Can one wade the KOKO? Or, just float?
I was at a pond last Sunday and saw 3 nice LM landed. I hooked 2 Bass but lost them and landed about a dozen gill using a #10 jig. I put on a #4 James Woods Bucktail and made a couple of casts when I hooked into what I thought was a Bass from the pull and the flash I saw. Turned out to be a Crappie, just over 18", beating my best of 17-3/4" from 2 years ago. What a slab! And the belly was full - of eggs I hope.
I may hit the Tangy tonight and am planning a trip to the Erie Tribs next week. Hopefully there will still be some Steelies and the SM run will have started.
WarrenP - The Ohio Power or what is now called the AEP Recreational Lands are still going strong.
raw69,
Thanks for letting me know that the “what was Ohio Power Recreational” area is still there. I used to spend many camping weekends there and fished the many ponds/lakes with a 13’ canoe. Had some great times there and one trip I was able to drive up to the worlds largest dragline and look it over! Unbelieveable piece of equipment! The size of it was something you just have to see to believe.