Going out with a bang

There have been times this summer when I was disappointed with the quality of fish I was finding on my favorite East Metro Bass lake. It’s been better lately. October is a little late in the season for good top water action but I gave it a shot this morning. Next week is supposed to have some cold overnight temperatures, next weekend is Pheasant opener. The lake was right at 60 degrees this morning but it most certainly is going to drop in the near future. It was now or never.

And the fish cooperated. I got on the water at 4:45 under a bright full moon. The first fish hit like the proverbial ton of bricks. It sounded like a bowling ball falling out of a tree. Just over 20 inches and fat. Five more fish came to the boat before first light, all on my big black poppers. Once again the action stopped abruptly when it got light out and people started to show up.

This was a great way to end the “top water with a fly rod” season for another year.

SR

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Fun times !

It pays to get on the water before everyone else !! Nice job

I bet that was a blast. When it comes to fishing, nothing compares to getting out at twilight. There is something about it.

Sounds like fun Steve. I was out there a few weeks ago and it was tough. Good to read the bite has picked up.

mplspug wrote:

I bet that was a blast. When it comes to fishing, nothing compares to getting out at twilight. There is something about it.

That’s looking east, first light. I really like being on a lake at sunup and watching the world wake up. Oh and it’s a great time to catch fish too

SR

I caught fish well into November last year on topwater, water temps down to 44 degrees. If it was calm in the evening I would get them and most were quality fish.

Bass Pundit wrote:

I caught fish well into November last year on topwater, water temps down to 44 degrees. If it was calm in the evening I would get them and most were quality fish.

I wonder if there’s a difference between mornings and evenings when the water is that cold? I’m in the habit of getting out there well before first light and heading home as soon as the sun comes up over the trees. I rarely fish evenings. I’m avoiding metro crowds. I might have to try a couple of evenings to see if there’s anything happening. That sounds a lot better than waiting until next May !

People are afraid of the dark in the evening too

Glad to hear it Steve! The last few days have been some of the best topwater fishing I’ve seen. Had bass knocking my spook 2 ft out the water and had a 30 inch northern come 2 ft out of the water at it also. So much fun.

What is the water temps in the metro area? Thinking about making a trip at the end of the week.

It was right at 60 degrees as of Sunday morning. The last two mornings have been in the 30’s and there has been some cloud cover so I’m sure it’s dropped some since then.

White Bear Lake was still at 60 even after the low temps today. The bite was much slower than yesterday though.