Lake Level

In case you didn't know, there is a link on the internet to PPL's website showing the current water level at the Pack.  It's www.lakelevelppl.com

Last time I checked, the water level was exactly where it should be this time of year.  The high mark is June at 1187 ft.  So, the water level will be rising another 1.4 ft. in the month of May.  I wish they had a website showing the water temp..that would even be better.

I haven't wetted a line yet but will be FINALLY getting on the Pack this weekend.  The latest report, from Bill of Bill's Guide Service, is that the water temp is nearing 60F and the Smallies (mostly bucks) are active in the flats fanning out nesting sites for the females that are staging in the deeper depths.  The full moon is on May 25th, so the females will be moving up in the next couple weeks.  The females usually lay their first load of eggs on the full moon when the water temp reaches the mid-60s.  It's not gospel, but it's a good benchmark.  If you're a veteran fisherman, you know there are NO RULES in fishing.  But, the general rule (which includes the Pack) is that bass will spawn on or near the full moon when the water temp reaches 65F.  Fishing seems to be good, from what Bill tells me, from Ledgedale to the Dam.  I like to target the Ledgedale end of the Lake in the Spring because the water warms up faster and it always seems like there is less boat traffic since the majority of the boats on the lake launch from either the State Ramp at the Dam or Capri Marina (mid Lake).

I'll give my first report this weekend.  Until then, FISH ON!  Rob 

The Mayfly in April

Well, they call em Mayflys but they are out in BIG numbers around the Pack in April.  Thousands of the fockers.  I opened the Lake House front door this a.m. and I kid you not at least 50 of em flew inside.  I don't remember them EVER being this bad in the 40+ yrs. I've been coming up to the Pack.  Maybe that's because we used to avoid coming up during this time of year because of the bugs.  I'm sure if they are bad at my house they are worse down at the water..especially if there isn't a breeze/wind to keep em grounded.

I'm not so sure the Mayfly is a regular in the Smallie diet.  Maybe the trout, but not the Smallie.  At least in the Lake.  Why?  If you were a Smallie and you had a choice of a stinking fly or a nice meaty crawfish/crayfish or threadfin shad..what would you choose?  I'm not saying a Smallie won't eat a Mayfly it's just that given a choice..I'm sure they'd prefer the larger meal..especially since the water is warming up and their body metabolism is picking up.  Smallies probably eat these Mayflys like we eat mints when leaving a restaurant after a big steak dinner.

Enough of the Mayfly.  I haven't dropped a line in the Pack yet this year, but my friend, Bill Albright, and full-time Guide on the Pack is actually out on the water today with a client.  I'll get the fishing report tonight.  Yesterday was a beautiful 70F day at the Pack.  I'm sure the warmer temps warmed up the water and fired up the Smallies a tad.  I know it fired up the Mayfly.  (Sorry, the Mayfly again).  Anyway, I'm guessing the water temp is in in the low 50s.  I will post a fishing report when I hear from Bill.

I probably won't start fishing until the weekend of May 4th.  Fair weather fisherman?  Yes and No.  Yes, because it's still not warm enough at 0700 for me to go fishing (which is the time I usually head out) and No, because I know we're not even close to the Peak Smallie fishing time in the Spring at the Pack.  I'm guessing mid-May will be peak Smallie activity.  Guess we'll see.  Until later.  Fish ON!  Rob