Thread: Thunderbird archives

the water temperature north of hog creek boat ramp is 53F. couldn't find any water warmer than that today up there. i didn't go over to twin bridges where i should have been probably to see the water temp. the catfish are in the creek channel and i just got through eating one of them.

Originally Posted by nate_d

the water temperature north of hog creek boat ramp is 53F. couldn't find any water warmer than that today up there. i didn't go over to twin bridges where i should have been probably to see the water temp. the catfish are in the creek channel and i just got through eating one of them.

I've only caught catfish this time of year on accident. What method were you using? Which creek channel? I've seen some big blues caught right after a rain in the twin bridges channel. I've always wanted to be able to catch keep sized catfish at Thunderbird. Thanks.

Hey guys, I'm looking at doing some trolling pretty soon. I'm usually a jig only guy but a new strategy is in order for the summer because I got SKUNKED this last summer. I ruled out everything I could think of and on one of the last times I was able to go, during the summer, I found some on the channel. I tried every piece of brush I could find and it was not to be. Does anyone have any colors that you prefer? Should I just try to correlate it with my favorite jig colors? I'm new to these completely so any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

This just caused me to think of another question. I believe the thermocline was at about 20 feet last year. I can't remember for sure because I have CRS most of the time lol. One individual, who seems to have caught lots of crappie, told me to go deep as in 30-40 feet. Has anyone done well that deep in the summer? Usually I would disregard advice like this because it goes against most of what I've learned about summer time fishing but this was a reputable individual I think. Would the appropriate place to start be about where the thermocline meets the banks of the channel so they can get up against the ledges? I know this always varies but what had me confused was the advice to go below the thermocline.

I have never trolled crankbaits at thunderbird in the summer time. I mainly do that in early fall. But I guess it wouldn't hurt to try in the summer if nothing else is working. I have best lick with bright colored cranks on bright days and dark colors on cloudy days. I usually start with a few different cranks to see what they want then switch all to the same/similar color bait. I might even try troling some cranks prespawn just to try it. I'd be more than happy to take you out and show u how I do it. I'm no pro but I have learned a few tricks. Trolling is one of my favorite ways to fish. Probably cuz I'm so lazy haha

well been wantin to get out and try thunderbird. Dont know how all this rain is going to effect anything, but thinking about doin some slip corkin off the dam tomorrow. I figure the fish arent up shallow yet so im going to take the girl out and give it a try! lol

never know till ya try. let us know how yall do

Redneck,

Just let me know when you want to go and I'll be there! I go out there quite a bit as I only live 5 minutes from the lake. If I weren't such a crappy fisherman, I would do pretty well I expect, but I still have a lot to learn about crappie and why they do what they do. Any opportunity to learn a new strategy is great with me. My number is 249-2447. Call or text me any time.

By the way, what size cranks do you use?