Hodges

[Dfishin]

When does it open?

[tomnilll]

When does it open?

Feb. 5? I saw on the website...

[Pourboy]

I went this morning with 1 million of my closest friends. Got in line at 5:30 with 25+ cars in front of me. When it opened at 6:07 I had at least that many behind me too. Concession was not open and could only use the vending machine. Lots of P/Oed people who did not bring exact change. Finally got my permit at 6:37 and on the water by 7am. Caught 3 lost 3. Biggest went 3.25lbs. Video and longer post coming in the next 24hrs. Apparently I did better than most from talking to lots of people.

[Str8t Slabaronies]

I was interested in going to Hodges but I thought about the crowds for the opener and changed my mind. Any word on the crappies? I'm wondering how many are left after getting smashed the last 2 years with the low water situation.

[1Fishdude]

I too was at Hodges but was one of the lucky pissed off people behind Pourboy. Got the last parking spot all the way up by the porta potties and on the water by 7:45. Hodges concession was not ready for the opener I assume. Or someone was sleeping on the job. Got 2 as I came around the point on Del Dios arm but were very small and I am sure that other anglers were laughing as i struggled motoring thru the crowd of kayak and float tubers on small crankbaits. Everyone I spoke to besides Pourboy whom I met up with on his way back had skunked out. I made it all the way to the damn dam. The water seemed in farther down and my go to spots were high and dry. Since I had thought it was to rain I had dressed for it and certainly regretted that fool notion . It was beautiful with blue skies and fluffy white clowds. I was shedding clothes layers in the 70+ heat. Headed back and off the water by 2:30.

[Nelson 1]

I too was at Hodges but was one of the lucky pissed off people behind Pourboy. Got the last parking spot all the way up by the porta potties and on the water by 7:45. Hodges concession was not ready for the opener I assume. Or someone was sleeping on the job. Got 2 as I came around the point on Del Dios arm but were very small and I am sure that other anglers were laughing as i struggled motoring thru the crowd of kayak and float tubers on small crankbaits. Everyone I spoke to besides Pourboy whom I met up with on his way back had skunked out. I made it all the way to the damn dam. The water seemed in farther down and my go to spots were high and dry. Since I had thought it was to rain I had dressed for it and certainly regretted that fool notion . It was beautiful with blue skies and fluffy white clowds. I was shedding clothes layers in the 70+ heat. Headed back and off the water by 2:30.

How was the bank looking for fishing. Last year there were to many plants growing Thanks

[blackcloud9]

[/quote]
How was the bank looking for fishing. Last year there were to many plants growing Thanks
[/quote]
A mudpuddle except way around towards the dam.

[Pourboy]

I was interested in going to Hodges but I thought about the crowds for the opener and changed my mind. Any word on the crappies? I'm wondering how many are left after getting smashed the last 2 years with the low water situation.

I saw a LOT of crappie guys out there, but I did not see one caught. Not saying they didn't but the people I talked to had not found them.

[Pourboy]

I too was at Hodges but was one of the lucky pissed off people behind Pourboy. Got the last parking spot all the way up by the porta potties and on the water by 7:45. Hodges concession was not ready for the opener I assume. Or someone was sleeping on the job. Got 2 as I came around the point on Del Dios arm but were very small and I am sure that other anglers were laughing as i struggled motoring thru the crowd of kayak and float tubers on small crankbaits. Everyone I spoke to besides Pourboy whom I met up with on his way back had skunked out. I made it all the way to the damn dam. The water seemed in farther down and my go to spots were high and dry. Since I had thought it was to rain I had dressed for it and certainly regretted that fool notion . It was beautiful with blue skies and fluffy white clowds. I was shedding clothes layers in the 70+ heat. Headed back and off the water by 2:30.

Great seeing you out there and chatting. Hopefully you figured out the electronics issue. If not, let me know. Cheers!

[mnico]

Nice report. Does anyone know if the wed/sat/sun fishing open only applies to being on the water, or if it applies to shore fishing as well? I see people shore fishing there all the time, but am not sure if they need permits and are subject to the "open" rule.

Also, given the lake level, is shore fishing even possible? Seems like a big mess

[1Fishdude]

To my understanding all anglers must get a fishing permit and the lake is only open to fishing on Wed/Sat/Sun. Back in the day the lake had a boat that would patrol the shoreline and ask to see fishing permits. The boat had a unique sounding engine and you could hear it coming. Of course not that I ever poached the lake and listened for it but that was when it had water all the way back and under the 15 hwy. The best bet to fish on the shore where its not as muddy is as far up the straights or all the way down to the dam. Its a hike either way you go so prepare for a walk.You can get a permit then drive to Hernandoz and park and take horse/bike trail towards the Dam. I saw guys fishing down there opening day. I dont know how successful they were.

[Nelson 1]

Nice report. Does anyone know if the wed/sat/sun fishing open only applies to being on the water, or if it applies to shore fishing as well? I see people shore fishing there all the time, but am not sure if they need permits and are subject to the "open" rule.

Also, given the lake level, is shore fishing even possible? Seems like a big mess

I think the lake is closed the 3rd Wednesday of each month