May 12
Posted: Mon May 13, 2024 11:44 pm
Made my first visit to Barrett on Sunday May 12. Got to the kayak launch area at 4:30. The fog on the lake made visibility poor in the dark but it was getting lighter and lighter so it wasn't long until I didn't need my flashlight. Headed to Pine Creek to start the day, and per the recommendation of @Cocoloco1 I tossed out a beetle spin style rig (but with 1.5" Basstrix mini trix lure) while I paddled down the middle of Pine Creek hoping for a crappie. Within a couple minutes my ultralight rod bent in half and I landed a 1.1lb bluegill--a new PB for me. Thing looked like if a frisbee could swim haha. Great start to the day.
Headed over to the western side of Pine Creek to start out, and got my first 2lb-er on a popper. Drifted north along the bank, caught a few more on popper and jointed jerkbait. Biggest bass of the day came in the far back of a cove when I switched up and was fishing for bluegill, I actually miscast and the 1.5" dragonfly larva lure went into some thick grass and a 2.5lber gently picked it up. Thought I was snagged for a few seconds until it started fighting, very fun on the ultralight. Fishing hit a lull from around 12-1:30. Picked back up with a 3-inch jerkbait over on the east side of Pine Creek arm. In mid-afternoon saw some shad boils along the steep rocky bank. Weirdly enough, I didn't get any bites on wacky rig senko or drop shot with a finesse worm. All my fish came on hard baits. Wanted to get a crappie but never got another bite when trolling the middle of Pine Creek. Never made it over to Hauser, something for next time.
Met a guy named Jim back at the launch area as I was packing up, and he gave me some tips and lures for next time--I was blown away. All the other folks I talked to were friendly as well. What stood out to me was how pristine the lake and surrounding area is. I was blown away by how everywhere was teeming with life. Tons of bird species, native plants I hadn't seen before, all manner of insects buzzing around, bullfrogs croaking, and whenever I got up shallow I always saw schools of bass and bluegill fry hanging around. Overall I had a blast and can't wait to go again. Just a beautiful place with great fishing, now I see why everyone speaks so highly of it. I'm hooked!
Headed over to the western side of Pine Creek to start out, and got my first 2lb-er on a popper. Drifted north along the bank, caught a few more on popper and jointed jerkbait. Biggest bass of the day came in the far back of a cove when I switched up and was fishing for bluegill, I actually miscast and the 1.5" dragonfly larva lure went into some thick grass and a 2.5lber gently picked it up. Thought I was snagged for a few seconds until it started fighting, very fun on the ultralight. Fishing hit a lull from around 12-1:30. Picked back up with a 3-inch jerkbait over on the east side of Pine Creek arm. In mid-afternoon saw some shad boils along the steep rocky bank. Weirdly enough, I didn't get any bites on wacky rig senko or drop shot with a finesse worm. All my fish came on hard baits. Wanted to get a crappie but never got another bite when trolling the middle of Pine Creek. Never made it over to Hauser, something for next time.
Met a guy named Jim back at the launch area as I was packing up, and he gave me some tips and lures for next time--I was blown away. All the other folks I talked to were friendly as well. What stood out to me was how pristine the lake and surrounding area is. I was blown away by how everywhere was teeming with life. Tons of bird species, native plants I hadn't seen before, all manner of insects buzzing around, bullfrogs croaking, and whenever I got up shallow I always saw schools of bass and bluegill fry hanging around. Overall I had a blast and can't wait to go again. Just a beautiful place with great fishing, now I see why everyone speaks so highly of it. I'm hooked!
