Paragonah (Red Creek) Reservoir Fishing Report
1. Current Lake Conditions Analysis
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Water Temperature Impact: With a current water temperature of 39°F, expect fish activity to be sluggish. Fish metabolism is slower, so they are less inclined to chase fast-moving lures. Focus on slow presentations and target deeper water where fish are more likely to be holding.
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Water Clarity and Visibility: Given the lack of recent precipitation and mostly clear weather, expect good water clarity. This clarity can lead fish to be more cautious, so using natural-colored lures that mimic the local forage is recommended.
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Weather Impact: The windy conditions forecasted can stir up the surface, potentially reducing visibility and pushing fish deeper or into sheltered areas like coves. The high wind speeds also decrease surface temperatures slightly, making fishing more challenging during windy periods.
2. Species-Specific Locations and Techniques
- Trout (Rainbow and Brown)
- Locations: Look for trout around deeper points and the drop-offs near Red Creek Inlet. Fish tend to hold here due to the cold water influx.
- Best Times: Early morning and late afternoon, when winds are calmer and fish are more active.
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Lures and Presentations: Use small jigs tipped with worms or slow-trolled crankbaits in natural colors like silver or blue. The slow presentation is key in cold water.
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Largemouth Bass
- Locations: Target submerged structures and weed beds in the southern coves. Bass may hold near the bottom in these areas.
- Best Times: Midday, when the sun warms shallow areas slightly.
- Lures and Presentations: Use soft plastic worms rigged Texas-style, and employ a slow, dragging motion. This mimics slow-moving baitfish and worms.
3. Weather Impact Analysis
- Windy Days: High winds can make boat control difficult, so consider shore fishing or finding sheltered areas. Fish may be less active, so use slow-moving lures.
- Clear Days: Fish are likely to move to deeper water or shaded structures. Use natural-colored lures and fish deeper as the sun rises.
- Snowy Days (Feb 13-14): With snow on the forecast, fish activity might peak right before the front moves in. Focus on fishing before the snow arrives.
4. Location-Specific Tips
- Red Creek Inlet: Focus on the mouth of the inlet where water is cooler and oxygenated. Use GPS coordinates 37.8897, -112.7722 for precise targeting.
- Southern Coves: These areas provide shelter from wind and are warmer due to solar exposure. Look for submerged logs and weed beds.
- Western Points: Target the drop-offs along these points with deep-running lures.
5. Time-of-Day Recommendations
- Early Morning: Start at the Red Creek Inlet for trout, using slow presentations. Fish are more active as the sun rises.
- Mid-Day: Transition to the southern coves for bass. The warmer water will attract them to these areas.
- Evening/Dusk: Return to deeper points for trout as they move into feeding mode. Use low-light lures like glow spinners.
6. Advanced Techniques
- Seasonal Patterns: In winter, fish are deeper and less aggressive. Target them with vertical jigging techniques in deep water.
- Advanced Presentations: Use drop-shot rigs for bass when fishing deep structures. This allows for precise control and presentation.
- Equipment Recommendations: Use a medium-light action rod for trout and a medium-heavy action rod for bass. Ensure your line is sensitive enough to detect light bites.
- Special Considerations: With fluctuating temperatures, bringing a portable fish finder can greatly assist in locating fish holding at varying depths.
By following these targeted strategies and adjusting to current conditions and forecasts, anglers can maximize their success at Paragonah (Red Creek) Reservoir. Remember to adjust tactics based on real-time observations and remain flexible in your approach. Happy fishing!
