The Angler Magazine | July 2024 | Great Smoky Mountains & The Upstate Edition

LAKE-RUN TROUT

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PUBLISH YOUR OWN FISHING MAGAZINE

By Nick Carter

Trout don’t grow huge on a diet of insects alone, so Budkey fshes 2- to 3-inch-long bait lures to take advantage of the carnivorous tendencies of big fsh. Tese fsh have good eyesight, so he fshes 4-pound-test and said light line can be the diference between catching dozens of fsh or nothing at all.

Now… battling 10-pound trout in current with light line is tricky, to say the least.

“You really have to wear them out. you all the way down the creek and back up it, jumping and thrashing,” Budkey said. “If you try to muscle them, they’ll break you o

SIT THERE AND FOR GIANT TROUT

Part-time guide Stephen Budkey catches a lot of outsized trout fshing the streams of western Pennsylvania. Much of his success with giant 6- to 15-pound rainbows and browns has to do with location, but he also uses some interesting tactics that specifcally appeal to large fsh.

Te setting is on Lake Erie tributaries. Tese streams vary in size, but generally Pennsylvania is known for smaller fows. Te key to their productivity is the lake. Lake Erie feeder streams experience steelhead runs a lot like the rivers of the Pacifc Northwest. Fish grow large gorging on baitfsh in open water before pushing into tributaries in early fall to spawn. Te lakerun rainbow trout in this migration are called steelheads, and there are bruiser brown trout that run up out of the lake, as well. Budkey also has access to a stretch of privately managed tailwater, which is an obvious target-rich environment for very large trout. Regardless of where he’s fshing, he uses tactics and gear that might seem odd to

trout anglers in other regions.

If you’re a snooty fy fsher, set your tweed hat aside for a minute. Tis might not convince you to pick up a spinning rod, but Budkey has an undeniable knack for catching giant trout, and you might just learn or adapt something from his style of fshing.

Reading water in western Pennsylvania is the same as it is anywhere. Trout like the cold, welloxygenated water of broken water and rifes. When targeting large trout, Budkey said he looks for the deepest runs or waterfall holes in the creek he’s fshing.

“I’m talking about creeks that are sometimes just the width of your car, and these fsh will just stack up in there,” he said. “And when they stack up, they really stack up. It’s wild.”

Budkey said clients who are decent anglers can have 25-fsh days that include trout that might weigh 6 to 10 pounds. Most of these trout were originally stocked by the state, but there is some reproduction, and holdover fsh that have been in

To even the odds, Budkey fshes a 10-footlong noodle rod, which is extremely absorb shock during the fght and protect that light line. Another important factor is a big net for landing fsh, and it doesn’t hurt to have someone else to serve as net-man. Sometimes it’s not possible to bring big fsh to hand, and a net man can wade out to get them.

When trout are aggressive, they are super aggressive, Budkey said. He likes a good-old foating Rapala when the trout are actively chasing and fshes a 2-inch F05 or a 2.75-inch F07 tied on with a loop knot. He just throws it into the current, gives it a jerk to get it wobbling and lets it sit there until a fsh crashes it.

If fsh want something on or near the bottom, Budkey fshes jigs. Trout Magnet jigheads in 1/32 and 1/64 ounce—the lightest you can get away with—paired with Gulp! sof plastics are deadly. Trout are suckers for these scented plastics, and he likes the 2.5- and 3-inch minnows as well as Killer Crawlers and Pinched Crawlers.

Te technique with the jigs is slow. Budkey said he just wiggles the rod tip to give the lure some action.

“It’s almost like I don’t want to move the jig toward me very much, at all. I just want it to sit there and wiggle,” he said. “It’s like shaking a donut in someone’s face at the gym. Tey can’t handle it. Tey’ll run out and grab it.”

Afer the take, it’s time to start worrying about how to battle that fsh to the net on super-light line. Budkey said that is the most fun part of trout fshing, and he loves nothing more than showing other people how to experience it.

See some of Budkey’s tactics on YouTube @FishFightsPA.

NOAA PROCLAIMS RIDICULOUS ONE-DAY SNAPPER SEASON

In mid-June, NOAA Fisheries announced a one-day recreational season for red snapper in the South Atlantic. Although there was widespread grumbling and gnashing of teeth by recreational anglers, it did not come as a surprise to pretty much anyone.

First the season: Red snapper harvest will be open for recreational anglers in the South Atlantic, from North Carolina through Florida, on July 12. Te limit is one fsh per angler.

Te date is subject to change in case a small craf weather advisory is projected. Any change in the date of the recreational season will be announced in the Federal Register, Fishery Bulletin, and an announcement via NOAA Weather Radio.

Now the reasoning: In 2008, NOAA’s stock assessment indicated red snapper in the South Atlantic were in bad shape and devastatingly overfshed. Over the last 16 years, NOAA has essentially shut down recreational fshing for the species, and catch limits for commercial fshing have been kept very low. Not surprisingly, it worked! Populations rebounded to the point where data indicates red snapper are now more plentiful in the South Atlantic than at any time since such data existed. What’s more, the fshery continues to improve ahead of the projected recovery timeline.

Tis year, instead of allowing greater access to the fshery, NOAA decided to tighten already draconian restrictions. Te overall quota for red snapper was cut by 25 percent for 2024. As the fshery has improved, recreational anglers have gone from a ridiculously short fve-day season in 2019 to an absurd one day of fshing in 2024.

According to NOAA Fisheries, the red snapper fshery is in a “recovery trap.” Abundant red snapper have led to increased incidental catches by anglers, and NOAA extrapolates that data into a formula for catch-and-release mortality. Basically, they’re telling us that there are so many red snapper that anglers are killing too many of them by catching and releasing them.

Te result is tighter regulations in an infexible system, where highly questionable data is used to shut down access to a public resource. We’re not even going into numerous occasions in recent years when NOAA has been forced to admit its data is shockingly fawed.

According to the American Sportfshing Association, work is underway to improve data collection for the South Atlantic red snapper fshery.

In the meantime, try not to get in a boat wreck during the one-day mad dash to catch your one red snapper from the Atlantic. Or you can just trailer your boat to the Gulf of Mexico, where the states fnally managed to bludgeon some sense into federal fsheries managers a few years ago.

For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.

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TO IMPROVE YOUR OFFSHORE GAMEPLAN READ WATER

Welcome to the best day of the week—the day before your next fshing trip! If you’re going ofshore tomorrow, it’s time to make a game plan, and a look at current Sea Surface Temperature (SST) charts is the frst step. With knowledge of accurate surface temps, chlorophyll imagery and other environmental factors, you can home in on areas that are likely to hold baitfsh and feeding predators.

By Mark Ambert

to consider when targeting gamefsh. It provides shelter and feeding opportunities for all marine life. While you can stumble upon fsh just about anywhere in the ocean, you’ll locate more on and around structure.

Large underwater structure defects current and pushes nutrient-rich water toward the surface, creating areas where bait concentrates and holds. Also remember that weed lines are a key form of structure on the edges of the Gulf Stream.

A reasonably priced satellite service is a small price to pay when compared to rising fuel prices and time spent running in search of gamefsh. Here are a few of the factors SST charts can help you decipher and improve the odds of fnding fsh.

Color Breaks: Te boundary areas between blue and green water, ofen referred to as color breaks, will typically stack up bait and hold above-average numbers of gamefsh.

Chlorophyll is the beginning of the food chain for marine life. Find it and you have a good chance at locating bait and fsh. Temperature and chlorophyll breaks ofen correspond with color changes. So, once you’ve reviewed the images and located the general area of a color break, this becomes an area of interest.

Structure & Current: Structure is critical

If you can fnd a color change that corresponds with structure, this is where you want to begin fshing. If everything lines up, there’s a good chance upon arrival that you’ll see marine life including birds, porpoise, fying fsh and other bait. Tis doesn’t mean you won’t catch fsh in of-colored water, but there’s a much better chance you’ll fnd concentrations of bait in or around the edges of areas where green and blue water interact.

Tides from inlets also play a role in water clarity, creating rips and weed-line formation. Bait will concentrate along the edge, especially where this water pushes up against the waters of the Gulf Stream. Look for these demarcation lines on incoming and outgoing tides.

Learn to read these vital signs both on and of the water using charts. If you can consistently

fnd areas that hold bait, you’ll always have a shot at your quarry. You will have become a top predator!

Mark Ambert, IG @marksgonefshing_™

ENTER TO WIN

TENNESSEE/KENTUCKY/ALABAMA

Tennessee Fly Fishing: Top 7 Places for the Best Trout Fishing

PART 1

By Taylor Klarman

If Tennessee fly fishing is on your bucket list or you’re a Tennessean just looking for the next best creek to fish, this guide is for you! We took some time to highlight our top 7 rivers that have the best fly fishing opportunities in the state. Whether you’re wanting to hop on the tailwaters or hit the streams in our beautiful mountains, this guide is for you! With our regions temperate climate, it makes for the perfect habitat for supporting healthy trout populations year round. This guide will cover the best waters to fish, what kind of trout you can find, and the best flies to use when fishing there. Grab a drink and come see why these trout fisheries made our list!

1. Tennessee Fly Fishing: South Holston River

The South Holston River, or SoHo as locals call it, is one of the best blue ribbon trout streams in the nation. Anglers come from all over the

United States to access this famous tailwater. Since it has great water temperatures year round, it’s home to a variety species including brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and even stripers making their way up from Boone Lake! It’s also known for its abundant number of wild brown trout.

The South Holston hasn’t been stocked with brown trout since the early 2000’s due to its excellent water quality and environment. This has, of course, created an excellent habitat for the trout population to thrive in. Boasting nearly 8,500 wild trout per mile, this puts it at the top of the list as our #1 for this Tennessee fly fishing list! Book your next fly fishing trip on the South Holston River with us and experience this beautiful fishery!

From South Holston Dam to Bluff City, there are numerous access points for the wading angler. With the entirety of this section of river

Continued, see TENNESSEE FLY FISHING Page 10

Adventures Fly Fishing on the Rivers of East Tennessee

Nestled in Great Valley of the Appalachians with 3500 miles of shoreline surrounding the 9 Lakes of East Tennessee, there are endless recreational opportunities for world class fly fishing. Whether you fish the Clinch River, Holsten River or somewhere in the Cherokee National Forest, our region’s lakes and rivers are well known for the quality of fishing, so grab your gear and find your spot in the 9 Lakes to fish and relax.

Bill Dance Signature Lakes Offer Impactful Improvements to Tennessee’s Fishing Waters

By David Haggard & Heather Lose

It was easy to spot the fish out of water at the 2023 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville. They weren’t sporting some iteration of B.A.S.S. gear, they couldn’t have cared less about snagging a five-gallon white swag bucket (or six), and they weren’t losing their absolute minds over meeting Bill Dance.

The Bassmaster Classic is a three-day professional fishing tournament and a mecca for fishing enthusiasts. It’s been called the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing. At this year’s event in March, 163,914 visitors poured through the doors of the Knoxville Convention Center to get close to this year’s angling extravaganza, and 4.5 million viewers tuned in to the tournament’s tv coverage. And how about social media? Crazy amounts of eyes! Fishing is big business, in case you hadn’t heard, and the Bassmaster is a fun opportunity for folks to come together and celebrate the activity they love, and the anglers who excel at it.

Inside the Convention Center, visitors troll around from booth to booth, checking out the latest fishing gear and reeling in the swag. If you were there that Saturday, you may have seen a huge line of people snaking around the conference center floor, beside the huge screens, through the sparkling boats and shiny black motors, beside the spindly forests of new rods and reels. What were they waiting for? Only Tennessee’s favorite fisherman, the one and only Bill Dance.

World-renowned angler Dance was born in Lynchburg and has spent his life fishing the best waters in the Volunteer State. Dance

Representatives from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Tennessee State Parks celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Bill Dance Signature Lakes project at the Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville on March 25, along with the project’s namesake. Photo Courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development:

honors his Tennessee roots with his legendary “lucky” orange and white UT ballcap—a gift from coach Doug Dickey. He started competing in tournaments and educating people about fishing with his “Bill Dance Outdoors” television show in the late ’60s. Since then, he’s won numerous awards and titles, and has published many how-to fishing books. His popular blooper reels show the human side of this beloved, gentle giant of fishing who leads with a downhome smile and has built the trust of millions. And now, he is lending his name to help improve our state’s already impressive fishing waters with the creation of the Bill Dance Signature Lakes project.

Tennessee State Parks, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development are the primary partners in creating the new Bill Dance Signature Lakes, which held a ribbon cutting at the Bassmaster Classic. The partnership has committed over $15 million in improvements “above and below the water line” at lakes across the Volunteer State that meet Bill Dance’s approval. The improvements are basically meant to help more people catch more fish and have a better day out on the water.

Fishing tourism is already popular in Tennessee, and the improvements at these lakes can only mean increased revenue for local restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. Currently, fishing in Tennessee generates over $1 billion in economic impact annually and supports over 7,000 jobs across the state. More than 1 million anglers visit Tennessee waters every year, and by investing in these signature lakes, the hope is to bring more people to enjoy a wider variety of outdoor opportunities.

Dennis Tumlin, Chief Customer Officer for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, is excited about the potential impact the current and forthcoming lake improvements will create across the state. “Tennessee is home to half-a-million acres of lakes and 1.8 million people who hold a fishing license. The Bill Dance Signature Lakes initiative will touch 35 counties, including 18 ‘at-risk’ or economically ‘distressed’ counties in phase 1, and is an important step in helping those communities create new revenue streams through outdoor recreation,” Tumlin says. “This effort would not be possible without the alignment of our agency partners including Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency,

Continued, see BILL DANCE Page 12

CAPTAIN JIM DURHAM FISHING

KY / TN FISHING REPORT

Provided by Captain Jim Durham, Owner StriperFun Guide Service, Tennessee and Kentucky Walleye, Bass, Crappie and Muskie Charters, Captain Jim Lures and Marine Electronics and much more……

DATE OF REPORT: July 2024. Greetings to my readers! I hope the world finds you and your family doing well!

STRIPER FUN GUIDE SERVICE ON THE CUMBERLAND RIVER

Captain Jim’s StriperFun Guide Service Cumberland River Adventures fishes the Cumberland River in TN and KY for several reasons.

- First, the stripers are much larger in the Cumberland River system in TN and KY than other fresh water arears. Per the two State’s Wildlife Boards, there is an average of over 15 stripers caught annually in excess of 50 pounds and 40-pound fish are not uncommon. The smallest fish we generally catch daily is over 3 feet long! These fish mostly eat high protein rainbow trout, large gizzard shad and skipjack and also fight the current all day, making them much heavier and stronger than “lake” fish.

In the cold waters of the Cumberland River, the caught fish survive very well and can be released unharmed. The average size trout we use in TN for bait is 12 inches with some up to 16 inches long (we do casting trips in KY) and we also occasionally use big skipjack up to 20 inches long (“yes” the stripers in the Cumberland River are large enough to eat a 20-inch piece of bait!). When a big river striper comes after a

large bait, the bait will be tail dancing all over the surface trying to get a way. Sometimes the “dance” will last half a minute (as you watch the big predator circling the prey!) until the striper finally gets the big bait then its “kabam”!! The rod gets yanked down and the reel is screaming! We also catch huge fish casting Captain Jim Special (see photo) Striper Magic “glide” baits and my mini umbrella rigs!

As I advised above, throughout the year, it is not uncommon to see 40 or 50 pound “goliath” stripers pulled from the beautiful waters of the Cumberland River. This fishing is not for the faint of heart however! These big fish hit like freight trains, making long powerful runs in the constantly flowing waters of the river! We use large rods, heavy duty reels, 50-pound test line and titanium hooks!

JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER ARE GREAT MONTHS TO HUNT MONSTER STRIPERS ON THE CUMBERLAND RIVER!

It is great to be alive and be a “free” American! I look forward to seeing all of you this year on the water. Always remember to stop and shake the hand of a person in uniform or wearing garb that shows they are a veteran! Their service is why you speak English, can vote and enjoy the freedoms you do!

Until next time, blue skies and tight lines!

With full State licensing and insurance, all Captain Jim’s Guide Service guides (19 guides on 18 waterways fishing 9 different species of fish) can take you on a safe, fun and unforgettable fishing adventure! Check out all of our fishing services as well as our exclusive “online” store at www.striperfun.com or call 931-403-2501 to make reservations today.

TGiving Back

By Perry E. Hensley, Sr.

his Article is a tribute and a testament to those local legends of the crappie fishing world which not only help their fellow anglers, but also give back to their communities. These people have also been kind enough to help and give back to the fishing community as well as to their local Wildlife Resource Agency.

When someone mentions Crappie Fishing in our area one can’t help but to think of these two guys. Scott Bunch and Neal Alvis these Anglers of which exemplify Sportsmanship and who represent our sport in the greatest ways possible.

Scott and Neal hold such accolades as being the 2020 Crappie USA Points Champions, not to mention winning and placing well in various local tournaments such as the East Tennessee Crappie Club. The truth of the matter is that this article is not as much about their accomplishments but instead its more about the recognition of their characters.

Their constant efforts include educating and getting the youth interested in the sport of fishing while passing on some valuable conservation tips. Again, these gentlemen are known to do events such as free seminars at our local Bass Pro Shop here in Kodak Tennessee every spring to help educate each Angler that is willing to show interest and listen.

One of the most valued events is those that include our youth and

Continued, see GIVING BACK Page 20

TENNESSEE

FLY FISHING continued from page 2

being navigable by boat, it offers plenty of opportunity to chase after those trophy trout that it’s known for. The size of the fish here average around 8-12 inches. It should be noted that there is a spawning section of the river that is off limits to fishing during certain months of the year. You can check out our ultimate guide for South Holston River trout fishing to learn more about that. We also included the best sections to wade and float fish in that guide as well.

2. Tennessee Fly Fishing: Little River (GSMNP)

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) lies this gem of a trout stream. Some would say that there is no better

Tennessee fly fishing than right here in the GSMNP. Don’t let the name fool you though, this is anything but a river. It’s more of a large stream. You’ll find browns, rainbows and brook trout here. Some of the sections will have some day use swimmers in the pools and such, but by in large, much of the stream is open for anglers. There are some sections that are difficult to access, especially in the higher elevations, but most of the stream is accessible for wading. With it’s convenience to Knoxville, this stream is a must fish every fly fishing enthusiast. One thing to mention about the park is that either a TN or NC fishing license covers both sides, no matter which side your license is on. Check out their site for more information and an in depth map of the park.

Lower Section from Townsend to Sinks

You’ll still find some wild rainbows and browns through this section, but they aren’t as prevalent as they are upstream. You may be able to find some bass that have wondered upstream from the lake through here as well. This is also a very popular section for whitewater boaters, so you’re better off fishing upstream toward the more wild sections.

Middle Section From Sinks to Elkmont

As you make your way upstream from the Sinks, you’ll pass several parking spots on the side of the road that you can access the stream from. About 2 miles up the road from the Sinks is Metcalf Bottoms. There is a picnic area here that you can park at and access the stream

Photo Credit: Hunter Palmer

and the fishing is pretty phenomenal here. During some of the prolific hatches, the pools are stacked with trout and it’s a good day for dry fly fishing. There is about 6 miles of stream from Metcalf until Elkmont. There is an abundance of trout here as well as some big fish that like to hide in the deeper pools.

Backcountry Section above Elkmont

This section is our favorite because it’s far away from the crowds. This area of the Little has far less fishing pressure than the downstream sections, primarily because of the extra effort required to reach it. This is truly the section to chase after wild trout. With the geography being a bit more steep, this also means you won’t find as many big fish here either. As the stream narrows here, that means that technical fishing and casting techniques are needed. There are several backcountry camp sites that parallel the river, but you’ll need to get a permit for them through the park service. Brookies increase in population as the elevation does. If you’re looking for a great camping trip to accompany your fishing, this section is for you!

3. Tennessee Fly Fishing: Hiwassee River

The Hiwassee River is a north-flowing river that originates in North Georgia and makes its way through North Carolina and into Tennessee. It’s noted for being the first river in Tennessee to be classified as a State Scenic River. This is a fantastic fishery that is good for anglers of all skill levels. There are some sections that prove to be a bit more difficult to fish, but that is primarily due to accessibility reasons. The average fish here is generally 9-12”, but there are some big ones lurking throughout.

Upper Section (Powerhouse to Reliance)

The upper section is the most popular by far. You’ll find most all aquatic insect hatches through here. This section is most popular for its sulfur and Isochonyia hatch in late spring and early summer. Roadside

access is pretty open along the way, except for a couple of spots. There is also the John Muir Trail that parallels the river as well.

Middle (Reliance to HWY 411)

The middle section is generally best fished from spring through early summer. Wading is really accessible here, but you’ll have to be careful if they are generating water or not. It can be floated during generation, but wading becomes more difficult.

Lower (HWY 411 to Patty Bridge)

This section is generally best from late winter to late spring. The caddis hatch during this time is pretty hot and we’ve seen some big fish pulled out of here as a result.

Part 2 in the next edition of The Angler Magazine

Taylor Klarman is a retired United States Marine. He finished his last tour in 2013, shortly after he was retired. The long road of completing a master’s degree in business and working various jobs was just not enough to fill the vessel of life. Fishing has always been a pillar of Taylor’s life as he is a native of Mobile Bay, Alabama. He grew up competing in the thriving fisheries from Florida across to Venice, LA as the crow flew. Fortunately, The Marine Corps took him to many places in this life and freshwater fly-fishing became his addictive pastime while in the service. View all posts by Taylor Klarman at https:// riverrunangling.com/blog author/anglingrocks

Photo Credit: Lane Kelly

from page 4

Tennessee State Parks, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Governor Bill Lee’s office. We believe that once fully developed, this economic development initiative will have everlasting positive impacts on the communities involved.”

Fishermen are also excited about the lake enhancements. Cody Rodriquez, a fishing guide at Reelfoot and Kentucky Lakes, sure is. “The Bill Dance Signature Lakes project is an awesome deal for Reelfoot Lake and the other selected lakes. We are seeing firsthand how the project is improving ramp and bank access. The work done at Kirby Pocket at Reelfoot was a much-needed improvement and a great addition for the lake. The ramp at Whites Landing improvements include a wheelchair accessible fishing pier. I cannot wait to see what other great things are scheduled for Reelfoot Lake and all the other signature lakes with the additional funding that goes with this project!”

Back at the Bassmaster Classic, the line is moving slowly. Bill gives his full attention to every family who comes up to get his signature, a selfie, or a handshake. Many fans get all three. A teenage girl in shorts is awash in tears after meeting her hero. And an event that was supposed to end at 6:00 goes on till around 7:30 because Bill insists on greeting every single person who has stood in that line for so many hours to meet him. What does Dance think about the project that bears his name? “To be able to work with Governor Lee, and the teams at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, TWRA and Tennessee State Parks is a tremendous honor. Words can’t describe how great it makes me feel!” he says with a grin. “I hope everyone will join me and take at least one new person fishing on one of Tennessee’s new Bill Dance Signature Lakes sometime this year!”

And there you have it. Fishing orders from the big man himself. We’ll see you out on the water this summer!

More info: tnvacation.com/bill-dance-signature-lakes

David Haggard is a regional interpretive specialist with Tennessee State Parks. Heather Lose is editor-in-chief for The Tennessee Conservationist. This article has been reprinted with permission from the July/August 2023 issue of The Tennessee Conservationist.)

Tucker Bass with a nice crappie at Reelfoot Lake, a Bill Dance Signature Lake. Photo Courtesy of David Haggard.

Trolling: Stay Cool and Catch More Summer Fish

By Capt. Cefus McRae, Nuts & Bolts of Fishing Series

Summer has arrived! Outside temperatures are hitting the 90 degree mark by mid-morning. Bottom fishing and downlining baits on a breezeless ocean or lake has your favorite fishing shirt drenched with sweat while you wait for a bite. Isn’t fishing supposed to be fun? Here’s a tactic to help keep you cool, and probably put a few more fish in the box. Set up your boat for trolling. You’ll actually be covering more water, and you’ll be creating a little bit of a breeze to keep you a lot cooler.

In the heat of the summer, many game fish move to deeper, cooler water where they can find higher oxygen concentrations. You need to get your baits and lures into the strike zone, so trolling becomes an excellent option. Dragging baits allows you to explore a lot of water in a shorter time, and it is one of the most effective ways to present a variety of baits (artificial or natural) at different depths.

The way you set up your spread can be as simple as rigging a couple of deep diving plugs…dropping them about 50 to 100 feet behind the boat, then set the boat speed somewhere between two and five miles per hour. Your ideal trolling speed will be dictated by the type of bait or rig and the depth you want to achieve. For wahoo you may be trolling cedar plugs and jet-heads from seven to as much as fifteen miles per hour. For stripers and bass you may be running at just over two miles per hour. And on a perfectly still day, even two

miles an hour will put a little bit of a breeze on your face. On days when the sea state is just a little too sloppy to comfortably stand at the rail and bottom fish, trolling reduces the pitching and rolling of a boat that can make some folks turn green. Trolling also gives you the opportunity to cover a wider swath of water. With horizontal rod holders, you can expand the footprint of your boat by as much as fifteen feet using 7 ½ foot rods to extend out on either side of the boat. And you can cover virtually the entire vertical water column by using diving plugs that run at specific depths. But even the largest diving plugs have their limits. That’s why you might want to consider adding downriggers to your boat as well.

You can add a manual downrigger that can be clamped to the transom of a jon boat for under $100. Or step up to an electric downrigger for around $500. I use my Scotty Downriggers in both fresh and saltwater situations where I need baits to be 10 feet down or deeper. They are easy to mount on the boat, using either a bolt-on base, or a gimbal base that drops into a gunwale rod holder. And once a fish strikes the bait, you’re free to fight the fish unfettered, because the line snaps out of the adjustable-tension Scotty release clip. Push the retrieve button and the downrigger automatically raises the ball weight to just beneath the surface of the water. It’s simple, and downriggers will definitely help put more fish in the boat.

Umbrella rigs will also put a lot of fish in the boat. These three and four-armed contraptions are loaded with up to nine bucktail jigs and will run at different depths depending on the weight of the jigs and the speed you troll them. I often add an umbrella rig to my downrigger spread. Be ready for multiple hook-up’s with these rigs.

So just because it’s hot outside, don’t give up on some great summertime fishing. Set up your boat for trolling and enjoy a refreshing breeze while you’re catching more fish.

Tight lines and calm seas, Capt. Cefus McRae

How Blessed We Are

By James McManus

Ihave been fishing with Florida folks lately and been reminded how blessed we are to live where we live. Reports of 97+ degrees and 100% humidity don’t make me hook up the boat and head south, I am content to stay on Fontana and wear a light jacket almost every morning. The fish-ing’s been good if a little unusual for early summer. The spotted bass have spawned late and appar-ently very aggressively. Most show signs of heavy fighting with bite marks and bloody tails but that typically heals quickly. The trout bite has been good and expect the top water bass bite to im-prove over the next couple of weeks. Trolling has been the ticket as everyone is moving offshore following the spawn.

I took a week off and pulled my boat north to lake Michigan a couple of weeks ago. They salm-on fish just like we fish in the summer but with much larger boats equipped with mates, multiple downriggers, huge flashers and dodgers and more spoons than I thought existed. There must be a thesaurus on spoon names, would be interesting to know the origins but everyone seems to have them memorized. Was lucky enough to catch salmon and steelhead on my boat so was thrilled with that.

Whether fishing north, south or right here, the common thread is that all fisheries are constantly changing. Florida waters, from reports I get, are deteriorating while waters north are improving. I think the human element has the most to do with that, more people, more destruction, less people, better conditions. While we certainly have more folks each year it hasn’t gotten to the tipping point yet. Let’s pray it doesn’t. We need to keep an eye open and let the wildlife folks know if big change comes and hopefully stay ahead of anything detrimental to our fishery.

So enjoy our area, don’t be afraid to try new things, it’s a new world every day. Thank God for our beautiful waters and call if you want to catch a few.

Capt. James McManus owns 153 Charters. Give him a call for a great day on the water at (828) 421-8125

The Heat Is On

By Scott Norton

Spring is the time nature comes alive. When bass get active anglers experience the thrill of the hunt more this time of the year than any. When cold fronts roll in, it can put a halt to any active bass. This happens when water temperatures are still rising from the winter months. Once warm water hits the peak in the summer months, cold fronts help with lethargic bass trying to stay out of the sun. Understanding the way nature works and its effects on fish can help with your planning with successful results. This also works with bass being predictable during these weather trends as well. Sticking to shade lines and the color line on the drop offs when the UV index is high is one of those predictable patterns.

I like to fish those stormy days when bass get active and start to feed aggressively. Other patterns when dealing with heat can be to fish at night when bass start to adjust to the daytime pressure. It is knowing when the odds are better in certain situations. Your journey as an angler will have stages of wisdom the more you see these patterns emerge.

After the spawn you will see that bass split up into two groups, one going deep and another staying shallow. Learning how to target each group will also give you some options in tough times. Both groups will school up during their trip back to the main points. Some will stay in the backs of the creeks in search of water currents. This aids in their efforts to hunt if they are looking for specific forage.

Let’s talk about what kind of baits you will be using in different situations. Normally with warm water you want baits that put off a lot of sound and action. When a cold front moves in you typically want to use baits that are subtle and silent for inactive bass. Now there are baits for cover and baits

for open water as well. This is when you want to decide which group of bass you want to target. You will start dialing in your strategies once you have established mood and group of bass your hunting.

Understand, you will have certain competition with other anglers and recreational boaters for water, so the more you know the more you will adapt. When competing with the recreational boats you may find yourself fishing the mornings or nights to get around fighting the constant swells. Fighting the swells is also a tactic because when anglers leave for the day your competition of anglers is stacked in your favor. Being mindful and learning to switch gears can give you success, so enjoy your time out.

Scott Norton is a Western North Carolina native. Born in Asheville, N.C., he is a long-time hunter, angler and weekend warrior.

future Anglers. Scott and Neal hosted an annual event recently known as “Fishing at The Fountain” at Morristown East High School this past April. This event allows the students to learn skills, techniques and the characteristics of fish while fishing from a fountain stocked with trout by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. I regret that I missed attending this event this year, but Lord willing I will make it next year.

Scott was kind enough to post a load of pictures on his Facebook for everyone to see and looking through all those photos and the smiles on those children’s faces really melt a man’s heart. The pure joy that you can see on each face is amazing and should give everyone the desire to search one’s heart to ask the questionAre we doing enough?

In closing I would like to say Scott and Neal we as humans and as anglers salute you both for what you do for the sport of crappie fishing but most of all for what you all are willing to do for our youth and our communities.

May God bless you all as much as you bless others in this walk of life.

Tight Lines,

Perry E. Hensley Sr.

Lured by a Cool Summer on Beech Mountain

Beech Mountain, N.C. is a premier destination for outdoor adventure all year long. Our mile high elevation means cool summers and crisp autumns, which provide the ideal conditions to enjoy biking, hiking, fishing, birding, and various events for the whole family. Trout anglers have multiple options on Beech Mountain. Our town has two lakes, as well as a handful of mountain streams. Two of those streams – Buckeye Creek and Pond Creek – are part of the High Country Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Trail. End a perfect day of fishing at the Beech Mountain Brewery, 5506’ Skybar or one of our great dining options. That covers a lot, but it is still only part of the story.

Beat the heat while listening to Beech Beats! Beginning in June and continuing through Labor Day Weekend, you can enjoy FREE live music at various venues on the mountain. Friday nights the Brick Oven Pizzeria hosts Family Fun Night, featuring free live music, a bounce house, games and outdoor movies. On Saturday’s The Beech Mountain Resort is the place to enjoy performances at 5506’ Skybar and at the Beech Mountain Taproom and Grill. Every Sunday, Top of the Beech Inn holds their Concerts on the Lawn series and, in July, Fred’s General Mercantile presents Sunset Concerts at the Gazebo. Plus, this year the Beech Mountain Resort brings back their extremely popular Summer Concerts Series. Check out beechmountainresort.com for schedules and ticket pricing.

July follows with a bang! Fireworks will be set off from the top of the slopes at The Beech Mountain Resort to ignite the evening sky on Saturday July 6th. The Independence Day weekend celebration at the Resort will feature, games, live music, food and other fun activities. But the Beech Mountain Resort is not the only game in town, the celebration begins on July 4th with a Water Party at the Kite Field, then on the 5th it’s time for the annual Run the Beech – Sparkler 5k race. Saturday, July 6th marks the 53rd Annual Roast Hog, offering the best darn BBQ in the High-Country.

If all that isn’t enough for you, there is also an iconic craft festival on the mountain on Saturday, August 3rd. The grassy area beside Fred’s General Mercantile is the site for the annual Crafts on the Green, which features over forty vendors. This event also features music and food, and there is always something new to discover.

Before summer ends and we usher in the spectacular color that fall brings, it’s time for the Mile High Kite Festival on Labor Day weekend, kicking off a September to remember. The next three weekends in September, bring wonder and joy to families from near and far during the Autumn at Oz Festival.

Other activities this summer include a downhill mountain biking, high-altitude disc golf, hiking, Mile High Yoga, and of course, scenic lift rides and spectacular views.

More information can be found at beechmtn.com or by calling the Beech Mountain Visitor Center at 828-387-9283.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Salt Water Revival

By Ronnie Parris

Hey folks hope you’re all doing great. Well this month’s article is a little different. It was time for our spring vacation so what’s a fishing guide do for vacation You guessed it you go fishing. This time we went to one of my favorite places Steinhattchee Florida. First day there, after dropping off our luggage at the vacation house, we jumped in our rental boat at the Sea Hag Mari-na and Penny and I were out to sea.

After questioning the staff at the marina an finding out the bite was on to the south, you guessed it, we headed north to one our favorite spots.

Fontana Lake Fishing Guides – Ronnie Parris, Owner & Head Guide LAKE, CREEK & RIVER FISHING • FLY FISHING • CAMPING

We o er both full and half day trips with the most competitive rates available. All tackle and supplies you will need while you are on your trip is covered by our listed price.

The bite was slow at our first spot, but after a little searching we figured out what depth was working and began to catch. Penny was catching on live shrimp and gulp alive shrimp in the new penny color, while I was casting a pink jerk bait that’s worked well over the years.

We set 2 heavy duty rods in the back of the boat rigged with live pin fish we caught hoping to catch a cobia, shark or other large predator fish. I rigged those rods with 50 pound test with a steel leader fished under a popping cork. Our first few hits were from sharks that just cut the bait in half an never came back. After boating 50 or so trout, pin fish, catfish and jacks, the drag on our big set screamed. Penny grabbed the rod, and the fight was on. She had hooked into a really nice cobia. After several long run he began to tire, and she was able to get it to the side of the boat where we were able to land it.

On this trip we caught 16 different species of fish including some great eaters such as flounder, pompano, cobia, sea trout and many more. There were days where almost every cast you were gonna get bit. Really, the only problems we had all week were the wind knots from casting the light jerk bait with braid, and the crazy rabbit puffer fish that kept eating our big baits and would swim past the steel leader, eat the monofilament line and chew up the Styrofoam popping cork.

If this kind of vacation sounds like something you would enjoy. Contact the Sea Hag Marina in Steinhatchee Florida for accommodation and boat rental. As far as gear and fishing techniques, it’s fairly simple. Anything resembling a minnow is good. Live bait, such as shrimp and pin fish, works good. One of the funest things is you never know what your gonna catch next. From shark to flounder, it’s always a surprise.

Anyone wanting to go and needing a little information can contact me at +18287369471 or my buddy captain James McManus at 828-421-8125

Ronnie Parris is owner and head guide of Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited-Fontana Lake Fishing Guides, headquartered in Bryson City, N.C., www.smokymountainoutdoorsunlimited.com; (828) 488-9711.

From the Locks to the Rocks

By Capt. Craig Hensel

From the Locks to the RocksBy: Captain Craig HenselWhat’s going on guys and gals Captain Craig here with AWOLFishing Charters. I apologize for being MIA. I have been extremely busy in the past 3 months from running charters, my diesel truck was in the shop for almost 2 weeks, I fished a fewbigtournaments,I mean you name it wehave done it orhad it happened. So let us jump into what has been going on. The spotted bass, largemouth bass and catfish bite has been producing numbers for us on all sections of the Cape Fear from Lillington down to Wilmington. We are picking up the Catfish on live bluegill at night fishing shallow flats nearing drop off’s of 5-8 feet coming up to 1.9 feet. The water levels have been low due to not having adequate amounts of rain, but that is to be expected this time of year where we are. The Crappie bite has picked up as they have come off the Spawn at the triangle lakes, Jordan and Shearon Harris. You can find those fish on submerged structure anywhere in the lake right now using live bait or jigs. The Largemouth and Spotted bass bite are feeding just after first light of the day and just before sunset. You can still pick a few off during the mid-day bite but it does slow up around that 10-3 o’clock mark. But you cannot catch them sitting on the couch so get out there when you can.June and July are months where there are a lot of boaters on the water. I just want to touch briefly ona fewboater safety and awarenesstipswhile on the water.First and foremost avoid collision at all times,Wear those PFD’s and Kill Switches, I cannot stress that enough.We are all guilty of not doing either but do it guys, they can save your life and the lives of others. While navigating and getting underway be mindful of those around you,

and always have your head on a swivel. Be sure to always maintain a safe distance from skiers and other boaters. There is no need to be in a hurry on the water. Remember boats do not have brakes only forward reverse and neutral. And please don’t drink and operate your vessel,not only is it illegal and can land you in jail, but it is unsafe foryourself and everyone else on the water. Accidents can happen so fast on the water with little to no time to react so always be cautious and aware. These are just some of the many helpful tips that I want to share with you guys in hopes that you allhave a safe and enjoyable experience on the water this summer. If you’re interested in booking a fishing trip, boat cruise, sight-seeing tour, or just a day on the water please visit Awolfishing.net orlook us up on Facebook at AWOLFishing Charters. See you on the next one...Captain Craig AWOLFishing Charters with Capt. Craig Inc

Captain Craig Hensel, AWOL Fishing Charters with Capt. Craig Inc. - 910-916-3138.

CATCHING MAHI FOR PRIZES

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

For the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of taking Coastal Conservation Association’s Leiza Fitzgerald out on the water to assist in tagging dolphinfsh for the CCA STAR competition. As if going fshing wasn’t enough of a prize, recreational anglers can sign up for this competition, with a donation to a good cause, and participate in this fshing side quest for all sorts of epic prizes.

Tagging trips with Leiza are some of my favorite mahi trips. She is more excited about catching throw-backs than anything we put in the box. Each undersized mahi, and most of the keepers, are handled with care and released with some fancy new jewelry.

With her tagging gun locked and loaded and a towel to lay over the fsh’s eyes to calm them, Leiza carefully and quickly turns peanuts into prizes, and sends them on their way.

CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha is a summer-long event that invites anglers and non-anglers to participate and win prizes valued at almost $500,000, including boats, motors, scholarships and more. Te competition is currently live, and registration is open until Sept. 2.

“In the past nine years, it’s been amazing to see STAR participants support conservation and embrace the catch-photo format,” Fitzgerald

said. “Awarding nearly $4 million in prizes, with $900,000 specifcally awarded in youth scholarships to the thousands of statewide STAR registrants is exciting, but even more exciting is the awareness STAR has created for the conservation of our marine fsheries.”

Te 2024 STAR competition is comprised of eight divisions targeting inshore and ofshore species along with trash cleanup. Wherever your home waters are, there is a way to get involved.

Te most notable of the STAR competitions is for tagged redfsh. Te best opportunity to catch this year’s tagged redfsh will be in Citrus and Charlotte counties, STAR’s 2024 Destination Counties, which each have eight tagged redfsh in their coastal waters.

Six years ago, STAR initiated a tagged fsh division for ofshore anglers, the Tigress Outriggers and Gear Tagged Dolphin Division. Tis division ofers one winner a $10,000 cash prize or scholarship. Te frst STAR registrant who catches a STAR tagged dolphin wins.

Te tagged dolphinfsh were caught and released of the Florida Keys. Tese fsh will migrate up the east and west coasts, providing anglers a shot at recapturing one. Tere have only been two tagged dolphin recaptured in six years, and neither angler was registered in the competition. You have to be in it to win it!

Make sure to report any tagged fsh you catch, whether you are registered or not. Take photos, measurements, tag numbers and information, and note the location of recapture. You do not need to remove the tag if you are releasing the fsh.

Fish are very mysterious, and there is so much we don’t know about them. Te more data we collect, the better conservation we can provide.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon; Sweet E’nuf Charters, Marathon, Florida Keys; @captainquinlyn; captainquinlyn.com; (504) 920-6342.

- $80 Entry (includes one year CCA membership)

- $40 Entry for current CCA members

- FREE for Youth

- Over 100 Days of Fishing

- $500,000 in Prizes & Scholarships

- Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day

CAST LURES IN A MITZI TOURNAMENT 17

FIND BLUEGILLS TO FIND GIANT SUMMER BASS

Fishing during the hot stale days of summer is ofen thought to be the toughest and slowest fshing there is. I am here to help with that.

Not only are the next few months an amazing time to catch fsh, they can also be the easiest time to pin-point patterns for big bass. Spawning bluegills are the key. Bass will set up around bluegill beds and feed heavily on an easy meal of bluegills that congregate in the shallows to spawn.

Whether you are an experienced tournament fsherman or someone who just gets out every once in a while to stretch a line, this pattern is easily found if you know what to look and listen for.

You heard me right, listen! Tere are many ways to locate bluegill beds, and my favorite way is to use my ears. When you get around bluegills feeding in grass or lily pads, you will hear distinct little popping sounds of small fsh sucking prey from the surface. When you hear this, you know you are in a productive area, and the big bass should be close by.

Another way to locate these areas is to use your eyes in shallow water. Bluegill fan

TYLER WOOLCOTT

out an area on the bottom just like a bass when they spawn, but they do it in big groups and create a pattern on sand and hard bottom that looks like the surface of the moon.

If the water is even a little clear, you should be able to spot a bunch of odd craters and divots on the bottom even from a distance. Tis is typically in very shallow water, and bass use this shallow water to their advantage. Spawning bream make easy pickings.

If all else fails, or in murky water, I fnd these beds with my electronics. I idle around with side scan in 2 to 5 feet of water to locate crater patterns on my units and mark them with waypoints to come back and fsh later. Tis is a good way to locate beds that are less pressured, because they are harder for other anglers to fnd.

Tere are a few diferent baits I use to catch bass around these beds. Te most important thing is to stay as far away from these areas as you can, while still being able to get a cast into them. Be stealthy because shallow-water bass are skittish.

I like a bluegill-colored popping frog and also a bluegill-colored swim jig with a trailer to match. I’ll also throw a weightless wacky-rigged Senko and will put a little nail weight in the Senko when fshing deeper beds. A lightweight Carolina-rigged Trick Worm or a shallow-diving squarebill crankbait are two other good options. Hopefully this summertime bass tip helps you have a fun and productive day on your waters!

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfshing.com.

THE FORGOTTEN FISH

When we inshore anglers gather around the dock, you can count on one or more of these being the topic of conversation: trout, redfsh, founder or snook. Seldom is it the sheepshead. Although they are not a species frequently targeted with lures, they can provide an aggressive bite and a worthy fght. Keeping them out of the structure they love is the real challenge.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

depending on the current, were all it took to place his shrimp in the strike zone. Te strike zone is typically as close to the structure as possible. If you notice the sheepshead swimming around, they always have their noses to the structure.

Te sheepshead is a fsh that my son had never caught until a few weeks ago. We took a trip to South Texas to view our second of four Starship launches at the SpaceX facility. Afer the excitement and rumble of the launch, we picked up some live shrimp, and he was soon rumbling with many sheepshead.

We set our sights on the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway, as it has a nearly unlimited amount of structure ideal for attracting sheepshead. Using the anchor mode on our trolling motor made it easy to stay close to the bridge pilings where the sheepshead were congregated. My son especially liked targeting them because we were under the causeway and in the shade, as opposed to being out on the open fats where we typically fsh.

A small sharp hook and a split-shot or two,

I fnd that keeping your bait small helps attract the bite. It is benefcial to keep a tight line, as the bites can be very light. One tactic that served my son well was to walk toward the back of the boat and away from the structure once a fsh was hooked. Tis assisted in pulling it away from the structure. Trying to manhandle the fsh out on light tackle would certainly have led to some break-ofs.

Stay vigilant in checking your line for frays afer several casts and defnitely afer each fsh. Keeping a sharp hook will also help in landing more fsh because of their boney, teeth-flled mouths. Tis turned out to be an extra memorable fshing trip. We witnessed another historic space launch, and his catch landed him in second place for the Texas CCA Star Tournament with his sheepshead.

Tis is why I always say, take a kid fshing! Tey might win a college scholarship.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

BALLYHOOD TOP GUN LURES

WORLD RECORD BLACKFIN CAUGHT AT MIAMI TOURNEY

Amonster blackfn tuna caught during Te Miami Dolphins Fins Weekend tournament is an unofcial world record. Te 50.1-pound blackfn was certifed by an IGFA biologist, and it outweighs the existing IGFA all-tackle world record by a little less than three-quarters of a pound.

Angler Robert (Bob) Kowalski landed the huge blackfn aboard the 34’ Express Sportfsher Miss Britt, which was captained by Gareth Haddam and chartered by Pete Sinnick and his family. In addition to being a potential new world record, the fsh won the largest tuna division at the tournament and earned the team a $30,000 payout.

Te existing IGFA all-tackle world record blackfn tuna weighed 49 pounds, 6 ounces. It was caught in 2006 of Marathon, Florida Keys by Capt. Mathew Pullen. Fins Weekend is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Miami Dolphins. It is a two-day tournament with proceeds going to support the Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute Youth Athletic Outreach Program. For more information, go to bluewatermovements.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

IN TEXAS, GIANT FISH BREED GIANT FISH

When it comes to growing giant largemouth bass, Texas has fgured some things out. Since 1986, the state’s Toyota ShareLunker program has conducted a breeding program using huge largemouths caught and donated alive by anglers. Tese donated bass, called Legacy Class, must be heavier than 13 pounds. Tey spawn in a facility before being released, along

with their ofspring, to spread big-fsh genetics across the state.

Te results of the program are apparent in the giant Texas bass caught each year. Many of them go right back into the breeding program, and the spring of 2024 was the fourth ShareLunker season in a row that the program has deemed exceptional.

Tis spring, anglers contributed 19 Legacy Class, 13-plus-pound bass from seven diferent Texas lakes. O.H. Ivie in west Texas is the best big-bass fshery in the country right now. It produced 12 bass heavier than 13 pounds this season, continuing a hot streak that goes back to the 2021.

Highlights from the 2024 Toyota ShareLunker collection season:

• Angler Kyle Hall’s 15.82-pounder was the 37th heaviest all-time Texas largemouth bass.

• Angler Kyle Hall has recorded a Legacy Lunker in three consecutive seasons.

• Six out-of-state anglers etched their name into the program’s record book. Te anglers hailed from Kansas, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma and Washington.

• Angler Larry R. Walker reeled in two Legacy Class Lunkers in 2024. State biologists did genetic analysis of this year’s Legacy Lunkers and made some incredible discoveries:

• ShareLunker 666, reeled in by Larry R. Walker from O.H. Ivie, was a recapture of ShareLunker 646 originally caught by Mechelda Criswell in 2023.

• A 13.2-pound fsh from Lake Athens was the ofspring of ShareLunker 552, which was caught by Randall E. Claybourne in 2014 at Lake Fork. Tis is the frst time a Legacy Class descendant from this family tree was discovered in the program.

• Of the 19 Legacy Class ShareLunkers, 13 had secondary relationships to either previous Legacy Class fsh or other ShareLunkers from which anglers submitted scale samples for genetic analyses.

• In the last fve years, the program has achieved an excellent overall fsh survival success rate of 94 percent.

The Return of a

Tat’s a lot of big-fsh genetics going back into Texas fsheries.

For more information, go to TexasSharelunker.com.

See the Forest Through the Trees

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With more than 60,000 surface acres and 1,300 miles of shoreline, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees is one of the largest outdoor destinations in Oklahoma. Located on the Grand River, the lake is hugely popular with boaters, fishermen, campers and anyone else who loves spending time in the great outdoors. Anglers are sure to have a blast searching for largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill and the rare paddlefish on Grand Lake waters. And Grand Lake’s shores are lined with so many unique attractions, shops, restaurants, state parks and casinos that seeing everything in one trip is next to impossible. There’s truly something for everyone to love in the Grand Lake Area!

Discover all the fun things to see and do in the Grand Lake Area as well as places to stay, places to eat, festivals and more at GrandLakeFun.com