Finally! We hit Portage Lakes water for the first time last Friday, and again yesterday. I expected the water to be warm, but holy cow – 64 – 66 on April 14th? 
Ok, it was 80 something degrees out too for the 4th day in a row or so. It dropped a few degrees with the cold snap earlier this week, but was still 62 – 64 yesterday.
Ok, it was 80 something degrees out too for the 4th day in a row or so. It dropped a few degrees with the cold snap earlier this week, but was still 62 – 64 yesterday.There were SO MANY boats on the lake! With two big tournaments coming up Saturday and Sunday, they were pre-fishing. The water seemed more stained than usual. It seemed stirred up, even though there was just a mild wind. It was clearer in Turkeyfoot & Rex lakes on the 21st than Mudd lake on the 14th, but the weeds were taller and more abundant, too. Caught fish in 4 – 5 feet out in front of Dusty’s docks (including the chubby bass in the picture) and around the docks at Craftsman Park using small, single willow leaf bladed spinner bait and jointed swimbait.
I saw results from one of the tournaments – took nearly 22 lbs to win, with 20.87 in 2nd place! Portage Lakes continues to prove itself as a big fish haven no matter how much pressure it gets. Don’t be fooled , however – Portage Lakes can also turn fickle quickly and leave you scratching your head to find fish. Don’t write it off if you don’t catch them today. Chances are you will smash ’em tomorrow!
Looking forward to next time out… Look out Lake Milton, here we come!
