Stumped on Lake Clear Monster Smalleys

[Walleye Killer]

I was out on Lake Clear just outside of Eganville this past monday fishin for what else but walleye on a windy but otherwise nice day. I've fished this lake often in the past and new that we wouldn't have much luck for eyes in the wind because we had run into the same problem before on that lake so we decided to go for smalleys.On the way to the usual bass hang out I managed to pull out a 17 1/2 inch 3 3/4lbs smallmouth trolling in about ten feet of water so I thought "alright, here we go" we're gonna have a good day. We started throwing in a spot where I had caught a few 20' plus bass before and had some luck with a few decent but average fish for that lake. As we drifted along this ridge where the water goes from 2 to thirty feet we could see at least five 20' plus smalleys trolling around the structure about ten feet of bottom. We threw everything but the motor at these fish but could not get a bite from anything. This is where I got stumped The only bait I didn't bring was minnows so maybe that was my problem but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to how to get these big bass who looked active to bite? Any tips you guys and girls out there might have would be much appreciated. Good luck and see ya on the water.

[steely5]

Hi killer,I've been fishing that lake for over 40 years and found that sometimes they just won't hit anything,but that being said did you try live leaches on small jigs 1/8 ounce or smaller in chartreuse or white color they seem to work best for me.I have got some realy big smallies on these,my biggest has been over 6 lbs with tons of 4pounders.also crawfish imitation lures bounced of the rocks does pretty good to,as for minnows never realy get to much on these exept for walleye in the spring and fall.take care have fun.If you see a grey lund with a 50 johnson on the lake stop by say hello..later

[wolfe]

I think we've all been in that boat (no pun intended) where you can see the fish but they turn an icy shoulder to anything you show them. It's frustrating.

Maybe some jigs tipped with (live) worms would have enticed, but who knows? Could have just been one of those times where they weren't taking calls! At least you picked up the one decent bass.

W.

[Cancatchbass]

I would suspect that no matter what you would have thrown at them, they would not have taken the bait.

When bass are cruising and really negative, you're better off changing areas.

CCB

[fishmaster]

I've fished that lake a few times and have learned if you can see the fish they are not going to bite. The best luck I have had is drifting tube jigs in 6-12 ft of water over big sand flats. You have to make sure you have about 50 or 60 ft of line out behind the boat. This type of fishing is slow and boring but it produces huge smallies. Good luck next time you're there.

[BASSSTALKER]

Welcome Walleye Killer. Sounds like you don't know were to fish A just joking. Now get on a team for the derby and I hope your luck does'nt change....unless you become SCREAMIN REEL

Welcome aboard

BASSSTALKER
D.L

[AverageAngler]

Killer,
Sorry Dude, I didnt fish as hard as I could have....I didnt want to make you look bad infront of your cuz!!! Sweet Lake, but KILLER we will hit er up again soon...this time with MY BOAT and we will take BASTALKER with us and school him in Killaloe!!
--AA--