Lake Info

The compound is made up of six distinct lakes (Alligator Forest, Lily Pad, Brush Pile, Winding, Deep, Stick and Frog) that range in depth from 5 to 10 feet. The lakes are groomed to be fish-friendly, and offer a challenge to the more serious angler. Each lake consists of rock piles, brush piles, and laydowns. The structure creates prime bass habitat, along with a degree of difficulty that enhances the fishing experience. On average, anglers can expect 20 to 40 bites on any given day, with best chance for large bass from mid-April through late May.

The lakes are strictly catch and release, which further enhances the state of the lakes from year to year. Each year, we add baitfish, including crayfish, ensuring ample food supply to keep bass in a healthy state.

Species

Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Largemouth bass grow 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) during their first year, 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in two years, 16 inches (40 cm) in three years. They are usually green with dark blotches that form a horizontal stripe along the middle of the fish on either side. The underside ranges in color from light green to almost white. They have a nearly divided dorsal fin with the anterior portion containing nine spines and the posterior portion containing 12 to 13 soft rays. Their upper jaw reaches far beyond the rear margin of the eye.

For tackle, go med heavy to heavy on conventional gear as bass will definitely head for cover when hooked, and generally reside in cover whenever possible. Marc has designed the lakes to offer cover in the way of trees, bushes, lily pads and more, all of which will make landing a trophy challenging. Stick with a rod rated for 12 to 18 pound test, and forget the light line here, use 15 pound test at the minimum. The only time you should lighten up is in the cooler periods of the year when finesse fishing comes into play, or you're skipping worms under the brush. At this point try 10 pound test or lighter on a spinning rod for best results.

Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), Pomoxis is Greek for "opercle sharp", and refers to the fact that the fish's gill covers have spines. The species epithet nigromaculatus is Latin and means "black spotted." The black crappie is easily confused with the white crappie. However, it is deeper bodied than the white crappie, and silvery-green in color. There are no distinct vertical bars, rather there are irregular black blotches. The dorsal fin has seven or eight spines. Males do not develop specialized breeding coloration during spawning season.