I'm thinking about making a trip to either Patoka Lake or Lake Monroe in a couple weeks.  It would be my first to either.  Finding info or reports on conditions has been tough.  I've heard that Patoka has some timber. Other than that, nothing.  

 

Which is traditionally a better summertime bass fishery?  And do either have a decent lily pad population?  I really do appreciate any info or help you can point me to.  Thanks.

 

 

Monroe had tons of pads in the 90's state killed ALL PADS.... Patoka, has upright timber that's been flooded since the late 70's.... Weed beds using super flukes ...I always fished the upper river channels in 20 to 23 fow... With 7 to 10" powerbait.... Things changed after the illegal shad release.... The state countered with Stripers... I don't like it for bass,....crappie,bluegill and stripers are more fun to me... Monroe still has a good supply of LMB I quit going there too though by 05.... Campgrounds and other lodging seemingly impossible to latch onto.... I would rather go to Florida or Kentucky lake my self

I'm thinking about making a trip to either Patoka Lake or Lake Monroe in a couple weeks.  It would be my first to either.  Finding info or reports on conditions has been tough.  I've heard that Patoka has some timber. Other than that, nothing.  

 

Which is traditionally a better summertime bass fishery?  And do either have a decent lily pad population?  I really do appreciate any info or help you can point me to.  Thanks.

 

So just curious which you chose to fish?  Curious because I fished Patoka 3 years in a row and only caught some small dinks.  The toughest lake I have ever fished.  Won't go back there again if I can help it.  I know there are some big fish there, but I could not catch them.  Have heard it has gone down as a bass lake over the past few years.  Have not fished Monroe, but heard it is tough as well. 

Yep... I hate to say it but tough, is a nice way to say it.... It's a joyful lake to be on either one.... But I just go on trips to catch bigger fish now, it's not even a good lake to catch even dinks...

Great panfish lake... Huge crappie