Anyone fished it lately. I have been there before, but never caught much. I am going in two weeks and any help would be appreciated. Figured the fish would be pretty deep right now and so would probably focus on main lake points in deeper water. Probably look at doing some drop shotting around cover. Any help would be appreciated.

Rob

I was just there at the end of July. Temps were not favorable for fishing with air in the mid 90s and water temps in the low 90s. However, in two and a half days we boated 11 bass. My wife caught her PB a 5.75lber on a senko. We caught a few in the 3 range. All fish were caught on finesse presentations in 15-20fow near on in grass. We mostly fished the northern portion of the lake. Send me a PM if you need additional info.

Patoka was once a mecca for bass fishing. However over the last 8-10 years I believe the introduction of the stripers has put a serious dent in the bass population as they are no longer the apex predator in the lake.

Patoka still hosts over 60 bass tournaments a year but winning bags have been seriously lighter in recent years. The most recent BFL tournament there had a winning total weight of 13lbs. Many of the anglers reported it as the toughest lake they have ever fished.

Thats too bad, I was considering going there next spring as Ive heard it is the best bass lake in Indiana. How are Monroe and Brookville?

Both Monroe and Brookville are excellent lakes as well. Brookville has a very strong SM population. I have only fished Brookville once this summer and had decent success around rip rap for smallies. Havent fished Monroe

Dont get me wrong, Patoka is still a great fishery. You definately have the opportunity to catch 5-6lb fish. 15 years ago I remember haveing 75-100 fish days on Patoka but most of the fish were in the 12-15in range. Now, with the slot limits that have been in place for years there is a good number of 5lb+ fish. Crappie fishing is excellent at Patoka. It is still one of my favorite lakes to fish as there is an abundance of fishable cover.

Both Monroe and Brookville are excellent lakes as well. Brookville has a very strong SM population. I have only fished Brookville once this summer and had decent success around rip rap for smallies. Havent fished Monroe

Dont get me wrong, Patoka is still a great fishery. You definately have the opportunity to catch 5-6lb fish. 15 years ago I remember haveing 75-100 fish days on Patoka but most of the fish were in the 12-15in range. Now, with the slot limits that have been in place for years there is a good number of 5lb+ fish. Crappie fishing is excellent at Patoka. It is still one of my favorite lakes to fish as there is an abundance of fishable cover.

You don't host 60+ tournaments a year where there are NO fish.......