Snake Dancer Excursions - Sturgeon, Bass & Catfish fishing in Hells Canyon is best April through October. Fishing charters can be scheduled from one day to multiple days in our comfortable lodge and jet boats. Fishing Charters leave from Heller Bar Boat launch or Hells Canyon Resort and Marina to be determined at the time of reservations.
Enjoy a fun-filled trip through North America's deepest river gorge! We offer trips tailored for every age and thrill-level. It is no wonder we're #1 on Trip Advisor!
I have fished this lake from my Kayak several times and have never caught anything. I feel today's outing warranted a report. In the past I have worked the docks and edge of lily pads using Senkos, Buzzbaits, Crankbaits, Swimbaits, Spinnerbaits, Dropshots all with no success. I always hear people who live on the lake talking about seeing big bass, not too mention the lake just looks Bassy with all the docks and vegetation.
Well today I decided to do something different. After all, trying the same thing over and over expecting different results is the definition of insanity. So I rigged up my medium heavy baitcaster with a 6" Pumpkin Cabelas Brush Hog (Texas Rigged) and chucked it way deep into the lily pads. As I'm skating the plastic over the tops of pads BOOM! there it is, the moment I had been waiting for. I set the hook, he starts taking drag. we get locked into a stalemate. I yank harder on the rod and start winching to keep him from going deeper into the cover. The line goes slack, game over. I observe my lure, the hook didn't even penetrate the plastic, he was just hanging on with his chomper. I keep trying what got me that first bite the rest of my outing hoping to catch one of his buddies. No such luck.
Nice report! I can almost feel the excitement - the thing called fishing! I look forward to reading your next report title "I got him, or better yet, them!"
Wow! That must of been a rush. You felt like you had them and then you don't. Bummer!
I have fished this lake a few times this year and with limited success. Mostly small bass (< 10-inches with one @ 12-inch). I have tried a lot of different lures too. Hope to read your next report on how you landed this bass.
The endorphins started to flowing in my brain when I saw him take it. I instinctively jerked the rod too early, I should have let him swallow the bait and than send the hook home. I know he was a monster because my rod was bent over and that guy wasn't going anywhere, my drag was hissing. I'll get him eventually.
zhut: I went to Martha Lake (AM) last evening for an hour and 1/2. Caught one 13-inch bass, 1-lb 3-oz. Will post a new report if you are interest in reading. I definitely did not catch the big one!
Now peg that bait with a 1 to 1&1/2 ounce tungsten flipping weight and get it to the fish! Blow ups in thick vegetation are hard to hook and if you do, you better have the equipment to get them out or the ability to get to them! Exciting fishing for sure. You would be surprised how many are in the thick stuff when it's hot, just need to get through to them. Also, if it was that big, it was most likely a 'she' ;) stay after them!
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Snake Dancer Excursions - Sturgeon, Bass & Catfish fishing in Hells Canyon is best April through October. Fishing charters can be scheduled from one day to multiple days in our comfortable lodge and jet boats. Fishing Charters leave from Heller Bar Boat launch or Hells Canyon Resort and Marina to be determined at the time of reservations.
Enjoy a fun-filled trip through North America's deepest river gorge! We offer trips tailored for every age and thrill-level. It is no wonder we're #1 on Trip Advisor!