Opechee Bay Reservoir
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Opechee Bay Reservoir Fishing Reports
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Reports from all past years within a 60-day time frame
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Ned Rigs
Structure
Points
Forage
Crawfish
Species
TroutSeason
Winter
Technique
Hard Jerkbaits
Structure
Points
Forage
Minnows
During an unusual late winter thaw, a large area in front of the Messer St. launch became ice free. After seeing a few fly fisherman working the area around the point, I decided to rig a new Rapala Albino Shad Rip Stop on a spinning and check the area out. I was hoping a perch or pickerel might be roaming the shallows in search of a meal but on the 5th cast to the right side of the ramp, the line jumped when pausing the jerkbait. After leaning back to set the hook and a few moments of fighting the mystery attacker, the fish came close enough to see in the clear water ... a decent brown trout. Definitely one of the earliest open water catches I've ever had here in NH.
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Spawn)
Technique
Ned Rigs
Structure
Docks
Forage
Minnows
Short bank fishing stop working Ned rig around bottom cover (chunk rock, wood, grass patches and a few docks). Caught three small bass (2 smallmouth; 1 largemouth), a few rock bass, almost landed a pickerel but broke line when trying to lift out of water. Biggest surprise came I cast to a dark object over a grass patch next to a dock. As soon as the Ned hit the bottom, the line went tight and after a brief fight the largemouth in the photo was landed. Great way to spend an hour or so after dinner!
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Summer
Technique
Topwater Prop
Structure
Points
Forage
Minnows
Stopped at one of several bank spots I fish around Opechee with a small secondary point, scattered rocks, submerged weeds, a couple of docks and some overhanging brush all within casting distance. Cast Whopper Plopper out across the end of the point working back with a slow but steady retrieve. About a third of the way back, a v--wake came at the plopper from the opposite side of the point blowing up on the bait as it closed in. It appears the nice chunk largemouth in the photo wasn't going to be denied. Also had a couple of smaller fish wack at the plopper on subsequent casts but no other connections of topwater this trip.
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Spring (Spawn)
Technique
Topwater Prop
Structure
Points
Forage
Perch
Spring bank outing targeting smallmouth cruising the shallows feeding on perch and minnows while prepping to spawn. Cast #90 Perch WP over top of secondary point with scattered chunk rock to entice 3 smallmouth into striking while working WP with a steady, medium-speed retrieve.
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Wacky Rigs
Structure
Boulders
Forage
Minnows
Near shore water temps in mid fifties triggered buck smallmouths to start bed-making ritual with the occasional larger females to cruise area for food and check out spawning sites. Most of the visible beds were next to rocks, wood or any available hard cover. A few males caught using either 4" senkos or 1/10 oz Ned head with TRD-type worm (any light green/watermelon color seemed to work). For the larger female, it took switching to a larger baby bass colored 5" wacky-rigged senko cast well in front of her path to draw her attention and ultimately to bite.
Species
Panfish / BluegillSeason
Spring (Post-Spawn)
Technique
Finesse Jigs
Structure
Boulders
Forage
Insects
When larger game fish aren't cooperating, it's time to break out the ultra-light, an assortment of small jigs and probe shoreline rocks, weeds, shoreline brush, docks and wood for rock bass, bluegills and occasionally perch. Working jigs around cover tucked under shade-line can not only be a great way for you to be catching not just fishing but also a great experience for the kids or grand kids!
Species
Panfish / BluegillSeason
Spring (Post-Spawn)
Technique
Soft Swimbaits (Sm/Md)
Structure
Rock Pile
Forage
Minnows
Short but great outing introducing my youngest grandson to fishing. Targeted various types of panfish and perch hanging around rocks, shoreline rip rap and overhanging bushes with 1/16 oz pre-rigged Powerbait tubes and minnows. Though fished for less than an hour, I had the pleasure of watching him hook and land over a dozen rock bass and a couple of bluegills. Nothing of any size really but the look on his face with every tug on the line was priceless! The best part is the numerous spots around the lake that provide similar opportunities is amazing!
