Who has caught the first 2006 Bass?

[fishlipper]

Just wanted to see if anyone has caught that 1st 2006 Bass. These last couple of sunny days has me itching to go. Anybody have any plans of trying any time soon? Lets here what body of water is 1st on your list for this year. I am still undecided on where I am going to try 1st.

[Sandz]

I caught one early morning on Jan 1st

[fishlipper]

Locally?

[Hunt'nFish]

Yea, he's right..... in Florida! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I think it was pouring here and every body of water blown out and nearing flood stage!
Hey Per, did you take pics when you where there??
I just hate pics of BIG LM's. :yay: :wave: :yay:


Yea, this weather has me itching to get out as well.
Hunt'nFish

[pitchnboy]

Anyone no of any good starting LM spots in these conditions???

PITCHN MASTER CASEY!

[Striper Club]

It still has been rather chilly at night, so there will be only marginal water temp improvement, if any, for a while. Sure, you can find some success when the Willamette falls back into shape, but we are still at least a couple months off from the bass actually beginning to wake up.

Last March was certainly an exception to your regular NW river smallies--with river temps getting into the high 50s. I will get back to bass around mid-March, but don't expect much until May--when the fish become more agressive and put up a fight. Also, it should be interesting to see the changes, if any, due to all the flooding we have had, at least on the lower river.

[fishlipper]

Thanks for your input Striper Club. I hear you! Have you been chasing the steelhead around as of late?

[Striper Club]

I pretty much missed the boat on winter Steel this season due to an overly agressive work schedule--not to mention the crazy rain season. I may hit up the Wilson this month for some steel though. After that, it will be springers and early bass. April should be good for bass if we get some warm stretches..can't wait for that!

May is what I am really looking forward to as I will finally get down to the Umpqua for some great smallie action. It should prove to be a good cross-species fishing year! =) Also, this is the year where I will finally try bass on a flyrod (hopefully). So...I guess it is just about time to get all the bass gear organized. :wink:

[fishlipper]

What part of the Umpqua are you fishing? I grew up in the Roseburg area, and fished it for many years. Some really good Largemouth lakes around there too. We floated a section of the Umpqua last year and did awesome.

[Striper Club]

No idea really... will be heading down there with a friend of mine. We are going with a guide due to the lacking a boat situation.

[fishlipper]

We floated it with our pontoon boats, that was a lot of fun. It was summer and a little warmer, but it was great. You won't catch as many, but the quality should be awesome earlier in the year. Let me know if you find out the section you are floating.