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Warm Water Fishing Reports => Miscellaneous Lakes Rivers and Streams => Centerhill Lake => Topic started by: MikeA on September 06, 2018, 08:53:28 AM

Title: A shell of its former self.
Post by: MikeA on September 06, 2018, 08:53:28 AM

What happened to this place? Is the TWRA even looking at the fishery here? As a kid we used to come up here and catch all kinds of fish on the Hill. Spots, Smallies, White Bass, Walleye. There were bait shops lining the roads on the way to the lake. People selling spring Lizards and creek minnows. Hotels, restaurants, Catfish Buffets, thriving little businesses based entirely on lake tourism.  Now it seems like a wasteland, or maybe a playground for the rich in their wave making mini yachts. I really don't understand. Have they just given up on the fisheries around here? Is the budget gone? Why don’t we ever hear any news about the shape of things, future plans? Did the departing of the greats like Jimmy Holt, who showcased the local fisheries on TV every week, forever shadow them? If you remember the towns around the Lake like I do, you’ll be amazed to see how far they’ve fallen.


On a side note. Considering how the lake is fishing now. Why not put Hybrids and Stripers in the lake? Center Hill seems like it could be a world class Hybrid and Striper fishery.

Title: Re: A shell of its former self.
Post by: Bfish on September 06, 2018, 04:15:28 PM

Reservoirs âge.  The reservoir's fisheries peak many years after being formed, then it declines.   

Some "light" reading particular the first 12 pages.  ;D :  https://fms.fisheries.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Reservoir-Fish-Habitat-Management-_Manual.pdf

Title: Re: A shell of its former self.
Post by: icthus on September 06, 2018, 06:54:39 PM

A great read and a unique perspective.

Thank you
Pal

Title: Re: A shell of its former self.
Post by: dbradyh on September 06, 2018, 10:33:14 PM

Caught a deformed smallmouth on our last trip and have seen others with similar catch. They are hunchbacked and compact.
(http://i346.photobucket.com/albums/p430/Brady_Haston/hunchback_zpsc3u7fwgl.jpg) (http://s346.photobucket.com/user/Brady_Haston/media/hunchback_zpsc3u7fwgl.jpg.html)

Not sure if that is a problem.
Moving down to 4 lb test for finese and using 8 lb flourocarbon has helped. Still a good place to cross paths with a nice smallmouth.