Reply by: Ajax5240      Posted: 7/5/2012 8:43:07 AM     Points: 154    

You sure can, I have caught a handful of good fish on a spinning setup. Just remember, artificial fly and lure only. Other fair warning, this time of year you usually have to strap some diving weights to your waist so the mosquitoes don' carry you away.. Sleep during the day, fish at night..

They seem to be immune to even the strongest bug spray. I don't own a thermacell but if I was going up there this time of year I would be buying one without a doubt!

Belly boat seems to be a popular method as in most parts of the lake the has a very gradual drop and takes one heck of a pitch to really get it out there.

Good luck, and please for gods sake don't actually strap diving weights on before getting in your belly boat... I was exaggerating.

 Reply by: Flyrodn      Posted: 7/5/2012 8:46:04 AM     Points: 50712    

To your questions.

Yes you can spin fish.

Yes, it is an excellent technique.

Yes, the area, as many trout waters are, is popular with fly anglers, due in part to the nice sized fish.

Yes, you should do well with spinning gear, provided you're flexible and work a variety of lures/techniques.

Yes, shore fishing works, with warmer waters, evenings/mornings are likely to be better options.

Love my float tube, as it is slow paced and give good access to the water, but there are other excellent choices. Personal preference on this one.

Others will have to help with the lures, but if it was me, small tubes, marabou jigs, inline spiners, spoons, and small minnow (up to size 5 or 7 rapala) would all be in my arsenal. Consider also carrying a few "bubbles" and flies another good technique with a spinning outfit.

Have fun

 Reply by: rjslate88      Posted: 7/5/2012 9:32:17 AM     Points: 268    

Ive done very good using a fly and bubble from shore. This time of year the damsel hatch is usually happening so that would be a good fly to try. Black wooly buggers work good to especially at dark. Hd trout lures have also done good for me there. Definatly better from float tube but can be good from shore also. The west side drops off fast so you can get to deeper water easier. Area from boat ramp south to the willow trees are also good. I've done very good from that area after dark. Big fish seem to come in close to shore in that area. Hope that helps. Will be there begining of august for a week. Can't wait. Love that place. Oh yeah deffinatly would get a thermacell for the mosquitoes because the are very bad this time of year. They work better than bug spray. Just clip one on belt and will make a barrier around you. I put one by camper door also to keep them out.

 Reply by: DWoods      Posted: 7/5/2012 7:08:10 PM     Points: 0    

Thanks all. I will indeed try a bubble when fishing Saturday. Can you offer some insight into what to look for when purchasing flies? I'm going to go with a couple black ones as someone earlier mentioned to do so. Any others I should try to pick up? Thanks.

 Reply by: Ajax5240      Posted: 7/5/2012 7:27:50 PM     Points: 154    

There is a great little fly shop in downtown Walden. Not being a fly fisherman myself I would stop in there and ask them what is working. I am sure there are guys on here that will have a good answer for you as well.

 Reply by: Lost Man Fishing      Posted: 7/5/2012 8:10:46 PM     Points: 20    

if your fishing from shore and using spin gear try using a slip float rig with a heavy leech or big bugger and give yourself about 10 feet of line... Keep checking for weed snags but that should produce some big fish holding in the deep weed beds.... just a thought anyway...

 Reply by: rjslate88      Posted: 7/5/2012 8:35:56 PM     Points: 268    

Guys in the fly shop definatly will sell you what you need. They are good guys. I always stop there when I get there to see what there hitting on and buy a few flys. Name of shop is North Park Anglers. Right on main street in walden.

 Reply by: DWoods      Posted: 7/5/2012 9:19:17 PM     Points: 0    

Thanks guys, you have all been so helpful!! Can't wait. I'll post some pics of the trip come Saturday evening or Sunday morning. Good lookin out.