Banks Lake Bass

[Rob]

Headed over to Banks for the weekend of the 17th.

I usually fish there in the summer and have good luck up along the rocks north of Steamboat.  This is my first spring trip.  Can anyone share some input on where to target the Spring bass?  Are they in the sand/mud banks in the central part of the lake this time of year due to the spawn?

[C-Money]

Sounds like you already know the good spots! I like to slow roll spinerbaits up north along rock shores. Mix in a few weeds and bass are usually there! I have also got a few giant crappie doing this!

[turkey slayer]

I haven't herd of many people catchin bass yet. The water is still pretty cold, just a heads up.

[alanger]

I haven't herd of many people catchin bass yet. The water is still pretty cold, just a heads up.

 

[SpokaneSlayer]

There was tournament there in late March.  The guy camping next to me was drilling them on cranks.  Said water temp was in the low 50's in some of the bays.

[alanger]

wow thats warm i would think for this time of year. right on though, start slaying em.

[CoyoteSlayer]

I am not familiar with Banks myself, but have been spending a significant amount of time the last few summers targeting smallmouth. I had a lot of trouble targeting bass on the Snake River last spring, and the warden told me that a lot of people were having trouble, likely due to the crazy weather and excessive runoff making the water levels extremely high and muddy. I did have more luck two years ago, targeting them near gravel bars along the big rocks lining the banks (I didn't have any other option since I didn't have a boat). I found that you catch far fewer bass in the spring, but they are usually a lot nicer. I would sometimes catch only 2 bass in a day, but they were often 2-4 pounds; whereas in the summer I would sometimes catch 50-60 bass in a night, and be lucky to have one reaching 2 pounds. I am excited this year, but haven't been out yet. I have some buddies that have been out, but with no luck thus far. I am hoping to give it a go this weekend, hopefully they will be starting. I am just a poor grad student, so I haven't had access to a boat, but my friend recently bought one so hopefully this will be a great year! Wish I had some advice about Banks, sorry. I have heard good things about that lake, best of luck though, let us know how it goes!

[Rob]

Sounds like it is spotty...  What is a typical time of year for them to really start picking up?  I have been there in late June and been catching them left and right.  But I have not tried an early trip before.

[BLKBEARKLR]

This time of year I usually fish there a lot, hit the devils punch bowl, around steamboat rock, and also straight across from the colee launch.

Throwing crankbaits this time of the year is awesome. If you are targeting smallies though along a lot of the rock banks you will hammer some real big rainbows, I have had tournies where I have had  to move away from an area because every cat you had from a 4-7 pound rainbow.

Also right now this time of year the jerk baits in the TD minnows work really good, but again the rainbows will crush those things.

Joe

[Rob]

Now you are getting me all ready to go!

[yelp]

Jerkbaits...and green grubs.  Fishing is picking up..Water temp getting around 50..

[onetufk9]

Banks is getting good lots of fish being caught crankbaits and jerk baits. Water temp is 52 degrees remember practice catch and release.

[Rob]

Yep, I don't particluarly like the taste of bass, so its all C&R for me.

7 days....

[lokidog]

End of May two years ago, pounded them on spinnerbaits while my buddy hardly got any bites next to me on crankbaits.  I LOVE Banks Lake, wish I was a lot closer to it!  The trout even taste good out of it.

[alanger]

All this bass fishing is getting me going, might have to go over in a couple weeks.