What depth are you in?

[red Stratos294]

Not that anyone will really say (But Me). What depth have you been catching you fish in. I have noticed that THE SPOTS I HAVE OUT IN 16FT OF WATER ARE NOT HOLDING FISH. This time of year I don't have a problem filling my boat with 5 nice fish in that depth but this year I have had to move in to get a better bit.

One guy I won't say who told me. Thinks it's because the water didn't warm up as fast this year as it has in the past. What do you guys think? Have you had to move in or do you think the water temp is about the same. If you have some info. I'm curious what you think.

[djkimmel]

I haven't been there since the NBAA open in June. I'll finally be back this Sunday, but will probably stay up in the river channels since we are camping for a couple days at Algonac.

[32eml24]

I have never fished St. Clair before, but I have caught fish deeper this year than last, and I think that's because it's hotter.  It has to be the whole oxygen thing, and if I had to venture a guess, I would think that is very important to smallies.  So maybe even try fishing deeper... All it takes is a little commitment on a good day when they're biting and you should be able to really figure out where they are when they feed, and where they drop back to when they're not, if they tighten up to cover/structure, suspend to be comfortable given the day, whatever.  Hopefully I sparked an idea in your head...
Ethan

[djkimmel]

I may be fishing deeper in the channels, but that is normal. And sometimes they go really shallow in the channels (which I like a lot better ).

[VinceR]

Depths of 13 - 14' seem to be producing now. The fish are somewhat scattered, but if you can find weeds at that depth, work the area good before you give up on it (pay particular attention to the edges - weeds/sand).

Don't be surprised if you catch largemouth out there. Some good bucketmouths in the 3 - 4 lb. range are starting to show up (in good numbers) in traditional smallmouth areas.

[djkimmel]

That would be fine with me. What weighs more? A 4 pound smallie or a 4 pound largemouth?

[red Stratos294]

A 4lbs smallie atleast thats what he thinks

[djkimmel]

I get that a lot!!

[Firefighter Jeff]

Welcome to the site red Stratos294.  I have a Blue Steel Stratos 294   

[red Stratos294]

Hey Jeff it's curtiss we have talked before. I'm the guy that does the B.F.L. with Larry. I met you down on maggies. and yes blue is nice only second to red LOL

[SethV]

I found them in 18 - 22 FOW in the St Clair river last weekend.  Nothing really big though, most were 2.5 to 3 lbs.  I have no idea where the big ones are.  I fished the N channel up to the middle grounds.

[VinceR]

Based on the weights that I'm seeing from the last couple of tournaments on St. Clair, somebody is finding them. I'm guessing, from the names I see at the top, that they may very well be finding them in the river.

The end of July, first part of August is about when you start to see some big weights coming from the river. With the warm lake temps, I expect that the river bite could have started a little early, this year.

Thing is, I know the toads are up there, even catch one ever so often. I just can't seem to put together a whole sack of them babies.

I guess that's where "time on the water" pays off. Time that I can't seem to find enough of.

[djkimmel]

My Godson is catching a few toads!! It helps if you don't pay attention to your lure for 1 to 2 minutes... and then say, 'oh, I think I got one!'

[independentMike]

I got into a gob of 4 lb fish last week.  Started deeper with no luck.  Caught them in 9 feet.  Common wisdom would lead you to believe the smallies wouldn't be in that shallow when the surface temp. is close to 80 degrees, but there they were.  What you "know" is just a good place to start.

[MadWags]

Jason and I put 17.73 lb sack together in 3 feet of water Sunday. Small sack compared to the huge sacks that came in from the lake and the river.

[djkimmel]

Jason and I put 17.73 lb sack together in 3 feet of water Sunday. Small sack compared to the huge sacks that came in from the lake and the river.

That's more my style... Just one question, if you weren't in the lake or in the river WHERE were you?!?

[red Stratos294]

His were at the deep end of a big cooler lol

[djkimmel]

No... that wouldn't leave any room for his 'beverages!!'

[MadWags]

Jason and I put 17.73 lb sack together in 3 feet of water Sunday. Small sack compared to the huge sacks that came in from the lake and the river.

That's more my style... Just one question, if you weren't in the lake or in the river WHERE were?!?

An area I call the Liver.

[Firefighter Jeff]

Hey Jeff it's curtiss we have talked before. I'm the guy that does the B.F.L. with Larry. I met you down on maggies. and yes blue is nice only second to red LOL

Hey Curtiss,  Red didn't fair too well from the crash.  Thought I'd try blue steel next time  !!!!!!  lololol   ...   NOT