of vegetation, be it a stand of bulrushes or a patch of
smartweed or pondweed.
Soft plastics, such as Texas-rigged rubber worms fished
through the vegetation on the bottom can be extremely
effective. While the lakes are shallow, these rigs may require
a half-ounce weight – more than most people normally use
– to get through the thick vegetation.
Spinnerbaits can be retrieved through or just above
lighter vegetation, or along the edge of it. Shallow diving
crankbaits, such as a Mann's Baby-1 Minus, are also just as
useful here as they are on other waters if you can find edges
and pockets of open water where they can be effectively
fished. Topwater poppers and plugs can work well in the
spring and later in the year when fished along weedlines or
in open pockets.
In heavier vegetation, topwater frogs, Johnson Silver
Minnows and other weedless lures are the only baits you can
possibly fish, but ones that bass will readily take. Skilled
anglers might even be able to keep a buzzbait on top of the
weeds.
Lure color selection for bass is similar to pike. Dark colors
work best on soft plastics, and yellow, black, chartreuse
and white are typically the best colors for spinnerbaits and
buzzbaits. Tip those or your Silver Minnow with a plastic or
pork trailer to add scent and action and to allow for a slower
retrieve if fish aren't overly aggressive.
Heavy baitcasting tackle and strong braided line are
almost a must when fishing here, as the vegetation bass
often head for when hooked is never far away. And
be prepared to lose many rigs in lakes
that also hold pike unless you tie
your rig with a wire or
fluorocarbon
leader.
Bass fishing can be
good well into the
fall, and at times can
be good through the
ice, when fish may
be as likely to
take a Gulp
minnow on
a tip-up as
a teardrop
and
waxworm
on a jigging pole.
Albert Allen of Ainsworth admires a largemouth bass he landed from his kayak at Tower Lake on Yellowthroat Wildlife
Management Area.
PHOTO
BY
JENNY
NGUYEN
Fishing the Sandhills • NEBRASKAland Magazine
