February-March 2009

Signs of spring are starting to show on Lake Heather as the shad are coming up and the bass are feeding on them aggressively. Water temperature and the moon no doubt will affect the onset of the spawn and the end of the shad feeding frenzy.

On my last 5 trips all but 2 LM bass have been over the minimum measurements. On February 21st I landed 2 five pound and 1 four pound six ounces LMB by the platform (just left of the boat launch). On that same day I caught another 7 LMB all over two pounds. It looks like the shad introduced by Southeastern Pond Management are starting to pay off.

The willow weed is beginning to make a comeback and to me this results in the best fishing on Lake Heather. The willow weed provides shelter for the baitfish which in turn draws the bass to forage. This habitat is a very important part of the lake and I hope it stays for years to come.

The lake also has lots of underwater structure in the 20 to30 foot depths range which can be found with a good instrument. By the platform there are huge structures under the water at a depth of 35 to 40 ft where crappie seems to be plentiful.

I have unintentionally caught some nice crappie on crank baits and rattletraps. I assume those who are targeting crappie will do really well in this location.

Lake Heather is a very clear (gin clear) and in parts a relatively deep lake which makes it hard to go out and always catch bass. It takes a little more than a worm, weight, and hook to consistently catch fish. Wind is your friend on this lake especially this time of year with the shad moving up and the bass getting ready to spawn. Look for spots where the wind is blowing which in turn drives the baitfish where the bass will feed.

I have been a permit holder since the start of the program in March 06, and I fish the lake 2 to 4 times a week--- year-round rain, ice, wind, cold, and hot and I have seen the lake improve dramatically since that time, especially with the addition of the shad.

Chris Morrow