Read some OFF threads about fishing for browns at the Bluffs before heading there for the first time, so I thought I ought to "give back" by reporting my experiences there. Gone there several times over the past 3-4 weeks.
Tried the mouth on the east side the first time, but the only other fisher I saw that day said it was better to fish inside the marina. Aside from the occasional person at the bridge, have only seen one other person fishing from shore in (east side of) marina the other times I've gone.
Only use lures (hence my username) and have used mostly size 3-5 Black Furies, 1/2-3/4 oz Little Cleos (blue, orange, lime green, and dark green ones) and Len Thompsons (Five of Diamonds, one like a Red Devil, and another orange and gold), and floating jointed rapala 13s (Rainbow Trout, Fire Tiger, and one that is black on top, light brown on sides, and bronze-yellow on bottom). Tried casting from rocks on north side of east marina in several spots, but just too many bloody weeds.
Caught couple pike casting from east side toward docks. Caught several from southeast corner, couple from south side, and 3 from southwest corner near boat launch. Best so far was 39" (15-17 lb?), but it unforch scampered back into the water while I fished for my phone. Couple pics below (yes, I know that I perhaps shouldn't have put the smaller one on the rocks, but it was the first one I caught there so I wanted to take a pic of it and I didn't have a net, don't have a selfie stick, it was at least a seven yard walk over steep loose rocks to get to the grassy area, it's a pike, etc).
Have caught them, gotten hits, or gotten follows with each of the aforementioned lures. Incidentally, using 10 lb mono line on 6-12 lb medium action 7' spinning rods.
Have not caught a square tail yet and only sniff of one was a short follow the last time I went. Am only able to go during the day (usually there around 10am to 1:30pm) and unforch, every time I have gone has been sunny or partly sunny; perhaps that's why I have not even hooked one brown. Would rather catch a 5lb brownie than a four foot pike - personal pref.
Hope I have not transgressed OFF etiquette by detailing the above or the following, but wd like to ask if this is a typical, good, or bad year for browns there, if the west marina tends to be better for browns, and which month is usually best for catching them there?
Also, does anyone know if that insanely steep hill going into the park is salted when it gets colder? Don't wanna slide car into Lake O lol
Tks and cheers.
