Anything happening yet on Leon?
Thanks for any info.

Bittercreek.

yeah, let's hear about Leon, I love that little lake for crappie. I once saw a 7 year old kid pull a 12lb bass off that dock, couldn't believe it.

another month

I am going out there in the morning. This will be the first time for me, been want to try it for awhile now.

Sleeting good here in Big Spring. Cold. This weather gets me thinking about Big Slabs.
Hope you have a good trip Rainman. Let us hear from you when you get back.

x2 Rainman, pls post good bad or indifferent!

Well it was an ok trip this morning, did not get there until 6:30 and there was already 10 people fishing. Most of them were fishing shallow. Around 10 or 10:30 was when the fish moved alittle deeper. Only brought home 3 keepers but others were doing alot better than myself. Black/chartreuse was the color to use from 10:00-12:30, that was when I left for the day. Hope to go back next Saturday. Some people were using minnows, but most were using jigs.

Thanks for the report, 3 keepers is better than I did today at Joe Pool, the only keeper was the cute new attendant at the state park gate and she got away (from me at least).

Thanks rainman. We know they are in there!

Thx 4 the report. I went to bport and literally got blown off of the lake. Trolling motor couldn't get close to staying within 20 feet of marked fish and we were in a non wind blown cove.

It was quite windy Saturday for sure.Also it was nice fishing under a covered dock and not having to fight the wind and rain in a boat. But next trip I will bring my hunting stool to sit on, standing for 5.5 hours is abit tuff.

I drove out there today, no one was fishing, so I don't have anything really to report. I was just checking things out. That lake is looking really bad. There's some good fish in there though. The ramp is really steep.

I remember when I was about 6 yr old my Grandad worked for the city of Eastland and took us out to where they were building the dam. I could not believe how deep it was.

I haven't been to Leon for quite a long time, think it was about 10 years when I went last so a couple questions:
Where exactly is the boat dock that is covered; the one with the RV parking and a public restroom?
Also; I seem to remember there were some tiny little cabins there, right by the dock, all in a row, are they still there and where?

I want to get out there this weekend if I can. Thanks.

The cabins are still there and the bathrooms I think are open? I'll be there sat morning

Thanks but when I look at this link: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/leon/access.phtml
it shows no cabins or restrooms, can anyone tell me if it's A of B or is there another that is not listed here? I think I'll be there Sunday (wish I could do Sat) and I'll be driving in the dark early in the a.m.

Neither. It's at LaMancha.

oooohhhhh, it's been so long but it's all coming back now, thanks burton

LaMancha is on the north side of the lake. If I knew which way you were coming from I could direct you. If you are coming from DFW way and coming west on I20, you can get off at the Ranger exit by the truck stop, and head south. You'll come to a 4 way stop, just go straight, and follow the road. You will come to a small store, may or may not be open, there is a turn off to your left with a large sign "LaMancha". Turn there and follow the road. I don't think they have any minnows there. The only place I know that may have minnows is on the south side of the lake, or in Cisco.

Thanks Jim, didn't think about them not having minnows, I'll call tomorrow to verify and make plans from there. I am bringing some jigs from slabmesilly that he just finished for me but did want minnows as a back up since I am just in jigonomics 101 OR jigergarten if you like that better.

since I loaded all the gear in the suv I guess I'm headed to Leon tomorrow, will be at Lamancha. Look for my faded Super Bowl XLV cap if you happen to be down there, always enjoy meeting fellow TFFers.

I will be there in the morning myself, so I will say hi.

It will be nice to have a report... Curious if there is water under all the stalls too

I went last weekend and there is still water under the stalls but it is steep going down the ramp to the stalls. If they get any sleet or ice it will be fun trying to get up and down it.

May go later today. I'll bet this morning is a mob scene out there. Shoulder to shoulder!

Not this morning, only about 6-8 people fishing. It was cold out there. Only three guys were doing well this morning. You were either on them or not. I only caught 4 keepers, but this was just my second trip there. Caught a black nose crappie this morning and it was just under 10".

Went to Leon/LaMancha Sat. 10th, got there about 6:15am and there were only about four or five people already there, not a lot of action but some being caught. The catch rate climbed between 9am to about 11am, couple of people had 15-20 keepers (5 gallon bucket full or nearly so).
I usually crappie fish with minnows and don't do a lot of it but have been wanting to learn to jigs so while everyone else was catching I was fishing (not catching). I was using 10lb line, a thick rod and was shivering so much at times I couldn't feel when they hit my jig. I also just need some practice... I'm going out today to get a lighter rod, warmer clothes and 6 lb line, I'll do better next time.
The people catching were using jigs with pink heads and kind of an off white plastic body, sorry, don't have specifics but I'll recognize it when I get to the store. Another was using jig w/crappie bites (yellow) and he was doing pretty well.
The water was under all the stalls and fish were caught between 3rd to 5th stall. There was a senior gentleman that was outfishing everyone else and he graciously shared some tips with me on what to buy, looking forward to going back asap. If anyone from the DFW area wants to go in the next couple weeks and split gas costs let me know, I'm in Arlington. I can drive (small SUV) or you drive, either way.

would like to go one time!

Thanks for the great report.

looks like the bite is starting to get good. i will probably be going there soon.

Will be there in the morning to wear em out! The winter time fatty slabs should be in and hittin by now. The bite a couple weeks ago mos def made it feel and look like it was on the up and up!

If anyone from the DFW area wants to go in the next couple weeks and split gas costs let me know, I'm in Arlington. I can drive (small SUV) or you drive, either way.


Hey Buzzard Breath,. I live in Arlington too, we can hook up next week if pos.

whos off when?

Mornings still by far best time. I saw a mega toad Sat afternoon caught on a minnow. It was probably around 15 in, which isn't too unusual, but I've never seen a fatter toad! Truly looked like a football.

That must have been the big fatty that broke my pole in half Saturday morning.

Is there a spot/ along the bank. I can park and sleep in the back of my Blazer?

Yes there is a small parking area by the dock.

Where can you buy the nearest minnows?
Buddy and I thinking about driving over next week and trying
it for the first time.
Thanks.

The store on 2214 by the river bridge has minnows

Hey guys im in fortworth I would love to tag along

Fished it yesterday.. few keepers caught. Mostly undersized. Locals say they haven't moved in yet

I was over there last week and found out that they do have minnows there at the office.

Ok guys, im going late Thursday night/Early friday morning. I want to catch that early bite that should start getting good. Anyone want to carpool it? let me know so we can get our gameplan togeather. Im south of FT worth so we can meetup anywhere except Dallas.

PM sent

Let me know how you do Kevin... I am off Friday, but not sure i can find a baby sitter as daycare is closed Friday as well...

might be going there tonight

might be going there tonight

Ok, the wife saw my post and told me she was going with me or i could find a new wife.

I sure am gonna miss Her.

Seriously though, Buzzard Breath is now looking for someone to rideshare with. I'll be there Friday morning, if you see me say hi.

I wouldn't waste my time driving over there yet. They haven't moved in. Wait another two weeks.

Oh really? Hows the fishing at the Weatherford crappie dock?

really? thats not what she said this morning

I'll be there Friday and weatherford has picked up some this week but Leon has been a little better for me see y'all Friday .

well just got back they bit for a small window then shut off almost completely..

Worse !!!

Pete, have you done any early morning fishing at Leon? I know in the past the 4am bite has been slow to fair in late Dec and very good to on fire in Feb, so was wondering if you or anyone else has given it a go.

The past two trip I've taken have been good from sun up to about 9:30-10:00 am then they slow down I won't be there in the morning I just got called out to work but they should be on with this cold air that just moved in, I will be out there sat for sure

Well it was cold. Very cold down there. The early morning bite is very slow but there is some crappie to be had. It picked up at daybreak and the show was over by 11:00 I would call it fair overall. The wife and I caught about 20 and kept 6. Others did much better. Locals said last week was much better. Hve fun and stay warm.

Thanks for the report Kevin..

Anyone going Friday? Thinking about it if i can split costs, otherwise i'll go creekin.

Thinking about heading out there Tuesday or Wednesday..Has the fishing picked up at all?

still a slight morning bite and then they are shut down by 9:30 or 10..

A lot of dinks are being caught but if you get there at day break you will catch plenty to take home. This past week I was there 3 days and took home 20 plus everytime. This past Thursday there was about 8 people there fishing and the bite never stopped. From what I could see everyone got their limit that day. Went today and it was much slower but left with 22. Took 8 hours to get 22 but counting the 20 plus throwbacks I caught as well it made for a fun day with steady action.

That old guy that sits on a bucket and wears a Wayne Feed Cap can't catch fish...Don't know why he even shows up,just to take up space i guess!

Ok I heading out there in the morning..I'm a jig guy and wondering if any color is working better than the next?Not looking for a limit just a few for dinner and pretty much get out of the house on a day off.

And can someone pm me directions from Stephenville..I have tried looking up directions and am unclear..Thanks

I went Sunday morning and used Monkey Milk by Bobby Garland, Texas Avacado and Opening Night by Panfish Assassin. You can also try different colored jig heads on those lures. And they liked slow movement of the jigs. I did not kill them but caught more fish this trip than any other one. I am still trying to get this lake down, it has been quite a challenge for me.

Thanks for the info rainman is there a fee to fish?

Yes it cost $ 5.00 to fish off the slip. There is a box as you walk on the docks to put the money in. Also if there is any frost on the ramp going down to the dock, you might want to walk on the rocks to the right side of the ramp and then get on the ramp as close to the dock as you can.

Thanks rainman..I am the worlds worst crappie fisherman but I will report back when I get home..If anyone else reads this and out there tomorrow feel free to give a newbie a tip or two.

just do what rainman does, he's the king of leon!

No Buzzard Breath, I am more like the Jester of Lake Leon. This Lake is taking my crappie fishing to a different level for sure. Just trying to help another fisherman out is all. I am always trying to learn as much about crappie fishing as I can.

Buzzard Breath I'm not trying to clean the lake out..Just want to get out of the house on a day off and hopefully catch 5 or 6 for dinner..Don't worry after tomorrow it will be all yours.Thanks for the help rainman.

ha, just giving you guys a hard time. cborden, believe me; you can catch a lot more than 5 or 6 there at Leon if you do it right. I didn't do so well last time I was there as it was my first time using jigs full time without having any minnows to back me up but I learned alot just watching everyone else.

Good luck, let's hear how you do.

You got directions from Stephenville? Take Lingleville Highway 8 out of Stephenville, go thru Lingleville and Desdemona. Just after you go thru 'downtown' Desdemona, head North on 2214. About ten miles up, turn right at 2461, right after Leon Dam sign. That winds around over the dam. After dam watch on your left about another mile or so down for La Mancha main entrance. Turn in and keep driving till you see parking on the left just after the old caboose train car.

As for fishing, try 3rd and 4th slip on the left(north) side. Also, there can be gut wrenching slow spells in the early afternoon, but usually picks up late afternoon. Start with light colors, move slow stay very close to bottom or brush. I went last Friday from noon to sundown, caught 18 keepers and many throwbacks. Let us know how it was when you get back!

I am so happy to read this! I havne't been to La Mancha in a long time and I just moved back to stephenville gonna have to make a trip really soon once the water clears up after the rain. Can't wait to hear reports from the mourning!

don't forget slip 2 on north, produced the most fish last time I was there (not for me, others had it tied up but they were catching)

When you going back out there BB?

hadn't planned another trip yet but if you are twisting my arm (which it feels like you are) lets go. I can go either this coming Sunday 15th or the following Sunday 28th.

Meet me here in Arlington, park at my house, we leave here 5am, fish till 12 and back by 2 or 3.

Add one guy for gas and it'll be super cheap.

Nope, can't do Sundays. I'll be in church most of the day.

im thinking of heading out sunday

Save some for everybody else....

There is a small chapel located right there on the dock - non-denominational; open to all.

well, when you get done thinking let me know. I'll go if you want to or I'll just wait till the following weekend when I head to CADDO LAKE - WOOOOHOOOOO!

Rowdy.. get ur ducks in a row and let's go

Would love too, but these ducks you speak of pay my bills....would love nothing more to quit and just fish!

I'm thinking bout Friday. Are y'all using soft plastic or feather jigs? What depth are they at? If you don't want everyone to know your secrets u can pm me. I've got an idea or two but would sure like a lil extra info before I go.

Well I didn't catch that many keepers but the 3rd and 4th stalls seemed to be covered up in fish..Fish could be caught in just about every slip except the closest to bank.There were 8 other guys there and I was truely amazed at the amount of fish that were caught.Bite seemed to be pretty steady and I can't wait to get out there again in a week or two.

Is the dock accessable(sp?) at night?

I'm thinking bout Friday. Are y'all using soft plastic or feather jigs? What depth are they at? If you don't want everyone to know your secrets u can pm me. I've got an idea or two but would sure like a lil extra info before I go.

I've seen them caught on both feather and plastic, just off the bottom seems to be the rule but you know about rules don't ya? It is accessible at night and I think there is a light but I know there is an outlet.

PS don't go Friday, all the crappie are out drinking with their friends and won't be back till very late Saturday (24 hr binge), might as well go Sunday.

pm me if you want to go sunday, losing track of all this on this thread.

Watch out, cborden. That place can be addicting! You'll find yourself this time of year trying to rationalize going out there at every possible chance. I have to keep my family bribed with piles of fresh fried crappie to get my fishin' passes.

Mo that is fure sure..The wife and I cooked up the fish I caught today and it was good..I really enjoyed my time at the dock today and watching to old timers give each other the business was fun in its self.Luckily I live to far away so it will keep the urges down but my wife wants to take a day off in a couple weeks so hopefully the weather will cooperate.

BB --
all the crappies are out drinking Friday night but I will be drinking Saturday therefore I can't go Sunday with ya..besides aren't drunk crappie a little more promiscuous and more apt to bite even the ugly jigs?

There was three of those Grouchy Pharts there......

Anyone from stephenville want to go with me tmr let me know. We would like a third person to split gas with

It ought to be cold enough today. I never catch them at La Mancha unless I am freezing to death.

well friday is off gonna go next week if anyone wants to go shot me a pm

Haha yes there was..I remember setting there thinking that they were like the caracters from Grumpy old Men.I'm guessing you were there?

Yep!...Laughed my [censored] off at them....But there was one that could flat catch fish....think he had on a Wayne feed cap. Bet they have a good time, all the time! Probably been friends for years. Hope when i get that old i can have friends like they are ...To enjoy life to it's Fullest.

cborden....where did you fish most at that day?

Don't know where cbordon was but I was in the slip right behind the old phart with the wayne feed cap on on that could flat out catch fish!

anyone headed down this weekend

I hope when I retire I've got friends like that..Your right I bet they've known each other a long time..

Oh I was the guy in the tan overalls.I only fished the second slip on the right and the forth on the left..Good times and can't wait to get back.

Yep be there this weekend. Was there today for 6 hours and didn't even get a bump! Hopefully better luck this weekend!

Yep! he was catching 2-3 fish then changing colors and he was still catching them,he even told his buddy where to fish and how to jig it cause he wasn't doing any good and his buddy started catching fish....

That's right cbordon was good times, I rememnber as well you were fishing across from me in the 4th slip. They certainly kept us entertained when the fish would turn off.

Where did you fish and did anyone catch fish besides you ?

I heard they are retired fire men from Arlington,and worked for 30+ yrs. together! They are having a good time in their retirement it seems.

Naw its was descent I caught a few, certainly not a bad day. There was only 5 of us there. Some good fish were caught but the bite wasn't nothing like it was yesterday.

Yup I was the guy that forgot his measuring stick and had to guess if they were big enough..So what are the advantages with using a fly reel vs the spinning? A few people were using them and I was guessing it was because you didn't reel in which put you back at the right depth without guessing.Oh and what color were you using before I left?

Hope you didn't miss count like I did bjh. Cause I know you stayed longer than I did.

I have seen those three old men throw fish at each other.. and one of them slid down the frozen ramp on his bottom

anyone know of anyone that repairs rods around stephenville. I need a replacement tip for my 5'6 ultrlight and can't seem to find one at walmart

If you plan on going to la mancha tomorrow dont waste your time driving down. I heard from the game wardon today that most all the keepers in the lake have been fished out.

oh reallllllly.

From my experience next years crop looks good though!lol

Anyone go this mourning

I went. Action was slow but steady. I only caught 2 barely keepers, but I saw some big crappie being caught all over the place. I really need to work on my technique.

graphite rod

Maybe. I don't think I was missing bites, I think they didn't like my bait. Seems those crappie were liking Bobby Garlands in Monkey Milk today, and I was all out of Monkey Milk. I managed about 8 total today. I saw one guy filling his basket with big ol slabs, several that he foul hooked in the gills or stomach. Maybe that's where the graphite rod would come in handy? Lol.

Any being caught on feather jigs or just plastics

I think pretty much just plastics. I tried feather jigs a couple times, but I don't think I caught anything on one.

will see everyone in the morning

Gotta find the brush and forget about the monkey milk. They were hitting those hard and steady for about a month, but now it seems that only the lil ones like it. My 8 year old and I caught fish today. Dont remember how many but it was enough that if the fish was in question of being legal we tossed them back. My son likes to measure them and if they werent close to touching 11inches we tossed them back. Bite wasnt on fire but we brought home several nice quality hogs. Dont mess with the first three slips you have to catch 10 dinks to 1 keeper. Plus there is always about a dozen rods with hooks in the water in the 3rd slips.

I'm definitely going back out there, try a weekday, maybe have a little more success. Those were some hogs you guys were catching, Joe Pool ain't got no fish like that.

yeah go on a weekday and you will be able to get familiar with the place as there is usually only a a half dozen people out there at the most at any given time. How long did you stay and what stall were fishing in

I was there with the older boy, my 12 yr old. I think I spent the better portion of the day in the second and third stalls.

Anyone been out in the last 2-3 days ?

i was there sunday... pretty crowded and fish werent very cooperative

Went this afternoon for an hour or so between 1pm and 2:30 and caught about a dozen dinks and 4 nice hogs. Was pretty windy and only about 6 of us out there. Only one other person was catching fish and he had been there since daybreak and had about 8 or so on his stringer.

sounds like the warmer weather is moving them out

Yeah I had trouble finding them. Took me about 30 minutes before I got a bite. Had to leave but didn't want to but it seemed they might have been ready to go on a lil run of biting. Your right though this up and down weather and especially april type temps in january has them moving around and scattered. Heard it was going to be 80 degrees.

Then again the liarman *ahem* weatherman I meant said a front was moving through to cool things down once again. I wasn't paying enough attention to what day he was talking about. I was gonna head out there Friday night but my partners bailed and I didn't have the sack to brave out the temps by myself.

This is sad and not a joke as I meant to post it earlier but tammy the women the runs la mancha said they most likely will be closing the dock down in the near future. We prolly only have a month at best from what she told me she isn't even taken reservations for the cabins when march rolls around, so with that being said and that being their big money maker from march through the summer I do believe our days are numbered.

Closing for good? I just found out about the place :p Guess I'll have to go in on one of these boat slips...

sighs that sucks

Crapola, may have to buy a boat.

Yeah that is the word and I heard from tammy's mouth. Yeah a lil one man boat or hell even a tube or any damn thing that floats just dump it in the water and tie off in slip and get after em. Or start a petition "Occupy La Mancha"!

lol occupy la mancha thats funny! What is the close date I'm wanting to go friday and don't want to show up to a closed dock

I'm going to test my luck and head out Friday, hope it's still open. I gotta get one more cooler full before they shut the old gal down. Many folks will be bummed, years of crappie tradition out there. Just when I learned how to fish the heck out of it, too!

Anyone from stephenville going friday

If I did not have to work firday, but I may go Saturday morning.

I'm thinking about hitting it tomorrow. If I was to go out there real early, can I access it? Thinking about fishing predawn with a light.

I believe you can fish any time day or night. Just put $5.00 in the box and fish. There is a light on the dock but it works off a motion sensor. And there is a 120v outlet some people bring a droplight while night fishing.

yes its open 24/7. was very cold this morning... bunch of small fish biting

If they do end up shutting it down, it will be in a month or so. that is what i deciphered from talking to her, but who knows could go out there tomorrow and see no trespassing signs up. Im sure if and when it does shut down there were be no heads up from them.

Man, I grew up out there and hate to see this happen. Why are they shutting it down? Anybody know? I am 36 now and can remember when I was in 2nd and 3rd grade staying on that dock ALL DAY long fishing. My parents would bring me food and I would use it as bait. lol. Back then it had sides on it and not as many people fishing it.

to me late spring threw the summer was some of the best fishing off that dock. We would go just before sun down get two dozen minnows to get us started set out a few minnow traps by the rocks and fish all night long catching crappie catfish bass and sandies. We would drink beer and BS one another all night long. Cant tell you how many mourning we drove home with our sides hurting because we laughed so hard. Really gonna miss this place if and when it shuts down hope to go tommarow.

They are only shutting down till we get some rain,it is not a permanent closing.Something to do with water restrictions.

They ought to leave the fishing dock open. All it does is collect $5 bills.

Thats the way i felt, but the man that owns it said shut it all down....So thats ...that !!!!

Any reports lately

it was really slow on friday, buddy of mine went on caught 2 in 4 hrs, he said there wasnt anyone doing any better, the lake came up 5-6 ft last week, he didnt mention how dirty the water was tho

Anyone have the number to the store there???
Thanks for the help.

this was the number listed, (254) 647-3651

I went this morning and it was really slow, only caught two keepers and 6 dinks. This was in 4 hours time. Tried all my normal colors and even a few new one with no luck. Water is more stained than usual, hope it comes back around soon.

It should start to come around again! There will be tons of fresh structure and grass the spawn should be really good here in the next month too.

Went on Saturday from about noon. It was very slow, 5 or 6 guys fishing and only four keepers. Last couple of hours, not even dinks. But tell you what, it was awesome seeing that lake after this big rain. No more stumps/trees in the main part of lake south of the dock. First slip is maybe 25 feet from rocks, the ramp is not even close to steep now. Fish will regroup and join us there soon. You have to spend a day re-learning depths and brush locations, changes are drastic.

Yes they are mo'crappie man. It was horrible Saturday wasn't it? I went back out early Sunday about 7am. I had high hopes of a descent day, as I just knew it couldn't get any worse than Saturday. Oh, how I was wrong. Fished till 4. I caught 1 descent fish and only 5 total(dinks incuded). Water is way muddy/murky! Worse than it looked Saturday. Hard north wind Saturday and then hard out of the south on Sunday except for complete calmness till about 9am yesterday had the water looking stagnent and bad in the early morn. The wind came on and the wake on the lake looking south from the dock was brown/red looking. Still had some run off yesterday going into lake. If it is going to rain again it needs to hurry up and go ahead and fill it up so this water will settle and fish move back in. Can't take anymore days like the past 2.

Thats good news for the crappie chasers from leon. Good report.

should rain this weekend

Anyone been this week?

a buddy of mine went yesterday and fished with minnows and jigs and never got a bite, he didnt stay long tho maybe an hour or so