Anyone been there lately? I'm trying to pick a spot for the weekend with a good place to camp. I've never been to Purtis Creek, but it seems like a good place for a yak. I'd like to go someplace where the fishing is decent. Any help or advice is always appreciated.

I camped there one weekend and the fishing was OK. We paddled across from the boat ramp and camped at a site that you had to hike to or in our case paddle to. There were 4 of us and we caught probably 10-12 dink bass in one evening. The next day it was so windy we packed up and left early. It sure is a nice scenic place to camp though if you get back to those secluded camp sites.

Great for camping, fishing is not what it used to be since the grass is all gone. The fish have to still be there since it is catch and release for BASS.

I've done well there when water temps were between 70-80. Then again, that's the best temps for bass fishin pretty much on any lake... Been a few times when it was really hot and really cold and received the skunk. There's big ones in there, good crappie lake too, but it really can be hit or miss now that the grass is gone... Nice place to paddle and camp always though even if the fishing isn't lights out.

This time of year, I was thinking I might need to locate some in deep water and slowly drag a carolina rig or use a drop shot rig for BASS. I'd have to think the fish are all still there too, they just might be harder to catch.

I think all the fish are harder to catch in the winter. At least it is for me.

DD 22's work well in the timber.

I went mid summer and did good. Caught about 15 a day from 1# to 4#. I went again in November and didn't catch squat all day. I threw everything I had in my box. Some guy pulls up and said he was Crappie fishing and couldn't keep the Bass of his live minnows. I wanted to catch something so I bought some goldfish and minnows. I caught quite a few of the back pier at night, when the lights were on.

I've only been there those two times. I like the lake because I can paddle the whole lake twice in one day. I also like that it gets less traffic. It does get a little busy out there sometimes; the lake being so small, a few boats make it feel crowded.

Again, I've only been there twice, but with how dead it was in November, I would think the cold will have only made it worse.

and me

I Like Purtis Creek, the best camping is on the west side. You can have water & elect or neither as well as remote camping. Last time I was there was in early December, it was cold (upper 20's - low 30's) & windy with a cold front pushed thru. I fished two and a half days and only caught 12 fish, most 3 lbs and bigger with the best over 6 lbs. If you go be sure to fish under the fishing piers(west side is deeper) in early AM with blk/blu jig and trailer. I've fished this lake 4 times and have always caught fish and at least one over 6 lbs every time so far, more fish in the warmer weather for sure. Don't rule out shallow water this time of year, I caught two fish this week at GV one was 4 3/4 lbs and the other was 6 1/2 lbs and both were in 3 - 5 foot water.
I got this Bald Eagle photo last time I was there, actually got to see him catch a nice fish that morning, how cool.
Good Luck

Thanks for all of the replies. Great picture of that eagle. I'll be sure to post whatever results we have from wherever we end up.

I do not care for the gut hooking goldfisherman out there. Most of the fish around the docks have a lot of their mouths missing and a couple hooks in their gullet with 35# line attached to it.

Get ready for some competition!