I’ve been fishing since I was five years old, so more than a half-century. I grew up fishing Missouri streams for smallmouth, and am now retired on Cedar Creek Lake, where I fish several times a week, usually for bass and crappie, but even catfish sometimes.

I’ve spent the last two days on Lake Athens (with high expectations) and caught just three small bass. Lost a nice one on a frog, but that’s it. I’ve tried EVERYTHING. I even tried Gruber’s countdown to suspended bass and threw jerk baits. Nothing.

I’ve spoken with several other anglers, and heard about the same thing. The funny thing is, conditions have been very good. Low 60’s water temp, lightly stained water. Tuesday was overcast; yesterday was sunny.

I’m going back tomorrow, taking my wife. She’s a pretty good bass fisherman. Years ago she mastered worm fishing on Fayette County. Any thoughts on how I might impress my bride of 30 years??

(p.s. – just for fun, yesterday afternoon I decided to catch some bluegill. First fish that took the small piece of live worm I tossed in 4-ft of lily pads was a big bass. It surfaced, then just snapped my four-pound test. This has me thinking I need a different strategy.)

I don’t know anyone who would actually admit to fishing for catfish? The bass still can’t leave the lake, did you try a grub or maribou? And what size? What color? You may have hit one what they want try a 3 or 4 inch ribbon tail worm on a split or drop shot or even Texas in the same way or area

Move out to the edge of the grass line and pitch a 1/2 oz jig and hang on for the better fish
Numbers do the same thing but do it with a drop shot

Thanks. I did throw a tube, but I guess I didn't try EVERYTHING! I'll give it a try.

Also try a no. 7 floating or countdown on the docks and ramps, or if there weed lines there still a vertical lure falling on slack line should work, small silver minnow or beetle spin

I’ve never fished Athens but I would put the trolling motor on high and cover as much water as possible. Chatterbait,lipless crank,square bill. Start at the mouth of a creek and work your way back.

I was catching them pretty shallow on Sunday.

Thanks, Darin. Would you throw nothing but search baits until you got bit?

Or go to the back of the lower lake, behind the island, and throw a weightless Senko. You’ll have a solid day.

Yes sir. Sometimes the fish will run in wolf packs this time of year and if you can get one to react it can fire up the others to bite. So I’ll probably be throwing a search bait all day.

And I would listen to Steez. Like I said I’ve never fished there.

Thanks.