Looking to take a trip to the pines. Can anyone give me some advice on what to do? Havent been in a year.

Bumping to the top. I would like to know how they bit this weekend!!!

Too many tourneys on Pines. You aren't gonna get a lot of info. Fish the usual spots north of 155. Pre-spawn to spawn tactics.

Depends on where your at on the lake. I'm new to the lake so I'll tell you what I know. I know the north end is ahead of the south end but there are beds and empty beds on the south end. But, you have to be in the right water temps to find these beds cause not every creek has them. There is a lot of dead water right now but when you get around them it's obvious. Up north I think it's the same, find the right spawning flat and you'll find them but not every spot is right. You really have to keep hunting until you get bit. I caught a few Saturday but not great, then went a watched a weigh in that it took 29+ to win. I know there wasn't 29 pounds where I was so that told me where it came from.

Thanks for the info guys!!! Every bit helps.

I'm going to try to get over there this weekend and give it a shot. I'll head north of the bridge and report back next weekend if the fishing gods smile on me......

I'm headed there in 2 weeks. Wonder if the big mamas will be fully on beds by then or still catching them out of the grass.

From my past experiences, Pines has the ODDEST spawn on any lake that I have come across. There have been years I swore they never got on beds, but they had too. (Some years the water is muddier than others.)

You will find some beds with fish on them, but it's nothing like the bed fishing you see on other lakes. I think the major draw back is finding a large area with a hard bottom. They are scattered.

My best approach has been standard fan casting to the "typical" spawning areas.

Best of LUCK!

What are the water levels? I will be putting in at Johnson this weekend and I have not been there since last spring. Is it an easy run from Johnson Creek to the north end with a marked boat lane?

I don't think it's easy if your a first timer but chances are you can idle to the lanes or follow someone. Johnson has a lot of fish in it and it's close to being good I there.

Got a tournament there in 2 weeks. Full moon is the 19th should be a major wave of fish soon.

ok guys i fished the lake friday before the cold front we fished north of 155 in the morning and copeland area the afternoon. caught 30 fish total prob had 18lbs most came on a sliver sexy shad red eye shad and a few on red. spinnerbait caught a few and so did a shakey head. best tip i can can give u is to put down ur trolling motor and cover some water but once u catch a fish sit on that spot bc they are prob alot more in the same area

Caught 40 sat on the north end in a tournament. (17.02) winner had 25lb with a 10.31 kicker. Fished for fun sunday on the south end and caught nearly 30. Backs of the creeks. Great lake

Your sooo right. I used to think it was just me but after talking to some other people about it i'ts so true.
The fishing has been good, put your trolling motor down and fish. Choose an area that you know from past experince has quality fish and cover. Choose an area that has some grass some wood and thats close to deeper water.

Does anyone know the drive time from Fork to Pines? Quick route from LFM?

Thanks

Take 154 East to Gilmer. On 271 turn Left then take the next right on 155 towards Linden. You will Cross over 259 and Lake of the Pines is just up the road.

Jody