Hagg Lake preseason opener

[Willerman]

I have been out a few times recently and haven't caught the skunk bug. I seem to do really well with power eggs off the bottom. I use a small sliding weight and a very small hook so the trout are not deterred from the pressure of the line, or a big hook, when they take that first nibble. Went out last weekend and although the fishing was slow, I still managed two. The point where the big tree stump is to the right of boat ramp A (if you are looking down the ramp) is where I usually set up.

 

[bass]

I went to Hagg on January 29th. I had been having some great sturgeon fishing (31 the weekend before) and wanted to do something different. I have to say getting skunked at Hagg met that requirement.

I trolled for 8 1/2 hours and I only had one quick hit and run. At least I had my shivering to keep my mind off the lack of action. I am totally amazed I did not do better. I fished really hard and tried every depth and speed I could imagine. I trolled with my lures anywhere from the surface to about 60'. I tried spinner and worm without a flasher (my go to) and with a flasher. I tried plugs of a few sizes with and without rattles.

I spoke with a few other boaters that day and no one else had gotten any fish either. I heard from one guy that a little girl had landed an 8lber from shore. I have read that the freshly planted brooders like to stay near shore, but I was really hoping to find a hungry school of hold overs. I still can't believe I did not catch anything. Conditions seemed not unreasonable. I think I just do not understand winter trout.

Perhaps trolling is just the wrong approach but I love to watch the takedowns. I could have anchored and soaked bait, but if I am going to do that I would rather fish for sturgeon. Anyone have any thoughts on winter trout trolling? FYI, I measured the water temp at 39 degrees.

 

[Zoso]

Ya I had the same story happen to me from shore when I went two weeks in a row and nothing. Water temp was the same rainy one day sun the other. Saw a few fish by the inlets, but not much. Try again in 3 weeks when they stock it!

 

[troutdude]

The trout were probably huddled up in a corner somewhere; shivering as much as you were. So they didn't want to come out and play, in freezing temps. It'll improve, with warmer water and weather.

 

[bass]

Thanks for the info Zoso, perhaps the fish do head for inflow during the winter. I did not go way back into any of the coves or arms. Perhaps that was a tactical error. I wanted to fish before they stocked because I figured I would have a better chance at some larger holdover fish. I know that lake must hold over a ton of fish.

Yeah TD, I knew I was heading into some tough conditions but I figured I could make it happen by just wanting it enough - DENIED

 

[montym]

First fishing trip to Hagg in 8-9 months and just the second in the entire period, and I got skunked too today. Had 5 nibbles on power eggs and worms floated
off the bottom in a 3 hour period, but nothing stuck.

 

[troutdude]

Holy mackerel. Both of youse guys (Bass & MontyM), usually catch fish. Sorry to see you get skunked; and hope you do better on your next outings.

 

[Papa Jon]

I used to think it was strange that there was a Boat Ramp A and a Boat Ramp C and no Ramp B until I saw the original planing information. Now apparently there is no Boat Ramp A it is now called Eagle Point Rec. Area. Whenever someone I don't like to fish with wants to go I tell them to meet me at Ramp B.

 

[Golfbum]

Fished today at Hagg, limit before 10 am on Powerbait from bank.

 

[troutdude]

Fished today at Hagg, limit before 10 am on Powerbait from bank.

Most excellent. Congrats.

Golfbum ; OFF the bottom? How much leader? Specific colors?

 

[Golfbum]

No Title

Used Powerbait-Chartreuse, 18" 2 lb leader off bottom.

 

[troutdude]

Gratzi! Hey...they do like garlic...riiiiight? ha ha

Nice stringer. And the fish aren't bad either.

 

[Golfbum]

you know your Powerbait
:thumb:

 

[troutdude]

Ha ha. But I don't use Powerbait anymore. Not after discovering Power Eggs, many years ago.

BTW, garlic scent is added to their food pellets. That's why garlic works, on bait.

 

[Golfbum]

Troutdude - have you tried a floating corky bead with your Powerbait egg?

 

[troutdude]

No; I haven't. But I have thought about it, more than once. Don't really need it though, if you put 2 eggs on smaller hook--or three on larger ones.

However that would be a great idea; if you add a worm (and don't have any marshmallows, to make a Wickiup Sandwich).

 

[troutdude]

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/rr/willamette/

With the exception of 93 brooders recently tossed in, I don't think you'll find much other action at the lake.

Which lake(s) are you referring to?

 

[montym]

When the fish gets time to inspect and nibble at the bait, a hard corky might prevent a solid bite. Power egg and worm combinations sure work, but haven't used them enough to tell if the results are better or worse. I do hear that worms floated off the bottom tend to get larger fish