Spring is here and this is prime time to target trophy trout. The only problem with finding monster trout this year especially for us in Lake Pontchartrain is that water levels of every river surrounding the Lake has been near record highs so far this year. After battling the opening of the Spillway dumping Mississippi River water into our estuary we are now battling every other river flooding the Lake with fresh water. From the Tchefuncte River all the way to the Pearl River are at all time highs with the water to only flow one place, Lake Pontchatrain. Surprisingly we have made some solid catches during these tough times. The problem though is the consistency. One day we go out and catch 30-40 then the very next day 5. The fresh water is getting pushed around all over in different areas of the lake and if you can find small pockets of green saltier water the specks are there. Another problem we are going to get into is when the trout begin their annual spawn. The Lake simply does not have the salt in the water to create a healthy reproduction process for our beloved speckled trout. When the time comes to lay eggs our specks may hit the road. For sure the monsters will be hard to find. The full moons of April and May are both great times to target big specks but I am predicting smaller than average trout again this year and another off year for trying to put one on the wall. We should have a decent run of fish during these times but it’s hard for me to imagine any real wall hangers over 7 pounds to be caught this spring but you never know. All the bridges crossing the Lake will be spring hot spots but don’t be surprised is green water gets trapped in an unusual area off the estuary and creates a heaven for specks to be caught in a less common area.
With all the stained and dirty fresh water this year we have been using bright and loud colors to help get the fish’s attention. The “Limbo Slice”, “Pink Champagne” and the “Purple Haze” Matrix and Vortex Shads have been the go to colors. 1/2 oz jig heads on windy days and 3/8 oz golden Eye Jig Heads on the calmer days in black, red or gold have been extremely effective. Weather is going to dictate the remainder of our spring fishing especially rain fall amounts more importantly just north of Lake Pontchartrain which causes flooding rivers. The good news is it was a very mild winter which generally sets up for a good spring and summer so we will see. If its a bad spring there is always Matrix Minis and crappie.
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