The Bass Pro Shops Big Bass tournament and the FLW Tour event, both held on the chain in February, boasted good numbers of eight, nine and ten pound largemouth bass signaling a healthy spawning brood stock in the Harris Chain of Lakes. Fisheries managers have been out in force recently spraying, cutting back, and rein- ing in on the runaway blooms of invasive aquatic vegetation. The lakes producing best for bass have been Harris, Little Harris, Eustis, Griffin and Dora. Fish are also being caught around moving water like the lock and spillway at Haines Creek, the Dead River, and the mouths of the Dora and Apopka canals. Although land- locked, Lake Yale is still considered part of the chain and that body of water is also yielding some nice catches.
Spawning females are being caught in the many marshes, residential canals and back bays where water is clear and good sunlight penetration is possible. Creature baits are working well teasing bedding fish. Spinnerbaits, rattletraps and other power fished hard baits are taking bass against the shoreline behind Kissimmee grass, on outer grass lines, subtle drop offs, and at canal mouths. The crepuscular (active at low light) nature of the largemouth bass always makes dawn and dusk the very best times to target feeding fish.
The crappie spawn is also in full swing on the chain. Schooling fish have moved into shallower water and will be easily targeted under pads and adjacent flats throughout March. Suspended jigs and minnows are excellent options for fishing under pads while various crappie sized crankbaits and other hard baits trolled slowly will catch the silver sided delicacies in open water.
To book a charter with Captain Mick Maynard visit LargemouthCentral.com or contact him at 518-578-9273 – email mjmaynard@westelcom.com.
