Fly Fishing Report

With only a couple weeks left of the season, this is a good time to come up to Crowley and get your last stillwater fishing fix in before winter sets in.

Surface water temperature is around 60°.  Layton Springs seems to be the best area right now where most of the fish are, although they are very spread out. Some days are really on fire and other days are very slow. Usually caused because of a pressure system moving through, usually this time of year. You may have to move around a bit until you find fish, but they are there.

They are still feeding on midges, and seems to be different colors, different days, even different times of the day. If you are not getting bit, switch up your colors and also switch up your depth. Most of the fish are being found between 8-12' of water.

Trolling Report

August 1st begins the no bait season so be sure to remove baits and scents from the boat before heading out to troll.

Fishing has been improving over the past week as water temperatures cool with the onset of cooler evenings and warm days. As of today, the water temperature is at 65°F, and fish activity is on the rise. The best fishing has been from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, particularly when there is a high midge hatch, which seems to make fish more active in their feeding.

You’ll still need to be mobile to find the best spots, as they change daily. The most productive fishing remains in depths of 10-20 feet. We’ve had success with fish running 5-15 feet deep or using 1 to 2 lead core colors.

Top Spots

1. McGee Bay

2. North Arm 

3. Sandy Point to the Willows

4. Alligator Point

5. In front of the harbor down to Beaver Cove

6. Don’t overlook Chalk Bluffs

Best Lures:

• Tasmanian Devils: Bleeding Frog, Bloody Ripper, Orange Perch, Pink Frog (all sizes are effective). Trolling speed: 2.5-4 mph.

• Needle Fish and Thomas Buoyants: Black Dot Frog, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Blue and Silver, Black and Silver, and Perch pattern (all sizes are working). Trolling speed: 2-2.5 mph.

• Rapalas: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Black and Silver Countdown. Trolling speed: 3-5 mph, with a ripping action proving most effective.

With smaller crowds and less fishing pressure, we’re anticipating a strong end to the season, especially with increased fish stocking efforts.

Tight lines and see you on the lake!

Crowley Lake Trolling Fans

Bait and Spin Report

Crowley Lake is under special fishing regulations as of August 1st. No live or scented baits may be used, and you may only keep two trout that are a minimum of 18 inches. You can still keep up to 25 perch but can not use baits to fish for them.

For perch fishing, use Sierra Slammer swim baits, or good old fashioned feather jigs. Get outside the week line between Hilton Bay and McGee Bay, or try on the Notrth Arm Between Leighton Springs and Alligator Point.

For trout fishing, the top lures are Thomas Buoyants, triple teasers, or rooster tails, fished in 8-12 ft near the inlets. Fish lures in Perch Patterns are also successful these days with lots of minnows cruising around.