I Love Spruce Run

[Eskimo]

I got to spend some time this past weekend on my favorite reservoir. I usually don't post about my favorite fishing spots to avoid spot burning, but I don't think I can contribute anything new about Spruce Run. Whole books have been written about this reservoir.

I started the afternoon launching my kayak from the parking lot behind the Van Sickle fishing pier. I not going to launch from there anymore because I don't like all the pier-sitters who swarm around my kayak asking questions about it and stuff. My favorite pier-people this weekend were the foreigners fishing in their Speedos. I was going to take their picture for laughs on the forum, but I thought it might make them mad and I was parked near them.

Fishing at noon-time under a bright sun, the fishing was as slow as I expected. Despite the wind, I plodded along the shoreline casting various lures here and there. The reservoir was busy with sailboats and numerous fishing boats and kayaks.

My favorite fish of the day was this Largemouth Bass. I didn't want to stress it anymore than I absolutely had to, so I never measured it. Just a quick vanity shot, unhooked it, and released it right back into the water. I'm going to guess it was over 15 inches.




What would a trip to Spruce Run be without some Channel Catfish?




I heard a lot of splashing in one of the coves. I assumed it was carp, but eventually curiosity go the better of me and I paddled over to the noise.

What I found was dozens, if not hundreds, of White Perch. They were all carrying eggs and milt, so I assume this was some kind of spawning congregation. After I caught one, they all followed the caught fish and swarmed around my kayak. I was afraid if I fell in, they would eat me like Piranha.

There were so many perch, that while I was putting one perch on the stringer and my Rapala was lying motionless on the water, another perch swam up and nailed the lure and hooked himself. Just crazy.

I took a few home with me for dinner.



At the end of the afternoon, I was loading my kayak back onto my car and a Conservation Officer stopped by. Younger guy with a shaved head. He did a license check and looked at my perch on the stringer. We talked a little about fishing. Nice guy.

I packed up my stuff and headed home to a great dinner of White Perch fillets and Sam Adams Rebel IPA beer.

If you see me fishing in my olive green Native Redfish 10, don't hesitate to come over and say, 'Hi'.






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[FASTEDDIE29]

Looks like an awesome day. Nice BUCKETMOUTH and nice mixed bag of fish. That Perch dinner had to be phenomenal, especially with that tasty beer to chase it down with. Very nice!!!

[Rybazłapać]

That is an impressive looking catfish. Nicely done.

[Eskimo]

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Originally Posted by Rybazłapać

That is an impressive looking catfish. Nicely done.

Thanks.
The catfish was too big to eat. If I harvest a Channel Cat, it needs to be between about 14-20 inches. That fat boy was like two feet long. I don't like the fillets after they get over an inch thick, so I always set the big ones free.



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[PaBeerGuy]

Been seeing the sam Adams Rebel IPA everywhere lately. Imposter!!!

[Rybazłapać]

I never thought of it that way but now that I do you're right. Don't really like my fillets more than an inch thick myself. And Beerguy, I agree victory is a better choice but Sammy A is a much better choice than the summer shandy bottle I saw left at one of the spots I fished earlier today. Not only litter but shame was left on the shoreline with that bottle.

[PaBeerGuy]

Originally Posted by Rybazłapać

I never thought of it that way but now that I do you're right. Don't really like my fillets more than an inch thick myself. And Beerguy, I agree victory is a better choice but Sammy A is a much better choice than the summer shandy bottle I saw left at one of the spots I fished earlier today. Not only litter but shame was left on the shoreline with that bottle.

Summer Shandy? YUKKO!

[XXlyakattacker]

Nice fish. I've been out there the past couple mornings for some crazy topwater action. Im the blue glowing thing out there at 4am. Can't wait to get the permanent led lights. I'll be looking out for you. Stay away from the salsa music areas on the weekends.I launch from an alternate area because of the reasons you stated.

[NJ Dave]

Yo beer snobs.... lol
Got to try Cricket Hill based out of Fairfield NJ.
Good shit. Friday 5-730 are brew pub tour nights.
God time!!!! Great beer !!!!

[Delawareriver]

Looks like an awesome day you had. See any carp spawning?