Reservation Number : 24342
Property Name : Dogwood Lakes Estate: West Lake
Reservation Date : 05/09/2020 All Day -
Total Fish/Sizes : 31 total, 1@6.5, 5@5+, 10@2-4lb, 16culls
Lures Used : Senkos worked, all others failed

My son Sam and our friend, Bear, had a great Saturday at Dogwood West. Our first time here at the pristine property, the lake was at record high level as the owner, Rocky, had partially dammed the spillway to prepare for extra water to be used in nearby oilfield operations next week.  This meant the water was right up into the trees and onto the grassy banks.   The bass seemed to like this new habitat, as nearly all fish were caught very shallow in the flooded grass and shady trees.

The bite was strong and steady from dawn to about 10:30am, and slowed down for the rest of the day. Only two fish were caught in the afternoon. Sam wisely stuck with senkos all day, and proved that those were the key lure, as only one other fish was caught on a chatterbait. The rest were on senkos.  No takers on cranks, poppers, spinners, or swimbaits in deeper water. 

Young Sam had his best day yet with four bass over 5lbs, including the biggest of the day at 6lb 8oz, and several at 2-4lbs.  In total, we landed 31 bass, five at 5lbs+, ten at 3-4lb, and sixteen culls below 16”.

Rocky was a gracious host, coming down early and later to check in, and offering Sam some tips on “How to beat the Old Men”.  The advice worked, as Sam was on fire today and kept us busy netting his fish.  This is a gorgeous property, with a gracious owner, quality fish. We will definitely visit this one again.

5.5 lbs at dawn

Another 5lbr by the dam:

6lb 8oz in the brush:

Fightin a Fiver at Days End:

Rocky's Pet 5lb Bass lives by the spillway: Got Him!

16 culls on ice: