Granby has froze over again. This time most of the slush has frozen over also. This gives us 1-4" of good clear ice, 3-6" of water and 4-6" of frozen slush.
Understanding gamefish strike zones
Many anglers agonize over finding the hot lure or perfect color pattern for the conditions at hand, but veteran guide Bernie Keefe argues they’d catch more fish by focusing on strike zones instead.
“A strike zone is the area in which fish will respond positively to your presentation, and the size of these areas changes frequently, even during the course of a day on the water,” he explains.
While Keefe concentrates most of his time connecting clients with feisty trout including lakers, browns and ‘bows, along with Kokanee salmon, he’s also a veteran walleye and pike fan, and says the strike zone concept applies to virtually any gamefish.
“Same with technique,” he says. “Strike zones are a big deal whether you’re casting, jigging or trolling.”
According to Keefe, a number of factors can cause a fish’s strike zone to expand or contract. “Weather and light conditions can play a role, as well as the mood of the fish and whether or not its stomach is empty,” he explains.
“Many days,” he continues. “Trout are aggressive and hungry first thing in the morning. They have no trouble swimming 10 to 20 feet to attack something that catches their eye. If I’m trolling, this means I have plenty of leeway positioning my lures in the water column.”
However, as the day progresses and the trout’s bellies become full, their ambition begins to wane, and with it, their willingness to chase down far-off meals.
“It’s not unlike Thanksgiving Day,” Keefe quips. “After dinner, you’re not getting up off the couch to get a turkey sandwich in the kitchen. But, if someone waves a slice of pumpkin pie in front of you, and all you have to do is raise your arm…that’s a whole different story.”
When the strike zone shrinks during a trolling trip, Keefe keeps a close eye on his Lowrance depthfinder to pinpoint trout location, and fine-tunes lure running depths to match until he puts the piscatorial pie in front of the trout’s nose. “I adjust depth in 1-foot increments until I start getting bit again,” he says.
He takes a similar tack when jigging. “Active fish may chase a jig ripped a foot off the bottom,” he says. “But if they want it within six inches of bottom, you’re wasting half of every jig stroke on unproductive water.”
Currently, one of Keefe’s hottest jigging patterns centers on a reduced strike zone. “I rig a 5-inch Berkley Jerk Shad on a half-ounce leadhead, drop it to bottom and then slowly raise and lower it,” he says. “The trick lately has been limiting lifts to 12 inches. Raise it any more than that and the fish won’t bite.”
Even when targeting active trout, it still pays to keep strike zones in mind. “I love casting stickbaits like the Berkley Cutter 110 to hungry brown trout cruising windswept rocky shorelines,” he says.
“The fish are super-aggressive,” he continues. “But that doesn’t mean you can get sloppy. The strike zone typically extends from shore out to the scum line generated by reverse currents bouncing off the bank. Cast outside this area and your success rate drops like an anchor.”
Keefe encourages anglers to consider the strike zone factor at all times, and be prepared to react accordingly. “If you stop catching fish, don’t assume they quit biting or you need a different lure,” he says. “Try focusing your presentation on a smaller area, you might be pleasantly surprised.”
Middle Park area fishing report 7-28-16
Grand Lake
Grand Lake has been fishing good, the water temp has been in the mid 60’s by early afternoon. Rainbows and Browns are biting well in the inlet areas, casting or trolling Rapalas and various jerkbaits during the low light periods of the day has been consistent. The lake trout are reacting to the warmer water and are being found in water as deep as 100’. They have been selective on the baits they are after, so don’t be afraid to throw the tackle box at them, but when you find the bite, its been good. A few key notes for planning your Grand Lake fishing trip; the lake gets busy during mid day with water skiers and boat traffic, and the afternoon thunderstorms/wind have been consistently showing up just about every day. Get out there and enjoy this great fishing and beautiful time of year in Grand County! Dan Shannon, Guide – Fishing with Bernie
Lake Granby Report
Water temps are 64-68. Rainbows are being caught early and late along the shorelines with power bait. As the lake trout move deeper presentation is the key. Lake trout are being caught all around the lake in depths of 50' and greater. Small jigs tipped with "Gulp" or sucker meat are getting limits of fish.
Williams Fork Report
Surface temp at 6AM was 65 degrees with the temps rising to 70 degrees late afternoon. Water level is full. Windy conditions can be expected late AM on most days. Recent winds have mixed warm surface water with subsurface water driving lake trout deeper. Lakers are being caught on jigs tipped with sucker meat at 90 to 120 foot. Lake Trout bite is slow but they are catch-able. Small lakers can be caught trolling. A few Kokanee salmon are being caught trolling at slow speeds. Bank fishing for Rainbows is slow. With subsurface temps rising large Northern Pike have moved from the shallows to deeper water. Suspending or diving jerk baits, and slow moving spinner baits run at depth are producing hits. Small Northern's can be caught along the shorelines. - Randy Hall guide Fishing with Bernie
Middle Park area fishing report 7-5-16
Grand Lake
Grand Lake continues to fish great, the run off has slowed and the water is clearing up. Water temperature has been in the mid to upper 50’s during the middle of the day. Low light periods continue to be key times of the day, particularly for the rainbows and browns, fishing aggressively with reaction type baits has been working well. Lake trout are found deeper and deeper everyday as the water warms, keys to finding them has been using electronics and changing up offerings until you find the bait of the day, each day it is something different they are wanting. Waters are busy this weekend, Hope everyone had a fun and safe Fourth of July! Dan Shannon, Guide for Fishing with Bernie
WIlliams Fork
Surface temp at 6AM was 62.8. By late afternoon temp was 68. Lake Troutare moving deeper. I saw fish on the screen from 70 to 120 foot. Fishing is good with the proper presentation. Small jigs tipped with meat is catching 15-18" lakers. Pike are slow. They are still in the shallows mid day. They are following but not hitting. Salmon are slow. Randy Hall
Lake Granby
Water temps are 64-68. Rainbows are being caught early and late along the shorelines with power bait. A few browns are still being caught casting the rocky shorelines early and late in the day. Lake trout are being caught all around the lake in depths of 50' and greater. Small jigs tipped with "Gulp" or sucker meat are getting limits of fish.
Middle Park area fishing report 6-27-16
WILLIAMS FORK
Surface temp 62 at 6AM. By late afternoon temp climbed to 68. Lake trout are slow today. Small numbers of 3 to 4 year old Salmon are being caught trolling. Bank fishing for rainbow is slow. With the warmer lake temps Pike are starting to show more aggressive interest in following lures, but the bite is slow. Randy has been fishing trophy pike at Williams Fork for 28 years.
GRAND LAKE
Grand Lake fishing has been best early and late in the day. Water temp is 49 degrees in the morning warming to low 50’s by the afternoon. There is lots of water coming into the lake bringing lots of debris. Keep an eye out, I have seen whole logs partially submerged, floating all over the lake. Browns and rainbows are still hitting the in the shallow parts of the lake and where there is moving water during the low light periods. The lake trout are working their way deeper by the day as the water warms but are still active and biting well. Have fun and stay safe! - Dan Shannon, Guide for Fishing with Bernie
LAKE GRANBY
Lake Granby's water temp is in the mid 60's. Rainbows are still being caught early and late in the day in the grass and near moving water. Browns are caught early around running water. Lake trout are scattered around the lake starting at about 40', we caught them last week as deep as 90'. Fish are migrating looking for comfortable water temps and food. The early and late periods are best for all species in the area but they will eat if your lure/bait is presented carefully. Bernie has been guiding the middle park area for over 20 years. Please checkout www.fishingwithbernie.com or Facebook "Fishing with Bernie" for more information.
Lake Granby are fishing report for 6-19-16
Williams Fork is full and starting to settle down. Lake surface temp is hitting mid 60's in the bays on a sunny day. Fishing is slow for all species except lake trout. A few Kokes are being caught by trollers. Bank fishing for trout is slow but some are being caught. Pike are moving into the shallows to sun mid day. They can be seen in all bays. Some are following lures but are not aggressively hitting yet. Fly fisherman are catching a few. Lure angling is slow. Best bet is slow moving suspending lures.
Grand Lake's water temp is approaching 50 degrees, fishing has been good with the best bite for browns and rainbows occurring at sunrise and sunset for fish cruising in the shallows around the inlet areas. The lake trout have been active and feeding throughout the day, but are working their way deeper toward their summer patterns as the water warms up. Great time of the year to be on the water, keep in mind we are in our summer weather pattern with afternoon winds and thunderstorms often with lightning occurring almost everyday, plan accordingly, have fun and be safe!
Lake Granby's water temp is in the low 60's. Rainbows are still being caught early and late in the day in the grass and near moving water. Lake trout are scattered around the lake starting at about 40', we caught them last week as deep as 80'. The early and late periods are best for all species in the area but they will eat if your lure/bait is presented carefully.
Bernie has been guiding the middle park area for over 20 years. Please checkout www.fishingwithbernie.com .
Lake Granby are fishing report for 6-4-16
This middle park fishing report is brought to you by "Fishing with Bernie". Crank baits are working well during lowlight conditions for browns and a few rainbows. Worms and power bait are still catching lots of rainbows and a few suckers along the shorelines. Lake trout continue their migration into deeper water, and can be caught with a variety of soft plastics, spoons and crank baits tipped with a small piece of sucker meat. The Northern pike at Williams Fork are still slow but the bite should be getting better in the afternoons as the water warms. The CPW is offering a $20 bounty on any pike caught at Green mountain reservoir. Bring the fish over to Heeney marina along with your drivers license and fishing license to collect.
Lake Granby are fishing report for 6-2-16
As the water temps continue to climb the trout are still very aggressive. Browns are crushing minnow baits fished along the rocks.
Lake Granby Area Fishing Report 4-25-2016
This middle park fishing report is brought to you by "Fishing with Bernie". Water is opening up along the inlets and shorelines. Ice jigs under bobbers will work very well for trout. Worms along the bottom will entice browns, rainbows and suckers. The rivers are fishing very well with egg and worm patterns. Browns are biting very well at Shadow Mountain reservoir on small crank baits. Bernie Keefe has been a fishing guide in the area for over 20 years. For more info please check out www.fishingwithbernie.com or Facebook fishing with Bernie
Shop Smart
Submitted by Bernie Keefe
on Wed, 03/02/2016 - 14:00
With spring just around the corner, anglers around the country are dreaming of open-water adventures in the months ahead. For many, these dreams include buying a new boat.
If you’re thinking of purchasing a new fishing platform for 2016, follow the advice of veteran guide and boating sage Bernie Keefe to land the boat of your dreams, without getting soaked.
“A boat is a major purchase for most of us, so take the time to do your homework and also a little soul-searching to decide which one will best fit your needs and your budget,” he begins.
The internet is a wonderful tool for checking out available boat models, features and prices. “Online research is critical,” says Keefe. “Don’t just show up at a sport show or dealership and buy the first boat you look at.
“You can also use online tools like the “Build Your Own Boat” feature on Crestliner’s website to plug in boat style, length, cost, primary purposes and more,” he adds.
All are key considerations.
“Choosing boat style, whether hardcore fishing, fish-and-ski or a ski boat comes down to how you plan to use the boat the most,” he says. “I strongly encourage fishermen to talk to their families to collectively determine what’s right for everyone who’ll be using the boat.”
For example, while a serious fishing boat might not be ideal for other watersports or serious leisure cruising, a fish-and-ski could provide a great compromise that keeps everyone happy. “And if the whole family is on board, you’re going to get a lot more use out of the new boat,” he says.
Boat size is likewise important. “If you mainly fish small lakes with primitive access points and only one or two people aboard, you’re not going to want a large big-water rig,” he says. “But if you plan to fish the great lakes, something big and deep like Crestliner’s 22-foot 2250 Authority could be a perfect fit. Besides the ability to handle heavy seas, it has tons of storage space, plenty of elbow room for a large fishing party and is flat-out a troller’s dream.”
It’s worth noting that with shorter boats, a wave-taming deadrise can help the hull cut through the chop. “I’m guiding out of a Fish Hawk 1950 this season, which has a 17-degree deadrise for a smooth ride in rough water,” says Keefe.
Of course, your tow vehicle and available storage space also affect boat size decisions. If you’ll be pulling the boat with a car or light pickup, buying a large, heavy boat is asking for trouble, unless you plan to upgrade the vehicle as well. In a similar vein, pulling home a boat too long for the garage can lead to headaches as well.
Keefe also counsels matching the boat to your style of fishing. “I do a lot of vertical jigging, so a low-profile boat that doesn’t catch the wind makes boat control easier in windy conditions,” he says.
Features such as seating arrangements, storage, livewell and other accessories merit serious consideration. “They can drive up the cost of a boat, but at the same time it’s cheaper to get the features you want now than try to add them on later,” says Keefe. “Figure out what you really need and do your best to fit these features into a package deal.”
Budgeting is also a necessary step. “In this day and age, cost is a factor for most folks,” he says. “Don’t pull the trigger on a budget buster. If it breaks the bank and you can’t afford to take it out and play with it, you’ve defeated the purpose of buying a boat in the first place.”
Don’t overlook the boat’s powerplant, either. “Motors have a huge effect on performance and price, so here, too, choose wisely,” Keefe contends.
After conducting serious online research, you’re ready to kick the tires at a dealership or boat show. “If you attend a show, you have the opportunity to pick the brains of boat company pro staffers, who spend a lot of time on the water and can help talk you through the decision-making process,” he notes.
Follow these steps and Keefe is confident you’ll land your dream boat. “It sounds like a lot of work, but in the end it will pay off with hundreds of hours of on-the-water fun in a boat that makes everyone in the family happy,” he says.
