Thread: Barren?

I havn't been but I've been asking and around and everyone says its tough due to water levels fluctuating. I plan to go in the next week or so to see whats goin on there.

Went to Barren today and got skunked. Was mostly testing out the boat for the warm weather approaching this weekend. Fishfinder was posting fish deep in 17-22 foot of water, but not much around my normal brush piles in 12-14 feet. Anyone else been out?

Corps site shows that Barren has stabilized. No change in elevation in the last 24 hours.

Hopefully this combined with some warming will turn the fish on.

How was the crappie size at Barren in 09? My experience a couple or three years ago was you had to wade through at least 10 fish to get a keeper.........has that changed? What's the odds of a limit between 10 and 13 inches at Barren these days?

Barren is right at or close to Winter pool for this year. Corp's lake level report is 270-646-2122. Have not had the boat out this year at Barren (usually on Dale) but am planning on going Friday. I have walked the creek's a few times with little success so far.

I think it is very possible to catch a limit this year around 10-13 inch fish. We did in 09 but one thing I did notice was really more wider range of fish, which is good. We still had a lot of decent keepers but you would have several fish at times you would have to throw back. This means good fish in the year or two to come, so I am glad to throw a few back, you know the fishery is doing good. You hit it about right 10- 13 inch's is about what decent ones average for me on Barren, with the occasional 14 incher. I fish mainly more in the summer and fall.

I'd say over half I caught in 09 were keepers. I think the limit there is 9", but I'd rather not keep um unless they're 10. This should be a good year

Went to Barren with my dad yesterday. We fished some but we don't have any spots for when the water is this low. Started out of state park ramp. Water was 41 to start the day. Warmest water found was 51 but that was in really really shallow water. Consistent warmest temp was 47 when we left. Color was a good clear green on the main lake, a bit cloudier in the creek arms.

No fish caught. Dad got some hits. I was fiddling with the fish finder and really just enjoying the weather.

We did set back up and re-arrange brush piles, limbs, and pvc structures that had taken a beating. Marked several new spots that should produce when the water gets over them. If you go to the lake throw a cedar tree or christmas tree in the boat with you. There are enough cinder blocks, flat rocks, and wire out there to fasten it down without bringing any extra.

As far as the size of the fish, last year was a dismal year fishing at Barren for me, in part, I think, due to the high water. Never did catch them good during the time they should have been shallow and spawning. I did best trolling small crankbaits over subtle ledges and drops after the spawn. Don't think I had to cull but a handful of fish out of maybe twenty total caught.

Originally Posted by smashdn

Went to Barren with my dad yesterday. We fished some but we don't have any spots for when the water is this low. Started out of state park ramp. Water was 41 to start the day. Warmest water found was 51 but that was in really really shallow water. Consistent warmest temp was 47 when we left. Color was a good clear green on the main lake, a bit cloudier in the creek arms.

No fish caught. Dad got some hits. I was fiddling with the fish finder and really just enjoying the weather.

We did set back up and re-arrange brush piles, limbs, and pvc structures that had taken a beating. Marked several new spots that should produce when the water gets over them. If you go to the lake throw a cedar tree or christmas tree in the boat with you. There are enough cinder blocks, flat rocks, and wire out there to fasten it down without bringing any extra.

As far as the size of the fish, last year was a dismal year fishing at Barren for me, in part, I think, due to the high water. Never did catch them good during the time they should have been shallow and spawning. I did best trolling small crankbaits over subtle ledges and drops after the spawn. Don't think I had to cull but a handful of fish out of maybe twenty total caught.

If you go back to Barren in the next few days and the weather don't change, try throwing a jig and bobber(set about 3 feet deep) around any visible cover that is close to deep water. I caught a few fish deep, barely keepers, but the best fish were shallow. I was down there Monday and Tuesday. The best day was Monday, and Tuesday the bite was slower and tougher. When the clouds came in it was tough. I am like you I don't have to many spots this time of year in the water. Look at a map or gps and any channel or deep water that swings close to a bank with stumps or visilbe cover you might give it a try. If it is cloudy slow you bait down. Good luck.