Herington Lake (New) 8-12-14

Been reading Chatt's posts a lot lately, especially about finding trees. Problem is, in our area (Salina) we have very few options of lakes, let alone lakes with trees in them. I remembered seeing some trees at Herington Lake the last time I was there walleye fishing so decided to pack up my newly purchased 10' pole and boat and head that direction.

When we got to the old lake bait shop to buy minnows we were in for a surprise. That bait shop closed up a couple years ago, so we were SOL on that end of things.

Got to the lake and found out you now have to be inspected before unloading. The sign, written in sharpie on posterboard, said to go to the camp host. The camp host turned out to be a 50's model pull-behind camper, and the door was padlocked shut. The guy we talked to at the old lake was the camp host there and said we should be ok so we put in.

First we trolled the dam for some eye's, but then went south to the first row of trees in a cove. Found a perfect spot to pull into amongst the trees and tied up to one. For around 1 hour we tried tubes, grubs, jigs, swimbaits, feather jigs, etc. etc. and got absolutely nothing! Not even a slightest thump. We headed south at dusk and got into a big area of stumps and trees and tried again, but once again had nothing. With the exception of a white bass we pulled in while trolling we basically were skunked.

So my question is, has anyone fished this lake with success? The report on KDWPT said good, but we found it otherwise. I think having some minnows to fish with would have been pretty helpful but didn't know the bait shop had closed. Also we are using about 1/8 oz. feather jigs, is that too big?

Sorry no fish = no pics :banghead:banghead

Have fished it twice this summer never have gotten into real good number of crappie but have always gotten a few when I have went there. My biggest problem when I have went there is the wind always seems to blow across that lake and I use a kayak most of the time. Have had better luck with crappie on the south end. PM me!

Just my 2cents but trying to the trees isn't a good idea this time of year. The crappie aren't really aggressive with all the food in the water and the rope or grinding on the stump or the boat banging against the stump will shut them down or drive them away. And an 1/8oz feather jig isn't to big. JMO

I was listening to a good fisherman one time he said don't spend over a minute on a tree unless your caTCHIN FISH

Figured tying up to the tree wasn't the best idea, but easier than dropping anchor. My trolling motor setup isn't idea so it's hard to steer it around the trees and fish at the same time, but might have to try that next time

If the water is shallow less than 8 feet try a push pole I have a bamboo pole I use it is light and fairly strong. Does bring water and gunk in the boat at times.

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Originally Posted by Blackdog40

If the water is shallow less than 8 feet try a push pole I have a bamboo pole I use it is light and fairly strong. Does bring water and gunk in the boat at times.

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Thatsa good idea!

I get on downwind side and use a brush clamp!