Black River / Long Lake

Well it was tough... Tried fishing the regular coves, but the 20 knot wind blowing straight down them made it impossible. And the river was high 3 or 4 feet. Real high. Made my way up to Long Lake and at the very back there was a lee spot that stretched out about 100 feet from the back of the cove
That was my fishing area. Caught probably a dozen throwbacks and wound up with 9 keepers, including a 14" , a 15" , and a personal best 16" it was freshly spawned out and didn't feel like 2 lbs. All tightlining minnows 6-8' down in 8-10 fow. Fished shallow, didn't have a bite. So I guess its safe to say they're about done spawning here. Temperature readout on depth finder is whacked out, but the water felt noticeably warmer. I would guess 62 - 65 degrees. Here's some pics of the big ones.

Edit... Worth adding that when I cleaned them all but one female was spawned out, and she only had a few eggs. And there was only one male with spawning colors on.

Attachment 196746 Attachment 196747 Attachment 196748

Nice catch. The girls are still loaded at Jordan Lake so I've been throwing back all but a few for dinner.

Ya, they finish a lot sooner down this way.

good job brian. I went wednesday and tried 3 coves. caught about 20 but all but 2 were little males. water temp on wednesday was 57, so it looks like lower part of river may be a week away. saw a guide boat in the cove next to 210. I fished in the back of it, in the creek. water temp still 57. thats where i caught my 2 females, abot 14'', guide boat was cape fear river adventures. didnt see them doing much. Looks like the river is never coming down to normal

Don't know if you know where Long Lake is, but it was a lifesaver yesterday. The only lee shore/water on the whole river. The 15" was my pb for a few minutes, then came the 16"

PM if you need the location of Long Lake

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Originally Posted by [email protected]

good job brian. I went wednesday and tried 3 coves. caught about 20 but all but 2 were little males. water temp on wednesday was 57, so it looks like lower part of river may be a week away. saw a guide boat in the cove next to 210. I fished in the back of it, in the creek. water temp still 57. thats where i caught my 2 females, abot 14'', guide boat was cape fear river adventures. didnt see them doing much. Looks like the river is never coming down to normal

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Long Lake is at 34/29/35.18N , 78/13/52.65W the back is always better, fall, winter, or spring. This is one of my favorite holes on any body of water. I don't usually share it!! If the water's low it can be hairy getting to it. But apparently the water will never be low again in the Black, lol.

I thought I was sending that as pm. Well there you go everybody. Jack turned me on to this spot and I've never drew skunk in there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by [email protected]

good job brian. I went wednesday and tried 3 coves. caught about 20 but all but 2 were little males. water temp on wednesday was 57, so it looks like lower part of river may be a week away. saw a guide boat in the cove next to 210. I fished in the back of it, in the creek. water temp still 57. thats where i caught my 2 females, abot 14'', guide boat was cape fear river adventures. didnt see them doing much. Looks like the river is never coming down to normal

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Are you talking about that hook shaped cove? I've never caught anything but gars out of there. I guess if the guide was in there it must give up a few fish.

Man love those river crappie! Good job