8/31/2022

It has been a tough week of fishing across the board with a mix of high heat and finally some much needed rain.  Water levels have improved some, but still remain very low. Temperatures are still holding in the mid 70s on most of the waterways.  Clarity is good on the lakes too.  Currently, all of the lakes are open and accessible, however the day use boat launch at Hammond is closed and boaters should be extra cautious going down the channel on Tioga.  Stick to the channel and navigation has not been problematic.  There are some shallow areas that should be avoids on the edges and near the mouth of the lake.

Trolling has produced a number of crappies, perch, and bass on Tioga Lake.  Catfish are also being caught, particularly with cut baits and stink baits fished near the bridge and the dam.

Bass fishing on Cowanesque has been tough for a few weeks.  Anglers having hte best success are finding most of the fish on timber or holding offshore on structures.  Texas rigged plastics, wacky rigs, and ned rigs are all working.  Try a Strike King Rage Bug or a MaxScent General.  Black/blue, blue craw, green pumpkin, junebug, and similar colors have produced fish.

Hammond has been decent with bass being caught around the weeds in the no wake zone and alont both the 287 and campground side shorelines.  Reaction baits, like a spinnerbait or chatterbait, and a variety of plastics are catching bass.  The offshore bite has been tough for most anglers.  

Hills Creek- The frog bite continues to be the hot topic.  It has slowed, but a number of big bass are still being caught in the lily pads.  Flipping craws and curly tailed worms around the pads is also working.

Nessmuk is very low and fishing from shore has been tougher.  The dock is a great place to take kids to catch sunfish and bass.  Some crappies are also being caught here.  The weeds are still thick in most places.

Good luck fishing!