BY MIKE STEVENS
WINCHESTER – When Lake Skinner fully reopened in winter, the largemouth bass bite was hot out of the gates, and it has been solid ever since. While that remains the case, additional species have been causing the bendos of late.
Lake Skinner staffers reached out to WON just before press time, announcing that 900 pounds of catfish were stocked at Launch Ramp 2 on May 29. The cat bite has been consistent, but the best action is coming from near the Inlet which suggests a good number of holdover fish are also being caught. Those Inlet biters are being caught on shrimp, mackerel and anchovies deployed in 20 to 30 feet of water. That being said, it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world to hit that depth window regardless of location on the lake if targeting catfish. Historically, once the catfish perk up at Skinner, most coves can produce decent numbers of them along with the shorelines around Ramp 2 for obvious reasons. Prior to to stocking, a 24-pound blue cat as caught and released capping off the upstart catfish bite.
Bass action remains very good for anglers working a variety of finesse techniques, and according to lake staffers, shallow grassy areas have been producing best. Striped bass are also being caught around the inlet and dam on swimbaits, chicken livers ad anchovies. Bluegill have been active close to shore and eating redworms, mealworms and pieces of nightcrawler.
