Bethany Ridge Park - July 17, 2009

Fished Bethany Ridge Park and caught a couple Bluegill flyfishing. Also, fished for Catfish using Bread for bait, had a few strikes but no hookups. FYI: Checkout our article - "Denison Dam's Tailrace Fishing - Top Lures and Baits for Striped Bass"!

Click-on COAF Fishing Leader Board to checkout top fish caught this year by our readers.

Slight Delay In Posting.

Having a slight delay in posting fishing reports. A lot of excuses but bottom-line, my fishing line is dry.  Do have some suggested reading for those that are interested.

 

Posted by one of our Field Team members in yesterday's Mobile Blog Feed is a HubPage article, "Fishing Denison Dam's Tailrace".  It has some useful information on fishing the tailrace.  It also has a supplementary article, "Fisherman's View of Denison Dam's Tailrace", that has embedded maps that support the HubPage article.

 

May be worth a read.

Denison Dam Tailrace - May 29, 2009

Ran up the road to Denison Dam to fish the tailrace. Heard reports that the fishing activity was looking promising. Arrived around 7:45PM and fished well past dark. Had three strikes but failed to land them. Still a good trip. Even made a short video clip to show the waterflow at the tailrace. Added some pictures from past trips as a reminder (incentive) to keep trying!

FYI - Real Time Release For Denison Dam

Video clip of a Nice Striped Bass caught at Denison

Updated FYI: We updated the information and created a document for ease of reference.  Go to Method Of Procedure (MOP) Determining the Real Time Release for Denison Dam!

For clarification, an example of the Real Time (Hydropower) Release for Denison Dam is provided below. 

The item of note is that the information is delayed 15" to 30" and not two hours as previously posted. In the example below, a snapshot was taken at 1830 (6:30PM).

The data showed water flowing and power generating beginning at 1600 (4PM). This remained the case as of 1815 (6:15PM) with no data for 1830 available.

Useful information if you live reasonably close to the area. If you do not, it is a good starting point for comparing the planned generation times listed in the Generation Schedule with what actually occurred as listed in the Real Time Release.

Example

 

Click on Denison Dam Real Time (Hydropower) Release. The Real Time (Hydropower) Release has a 15" to 30" delay but provides a more current view of waterflow at the dam. Use it to confirm water is or is not flowing. Note: Our team is beta testing a news fishing site called DFW Fishing News. Refer to the Recommended Links in the sidebar or click-on DFW Fishing News for a preview.

FYI - Denison Dam Real Time Release Schedule

UPDATED FYI:

We updated the information and created a document for ease of reference.  Go to Method Of Procedure (MOP) Determining the Real Time Release for Denison Dam!

Since fishing success at the tailrace is largely dependent on waterflow, below are links to the Generation Schedule and the Real Time (Hydropower) Release for Denison Dam. Click on Denison Dam Real Time (Hydropower) Release. The Real Time (Hydropower) Release has a 15" to 30" delay but provides a more current view of waterflow at the dam. Use it to confirm water is or is not flowing. Click on Denison Dam Generation Schedule. The Generation Schedule is not always accurate and changes based on power demands from Utilities. Use it for checking the generation pattern keeping in mind that it can be modified without notice. If you plan to wade the river, make sure you have an Oklahoma Fishing License, else risk a fine. Oklahoma owns the river, so a non-resident Oklahoma License is required.

Note: Our team is beta testing a news fishing site called DFW Fishing News. Refer to the Recommended Links in the sidebar or click-on DFW Fishing News for a preview.

Fishing Tip - "Suggested Rig for Fishing Flies without a Fly Rod"

Fishing Tip: Our team enjoys fishing, especially with flyfishing equipment. However, our casting ability does not match our passion for fishing. As a result, there are times when casting a fishing fly requires other means.

One means is to use a Bubble-Fly Rig to cast fishing flies with spinfishing or spincasting gear (see illustration below). This rig is not limited to just fishing flies and can be used to cast other light weight artificials and baits. Note: The Nail Knot is placed below the Bubble; not above as when tying a Slip Bobber.

Also, by replacing the bubble with a weighted float and the fishing fly with a jig you will have a Float-Jig Rig. This rig has enabled us to cast jigs further and prevent jigs from hanging up on rocks while fishing the tailrace at Denison Dam. Works well when the water is being released and the current is strong.

Good luck and good fishing!

Illustration:



The March 2008 eNewsletter has been posted. Refer to the Recommended Links in the sidebar or click-on March 2008 eNewsletter. For easier reading, the ads posted on the right frame of the eNewsletter can be closed by clicking on the Tab in the ads section.

Quick Updates

Quick updates from the team.

 

In the City Of Allen:

 

Celebration Park.  Our team has been using the North and East Ponds at Celebration Park for testing two fly patterns - Bread Fly and Cigarette Egg Fly, created by one of our members.  Both fishing flies have been successful at catching Bluegill, Sunfish, and Catfish and are designed to imitate a piece of bread.

 

To fish them, we have been chumming with bread to attract the fish, and then casting the fly to the chummed spot.  As we are fishing a community lake where a number of park goers feed the resident ducks, the fish have grown accustomed to feeding on bread.  We were concerned about the ducks and seagulls eating the chum before the fish at first; however, the birds tend to stay away as long as we kept the bread within 20' to 30'.

 

The North Pond is a sure bet for Bluegill and Sunfish with the Cigarette Egg Fly producing excellent results the first time we tested it.  No dryfly floatant is applied. Instead, as the fly became waterlogged, it slowly sinks below the surface at the same rate as the bread.  Even more enticing is the coloring of the filter material, the nicotine stains produce a color pattern that closely resembles a rolled piece of bread with its brown crust.

 

The East Pond is also good for Bluegill, Sunfish, and Catfish.  Our best Catfish so far is a 20" Catfish (slightly over 2 lbs) caught with a Bread Fly fished wet and pulled slowly through the chummed spot.  We have not tried the Cigarette Egg Fly in the East Pond but plan to do so once the weather clears.

 

Also, in either pond, we have found the Prince Nymph and Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph patterns work well for Bluegill and Sunfish.

 

FYI:  Instructions for tying the fly patterns have been posted on the Web Log.  If unable to locate the posts, use the Blogger Search Function on the top of this page, entering "Bread" or "Cigarette" as the search criteria.

 

 

Other Locations:

 

Frisco Commons.  Frisco Commons is still seeing trout activity after receiving its stocking 9 February with Salmon Eggs being the preferred bait.  Earlier reports indicated lures and fishing flies were taking trout; however, recent reports suggest fishing with bait.

 

Towne Lake in McKinney. Towne Lake is scheduled for its trout stocking this weekend.  To kick-off the event, the city of McKinney is hosting a Trout Derby on Saturday, 23 February.  From previous trout stockings, we have observed lures and fishing flies work well the first week (sometimes two weeks) after a pond is stocked.  So, fishermen who want to take trout on artificials should plan to fish Towne Lake this weekend!

 

Denison Dam Tailrace.  The tailrace is seeing some activity with reports of smaller-sized Striped Bass being taken on shad imitations.  Overall, it is still hit or miss for fishermen given the a large number of shad in the area.  A lot of bait, live or dead, is in the tailrace; therefore, fish are being more selective.  Give it a try and check the generation schedule and the release schedule for Denison Dam to get a feel for when they are releasing water / generating power (see link posted in the sidebar).

 

 

 

Good luck and good fishing!

 

 

Quick Updates - January 28, 2008

Quick updates from the Team! In the City Of Allen: Bethany Lakes: Switch gears and fish for the Sunfish in the Lower Pond. As Spring nears be ready for a chance at Bass. Recommended flies are the Black Wooly Bugger, Black and Red Zonker Streamer, and Foam Rubber Spider. Celebration Park: Starting to see more activity in the East Pond with catches of Catfish, Bluegill, and Sunfish. Action is slow but strikes and hook-ups can be had. Catfish are ranging from 6" to 18" in size. Bluegill and Sunfish are small - 3" in size. As the weather warms, things will pick-up. Allen Station Dam: Creek is murky from the recent rain. Have not observed Sunfish and Bluegill as of yet. The trio of Catfish in the silting basin are gone as well. Will continue to keep an eye out for the Sunfish and Bluegill. Out of the City Of Allen: Denison Dam: Striper action is consistent with the generator schedule. Wait till the generators are running, then hit them with Rattle-Traps and other lures that imitate Shad. Should get some strikes and hook-ups. Also, if you plan to wade the river, make sure you have an Oklahoma Fishing License, else risk a fine. Oklahoma owns the river, so a non-resident Oklahoma License is required. FYI - Generation Schedule: Since fishing success at the tailrace is largely dependent on waterflow, below are links to the Generation Schedule and the Real Time Hydropower Release at Denison Dam. The Generation Schedule is not always accurate and changes based on power demands from Utilities. Use it for checking the generation pattern but keep in mind that it can be modified without notice. Generation Schedule: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/power/hydropower.html The Real Time Hydropower Release provides ready updates on the status of waterflow at Denison Dam. Use it to confirm water is or is not flowing at the tailrace. Real Time Hydropower Release: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ops_hydropower/hydromainpage.html If you plan to wade the river, make sure you have an Oklahoma Fishing License, else risk a fine. Oklahoma owns the river, so a non-resident Oklahoma License is required. All for now. Good luck and good fishing! PS: Audio Fishing Report for today was posted; refer to the sidebar.

Quick Updates

Quick updates from the Team! In the City Of Allen: Bethany Lakes: Slow to no action on Trout. If you do go, use bait in lieu of lures or flies. Celebration Park: Both ponds are quiet. Bluegill and Sunfish have gone deep. For some light action for Catfish, go to the East Pond - the one that does not have fountains. Use catfish dip bait on a treble hook and sponge setup. Should have some fun with catching them. Mainly running about 10" or smaller; however, a 12"-14" Channel Catfish is possible. Allen Station Dam: Creek is murky from run-off but is starting to clear. Did not see the usual Sunfish and Bluegill. Will look for the trio of Catfish that tend to the dam's silting basin. Have not seen them recently; may have gone downstream from the last rainstorm. Out of the City Of Allen: LLELA - Lake Lewisville Ecological Learning Area: Trout limits observed from fishermen using bait - Corn and Salmon Eggs. Lures have been producing but not as consistent as bait. Work the river bends and the deep pools for Trout. Be ready though, you may hook into an occasional Carp. For Crappie, Catfish, and Hybrids fish the tailrace. Some nice Hybrids were taken this past weekend. FYI: The river was stocked with Trout; some are fairly large running 16"+. Denison Dam: Striper action remains consistent with the generator schedule. That is, when the generators are running; fishing action picks-up. However, action can still be had when the water is not flowing by working the deeper pools and/or baiting up for Carp or Catfish. Waterloo Park Pond: Trout were restocked this past Sunday. Trout Derby was held and a number of limits were taken. May be the best bet for stocker-sized Trout. All for now. Will continue to keep the updates forthcoming. Good luck and good fishing!

Denison Waterloo Park Pond: December 24, 2007

After fishing Denison Dam tailrace, decided to try Waterloo Park Pond in the city of Denison.

Caught three trout on flyfishing gear. All were caught using a Bead Head Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymph. Had about ten more strikes but failed to set the hook - operator error or my aging reflexes.

Trout were 8"to 8.5" and caught while fishing slowly along the bottom.

Tried other fishing flies without success. However, observed several fishermen limit out using Salmon Eggs (Red), Corn, and Velveeta Cheese with Garlic.

Examined the trouts' contents. Identified Corn, PowerBait in White and Chartreuse, and pieces of Salmon Egg (Red). Also, noted one with a mushy substance that may be the Velveeta. See picture below.

Note: The PowerBait in White had a small #10 Salmon Egg Hook.

Denison Dam: December 24, 2007

Fished Denison Dam tailrace for a chance at Striped Bass. Arrived around 11AM and noted generators were not running. Minimal current with the water level falling steadily.

Several flyfishermen were wading the river and casting to deep holes. Observed one catch and release Striped Bass, saw others hook-up as well.

Fishing partner caught several carp and shad while baitcasting a Rat-L-Trap. No luck on flyfishing gear.

Picture of Carp below; foot in the picture is about 12" long. Estimate fish went slightly over 24".

Carp:

Bethany Lakes: December 7, 2007

Since striking out at Denison Dam, fished Bethany Lakes Upper Pond using spinning and flyfishing gear instead. No luck with Berkley Powerbait; however, was able to take 4 trout flyfishing.

Trout were caught using a Black Nymph just under the water's surface. Did see others taking trout with a Gold or Copper casting lure. Forgot the name of the lure, but it is small in size and is made of metal that has been bent to make a narrow "U" shape.

Trout were about 9" and all were caught at the location pictured below.

Trout:

Lake Texoma - Denison Dam: December 7, 2007

Fished Denison Dam this morning. Water level was low and generators were not running. Saw flyfishermen taking Stripers but was unable to get a hook-up.

Tailrace showing low water level

Lake Texoma - Denison Dam: December 1, 2007

Fished Lake Texoma at Denison Dam. Was able to rest after the Rudolph Run and then make a quick trip to the Dam. Fished for three hours starting at 5PM. Generators were running, so the current was flowing. A lot of people trying to fish in the current using a split-shot and live shad. Subsequently, a lot of tangled lines!

Luckily, casting Blue and Chrome Rattle-Traps produced 8 Stripers. My fishing partner caught 7, releasing 2 and keeping a limit of 5. One of which was 27" and 7lbs. I caught 1 keeper that went 19".

Lake Texoma - Denison Dam: November 25, 2007

Fished Lake Texoma at Denison Dam this morning. Arrived 7:30AM and observed minimal water flow. Luckily, the siren sounded and generators were turned on creating a strong current. Caught four Stripers - one 19", one 18", and two 15". Released the 15" Stripers and kept the other two.

Three of the Stripers were caught on a black, green, and white Clouser Minnow under a casting float and a 4' leader. One Striper was caught on a black and white with red hook Rattle-Trap.

Noticed several large Stripers were caught using blue and chrome Rattle-Traps. Also, saw two flyfishermen taking them on a white and a pink Clouser Minnow using sinking tip lines and 10' of leader. Cast were not far - about 10 yards, but they were getting consistent hits. Another group were taking them using light spinning gear and a white lure. Could not get a close look but appeared to be 2"-3" white Wildeyes or Curly Tail Grubs.

Denison Dam

Water Flow (Generator)

Stripers

Lake Texoma - Denison Dam: November 20, 2007

Fished Lake Texoma at Denison Dam outflow.  Generators were running but no water was being released.  Regardless, a number of fishermen were taking keepers for the ice chest.  Although not a City of Allen body of water, decided to include this outing as it is less than an hour drive North of Allen.  Family daytrip that resulted in two small stripers that were less than 12" and another one that was 15".  Released them to grow and catch for another day!