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McTucker Ponds Management Area - May 24, 2007

Posted on: May 29, 2007

By Dave Langston

Warm water anglers can look towards McTucker ponds management area for another bass and pan fish fishery thanks to region 5 Idaho Fish & Game 208-232-4703. With an aggressive stocking program, look for warm water fish like bass, bluegill, sunfish and catfish to be tugging at your line throughout the summer months.

The management area consists of eight ponds south of Springfield reservoir and 45 minutes north west of Pocatello. Fed by springs, these small ponds hold water year round allowing for growth and good spawning conditions. This is also a family fishery; consult your regulations for limits and size restrictions.

Seven of the eight ponds hold warm water fish, but anglers looking to put a few rainbows in the creel should concentrate on the far east pond. Although a few other ponds do have trout, this one is your best bet. Worms, power & crave bait, marshmallows and cheese are all good bets for a quick limit.

Bass anglers can expect good fishing for small scrappy bass in the eight – eleven inch range but I did see nine largemouth’s in the 2 – 4 pound range cruising the shallows this past week. These fish are scattered throughout the ponds and should be released to continue spawning adding to the future of this fishery.

Top water is a good bet early and late. Jitterbugs, chug bugs, poppers, tiny torpedoes and twitch baits are my choice worked in the shallows.

During the heat of the day, grubs and worms work well. Grande Bass, Maniac, Yum and Yamamato all make good plastics. Concentrate on drop offs and brush patches. You will find that most of the ponds do not have much structure, but anglers using float tubes can up their odds by putting themselves in prime areas that bank fishermen cannot reach.

Bluegills and sunfish are still small but provide kids with fast fishing due to the huge population. Most any small spinners and flies will work. Small bits of worms and power bait will also provide young anglers with hours of fun. Catfish, while not large do give anglers an option late in the evening hours. Bacon and hotdog pieces on a treble hook should do the trick fished on the bottom.

Bring PLENTY of Deet spray. The mosquitoes swarm in by the thousands as the sun goes down. A campfire will also work to keep them at bay somewhat. With the recent breakout of the West Nile virus in our area, Deet is your best friend and may just save your life. For more updates and weather conditions contact Sportsman’s Warehouse at 208-238-7500.

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About Dave Langston

Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.

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