Yellow Perch fishing at Firemen's Clayhole

Start shallow in spring: yellow perch sit in 3 to 12 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 7 to 23 ft, and by winter most fish are in 7 to 23 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Deep basin: a deep basin around 20 ft that scores prime in fall. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. Summer baits: a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm gets it done.

Northern Pike fishing at Firemen's Clayhole

Start shallow in spring: northern pike sit in 2 to 8 ft that time of year. They move out to 8 to 20 ft in summer and finish the year down in 5 to 15 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Break off the point: a drop-off around 10 ft that scores prime in fall. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. A bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage covers the summer program.

Largemouth Bass fishing at Firemen's Clayhole

In spring, largemouth bass run shallow here, mostly 2 to 10 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 8 to 20 ft, and winter fish settle into 7 to 23 ft. Main-lake point is the standout, a point at roughly 8 ft, rated prime for fall largemouth bass. Best bite is early morning and the evening. Tie on a texas-rigged 10" worm or a deep-diving crankbait and you're in the game.

Crappie fishing at Firemen's Clayhole

In spring, crappie run shallow here, mostly 2 to 8 ft. By summer they slide out to 7 to 23 ft, and by winter most fish are in 7 to 23 ft. The spot to know is Deep basin, a deep basin in about 20 ft of water that rates prime for crappie in winter. Best bite is early morning and the evening. Summer baits: a jig trolled/spider-rigged or a small crankbait (trolled) gets it done.

Bluegill fishing at Firemen's Clayhole

Start shallow in spring: bluegill sit in 1 to 6 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 4 to 15 ft, and by winter most fish are in 7 to 23 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Deep basin: a deep basin around 20 ft that scores prime in winter. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. A small sponge spider (fly) or a micro tube jig covers the summer program.

Pumpkinseed fishing at Firemen's Clayhole

Spring pumpkinseed on Firemen's Clayhole hold shallow, usually 1 to 8 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 2 to 10 ft, and winter fish settle into 6 to 18 ft. Deep basin is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 20 ft, rated prime for winter pumpkinseed. In summer the feeding windows fall in the evening and early morning. A micro tube or a sponge spider (fly) covers the summer program.

How deep is Firemen's Clayhole?

Firemen's Clayhole is about 23 ft at its deepest point. The contours here are modeled from the water's real shape and maximum depth, so treat them as a rough guide.

What fish are in Firemen's Clayhole?

Anglers target largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, common carp, pumpkinseed on Firemen's Clayhole.

Where is the best fishing spot on Firemen's Clayhole?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 20 ft of water that rates prime for yellow perch in fall. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Firemen's Clayhole?

For yellow perch, the summer bite is best in early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.