Fishing Article

Arizona
Fool Hollow Lake
By Gregg Munck

Out of all the activities at Fool Hollow Lake, fishing is my favorite. It doesn't matter what time of year you fish because the lake offers many different types of structure to fish. If you enjoy fishing timber, there's plenty of lay downs and standing timber. Rock ledges are numerous on this lake. There are many flats and humps and don't forget the riprap on the dam. You can also find a lot of weed beds lurking beneath and on the surface of the lake. This is a bass fisherman's paradise.

I wanted to cover a lot of water. I was fishing a rock ledge with a 3/8-ounce spinnerbait. I decided to attach a 2/0 Daiichi bleeding bait trailer hook just in case the bass were not very aggressive. Then upon making contact with the deep structure, I was fortunate enough to hook up with an 11 pound 5 ounce largemouth bass. And this largemouth is still my heaviest northern strain bass to this date. After having a fisherman on the bank take a quick photograph, the fish was released. The equipment I was using consisted of a six foot six inch medium heavy Shimano bait casting rod paired with a high speed bait casting reel spooled / with 16 pound Stren magna-thin line. The spinnerbait had tandem Colorado/willow blades and a chartreuse and white skirt. I added Mylar for flash but the Daiichi trailer hook was the most important element, because the trailer hook was the only hook the bass decided to strike. I have been adding trailer hooks to my spinnerbaits and buzzbaits for many years. The only time I decide not to use a trailer hook is when the cover is too thick.

One week later, I decided to go fishing for bronze backs. I began to work the main lake points with a quarter ounce weed less June bug colored jig. I attached a plastic worm to the jig as a trailer, and it also gives more action to the offering. After working the jig along the bottom slow and steady, I noticed my line begin to move. Then, I quickly set the hook and stuck a five and a half pound smallmouth bass. The smallie had a length of 21 inches, and a girth of 15 inches. Nobody was in sight to take a photograph so I put the fish in the live well and gave her a ride to the boat launch area. I was able to flag down the park manager. He gladly took photographs and helped release the fish. That bass happens to be Arizona’s state record smallmouth for the catch and release category. For more multi species trophy fishing information check out my website at: www.munckstrophyfishing.com

If fishing isn't your most favorite activity, then Fool Hollow Lake offers many leisure activities including hiking, biking, picnicking, boating, wildlife viewing, camping and a diverse selection of interpretive programs featured weekly.

The production of Fool Hollow Lake began in 1990 through a partnership with Arizona State Parks, Arizona Game & Fish, the United States Forest Service and the City of Show Low. The park officially opened in 1994.

Fool Hollow Lake Recreational Area is ranked third in the country as one of the most impressive state parks. This park, located in Show Low, Arizona, is a wonderful place to visit. The best way to enjoy Fool Hollow is to camp there. The park caters to both RV and tent campers. There are 92 RV camping sites and 31 tent camping sites. Every single site is nestled in the heart of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Majestic 100-foot Ponderosa pine trees can be found in every camping site as well as a variety of forest vegetation. Many different types of beautiful animals are often spotted roaming in the campground areas.

Any time is a good time to visit Fool Hollow Lake for the simple reason that this state park is open year-round. If you are pressed for time and can only visit the park for one day, then you are in luck. A day pass is offered which includes spending the entire day while using the park's facilities. If you would like to plan a family reunion, family picnic, or even a wedding, the park can accommodate you with it's five large and five small ramadas overlooking the lake. While you are camping, you can enjoy hiking or biking the trails that can be found throughout the over 800-acre park.

The maximum horsepower allowed on the lake is ten. Or the 150-acre lake can easily be navigated with a trolling motor. The lake is home to many species of fish including carp, channel catfish, walleye, brown and rainbow trout, largemouth and small mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and green sunfish. Just remember that this lake can partially freeze over in the winter due to an elevation of 6,331 feet.

For further information about Fool Hollow Lake, you can contact the park at (928) 537 – 3680 or visit the website at www.pr.state.az.us

Gregg Munck is a nationally recognized multi species trophy fisherman who resides near Show Low, Arizona. He has numerous awards to his credit, including four Arizona state records to date. Fool Hollow Lake is one of Gregg’s favorite lakes to fish.

“Fish with the FIRE inside”

For more information about Gregg Munck, just visit his website at: http://www.munckstrophyfishing.com .

Gregg is a nationally known multi species trophy fisherman who has fished the Southwestern United States for over twenty years. Gregg has earned numerous awards, which include four Arizona state records to his credit. Gregg’s “Trophy Fishing Secrets” book in now available on his website.

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