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O H Ivie

Posted on 6/16/25 at 11:13 am
Posted by A_bear
baton rouge
Member since Sep 2013
2361 posts
Posted on 6/16/25 at 11:13 am
Has anyone here fished it? More specifically, during the summer months? I’m planning a trip there the first week of July. I know it gets a TON of pressure during the spawn, but I’m guessing that pressure falls off significantly once it gets hot. I’m just trying to get a little information before making the 9.5 hour drive there.
I don’t have FFS on my boat, so trolling around looking for fish to cast at, is out of the equation. I’ve been stocking up on some baits I think will work out there. Glide baits, medium sized and big flutter spoons, Alabama rig, deep diving crank baits…
I know there’s other places that are closer that I could probably catch more fish at. Such as Bussey, Rayburn, and lake fork, but I’ve fished those places and Ivie is a bucket list place. I’m just nervous to drive all that way and get skunked
Posted by Jaspermac
Texas
Member since Aug 2018
491 posts
Posted on 6/16/25 at 11:35 am to
Don’t pull your boat and hire a guide.
Posted by aTmTexas Dillo
East Texas Lake
Member since Sep 2018
22084 posts
Posted on 6/16/25 at 1:04 pm to
quote:

I’m just nervous to drive all that way and get skunked

Just try to think positively.
Posted by TFLEX
TX
Member since Jun 2023
272 posts
Posted on 6/16/25 at 1:48 pm to
I would stay on the other lakes you've mentioned and save the drive.

It gets HOT, and without FFS it will be really tough finding bass in deep open water out there.

Big clear tx lakes west of 35 are not like fishing east tx lakes that are full of timber etc.

Other alternative would be hire a guide as mentioned above. At least the first day.
Posted by A_bear
baton rouge
Member since Sep 2013
2361 posts
Posted on 6/16/25 at 2:05 pm to
quote:

it will be really tough finding bass in deep open water out there.


I’m not hiring a guide, it’s just not my style. I’d rather grind it out and not catch fish, than pay someone. I’m the same when it comes to hunting too. My plan was to target the deeper timber spots like in this picture. You don’t think I’d have much luck doing that?
Posted by civiltiger07
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2011
14975 posts
Posted on 6/16/25 at 2:08 pm to
quote:

I’m just nervous to drive all that way and get skunked


quote:

I’m not hiring a guide, it’s just not my style. I’d rather grind it out and not catch fish, than pay someone.


Well that's a very stubborn contradictory stance
Posted by LSU Neil
Springfield
Member since Feb 2007
3363 posts
Posted on 6/16/25 at 2:44 pm to
Well, it’s not just about “deeper timber”,
You need to understand channel swings, proximity of ambush spots off of ledges, and combine that with the timber.
Edit: and this is where FFS comes in….you can look at contour lines if you have a quality graph, and make a list of 20 of those type spots….go “look at them” with FFS , and fish or leave if nothing is there without wasting a lot of precious early morning bite
This post was edited on 6/16/25 at 2:47 pm
Posted by A_bear
baton rouge
Member since Sep 2013
2361 posts
Posted on 6/16/25 at 5:26 pm to
quote:

this is where FFS comes in


I may end up biting the bullet and buying a livescope set up this week. I doubt it will help me much though since I’ve never used it before. I’d probably end up wasting more time trying to figure it out, than I would spend actually fishing though lol
Posted by redfish99
B.R.
Member since Aug 2007
18609 posts
Posted on 6/16/25 at 10:31 pm to
I’ve been twice in summer. Not
nearly as crowded but very very stingy. Before 8am and dusk topwater actions really good Big spooks or poppers. Hope for some wind and clouds and fish the wind with big swim baits and glides . Stay near main lake as much as you can . Some small fish back in wooded creeks but that’s not why u going. FFS rules down by dam . Good luck.
Posted by TFLEX
TX
Member since Jun 2023
272 posts
Posted on 6/16/25 at 10:46 pm to
Too busy to make the trip from waco now. But several buddies that are big into tournament fishing fish it regularly, and have all pretty much told me to stay home unless I decide to buy FFS.

I also rather figure stuff out on my own as well. But spending a half day on a guide, especially letting them know you're on a multi day trip, and new to the area and need tips, saves a lot of frustration.

Im just saying- I drive east to fish. Assuming you're coming from LA, no way I'm driving past bussey, the burns, laccasine, Toledo, Rayburn, Fork, to go to Ivie, unless it was spring and I had FFS.

Posted by A_bear
baton rouge
Member since Sep 2013
2361 posts
Posted on 6/17/25 at 6:20 am to
quote:

Before 8am and dusk topwater actions really good Big spooks or poppers


I appreciate it. If I’m not catching midday and it gets too hot, I’ll just head to the room to get a bite to eat and a nap and then head back out in the evening.

quote:

no way I'm driving past bussey, the burns, laccasine, Toledo, Rayburn, Fork, to go to Ivie


I’ve fished all of these places this year, with the exception of laccasine because my motor is too big. I get either 2 or 3 days off at a time with my shift schedule which makes Ivie out of the question unless I take vacation. I’m on a temporary schedule that gives me 7 days off, so it’s really my only chance to get over there. I can hit Bussey, Toledo, Rayburn, or Caddo any time on my normal schedule.
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