Decided to test the waters at the pond where I work today....

[Allen Morgan]

I'm covering for a co-worker this week.  That means I have to go in earlier, but I get out earlier.  This gives me a little time to "play" :)

I went to the pond on-property today.  I had my UL pole, 4 lbs test mono, with a Mepps size 0 Aglia with chartreuse dressed hook.  I've found this to be a killer lure at this pond, until the moss/algae gets to thick to retrieve.

First fish was a decent LMB at around 2 lbs:

I moved a little down the bank, and got another throbbing run that turned out to be this:

Seconds later, this fish hit my lure:

Spunky little buggers, that's for sure!  I didn't catch any of the Hybrid sunnies.  Not sure where they are or what they're doing right now.  Hopefully, when the slop grows a little more, the Hybrid sunnies will move to the shoreline, where the slop provides ambush cover.

Unfortunately, this pond is catch-and-release ONLY, as dictated by the residents to live there.  Management, as well as many of the residents, know that these fish need to be removed as they mature, to allow for more growth, but the little old ladies consider all the critters here to be pets and absolutely refuse any attempts at harvest.

[Bill "Musky" Modica]

Nice catch!.....it's unfortunate that the residents are unaware of the importance of selective harvest.....Maybe some awareness by the management could possibly enlighten the residents......after all, they are the management.

[Allen Morgan]

We've tried, but it doesn't matter.  It's a senior retirement village, and the residents are all co-owners.  We have to do what they say.

One of the residents actually has a turtle trap in the pond, and will relocate the trapped turtles to the main river a few miles away.  The ladies that complain are harvest really raised Cain when he started doing that, until he explained that the turtles eat the fish.  I say, leave the turtles in there, but they would overpopulate the pond as well.

[Greg McWilliams]

Allen, Do you ever fish PRETTY WATER LAKE??????

[Allen Morgan]

I did last summer.  I'll be getting the summer permit this weekend, most likely.

I would have gotten the winter permit, and gave chase to the trout, but we knew that we had to move, and we just weren't certain that it would be close-by, or even in this state.  We ended up moving a month ago, and stayed in Sapulpa.

I have a good relationship with Tom up at the bait shop.  He's told me some interesting things concerning the trout @ Pretty Water.  I might have to do some deep-water vertical jigging :)

Rock Creek has changed some with the flooding last week.  1 1/2 weeks ago, I launched my kayak into the creek @ W Line St, and paddled upstream as far as I could.  My goal was to reach the Sahoma spillway.  I was stopped about 1.8 miles away from my launching point by a major snag across the creek.  Last weekend, after the flood, I was stopped a little over 1 mile from my launch point by a newly-formed snag.  I have pics.  It's amazing what a river can do.

[Angelo C Mastrando Jr.]

I'am 100% with catch & release. A few places I fish are a catch & release only lake/pond. I'am not judging people about keeping fish cause I love to keep trout when the lakes/ponds are stocked. Personally I never had bluegill's/bass/perch etc. only trout/salmon and alot of saltwater species. 

[dick tabbert]

Nice catch nice variety, great job on your catches keep the pictures coming. 

[Michael]

Nice gill in that second pic!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Well, having a place to fish at work is better than a sharp stick in the eye!

There is always the creel pocket vest, the ninja version of a wicker creel. But it wouldn't be worth risking your job, I'm certain.