Reservation Number : 44486
Property Name : Flying J
Reservation Date : 09/01/2025 All Day -
Total Fish/Sizes : 7
Lures Used : Swim jig

Well, things don't always go as planned….the mantra of any fisherman.

I booked a last minute trip to Flying J. I have been there many times over the years, but not recently. I knew it would be a good opportunity to walk the banks and harvest some smaller bass without worrying about my boat or a guest.

The forecast called for some slight rain chances and cooler temps, so I figured I would arrive mid-morning and stay through the afternoon. I arrived about 10:00. I packed a few rods, a cooler to carry culls and a small tackle bag into my collapsible wagon and headed to the northeast corner, where I have had success in the past. 
I could see that the south end was quite choked up with vegetation. As I got closer to the north end, I could tell that it was the case there too. Of course I didn't even bring a single frog, so I had to adjust. Casting pockets were limited. I started throwing a swim jig and got a blowup  in the thick mat as I retrieved it fast over the top preparing to make another cast. I threw back into the hole and caught a small bass. I did this a few more times and caught fish almost every time. I ended up with 7 in about an hour, but the humidity was taking a toll. I grabbed a snack at the truck and then the rain started coming down. Radar showed it might get heavier. With the limitation in casting, the potential for thunderstorm and heat exhaustion kicking in, I took it as a sign and headed home. 
I landed 7 culls in just over an hour. That is a good pace of bites, but I knew trying to walk around to fish the other side would be tough. I decided to cut my losses and just call it a day. 
I've had 40+ fish days at Flying J, but today was not going to be one of those. I'll return when winter does its job and takes care of the vegetation. 
I did notice what appeared to be some carp activity. It might mean that the owners have put them in to try to help with the vegetation problem.