Keystone Power Dam report 6/6/14

first, my history with fishing the Power Dam goes way back - well before the big bass designation (1991) was placed.  in those days we could easily catch very nice panfish, bass and also walleye - many walleye but usually 14.5 inchers with a few larger.  something changed - either the big bass designation, the black buggies or the huge water level fluctuations - but in the 2000's the panfish and walleye population crashed and all you could catch were bass - but some nice ones (my friends 21.5 inch smallie would make lake erie fishermen jealous).  we just stopped going there.
 
we hadn't been on the lake for close to 10 years but went up last Friday armed with fresh creek chubs, excellent fatheads and nice crawlers.  to make a long day short - from our perspective, the panfish population is recovering - but still NOTHING like it used to be, some bass are still around (2 probably legal fish and may a half dozen shorts) and we actually caught a 17inch walleye and a similar sized musky.  one slab crappie (no others), one mini-jumbo perch (with a few other shorts), very few bluegill (all small) - we both agreed that the lake is still way off and still not worth driving to.
 
also, the parking lot was full - LOTS of boats on the water - a midweek day, I can't imagine how packed the place would be on weekends.  VERY high fishing pressure - even by PA standards.  maybe this is the newest "issue" with the lake (or maybe an old issue?).
 
the water is VERY clean, excellent boat launch and lots of wildlife all around - a wonderful lake to spend the day on but don't expect much in the way of fish.
 
phish