*Night Fishing* - Begins on July 9th. Will be held on Friday nights, in the month of July and August only. Anglers participating in night fishing MUST leave the park no later than 11:45 P.M.

NIGHT FISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS:

1. Night fishing starts at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 11:45 p.m. Night fishing will be held only on Friday nights as of now, and only during the month of July and August.
2. Alcohol is NOT PERMITTED in the day-use or fishing areas, including the lake and shoreline, (E.M.C. 17-2 (a).
3. Shore fishing ends at 11:45 p.m. and is restricted to the posted area adjacent to the “Lakeshore” picnic area.
4. Anglers using boats must return to the dock by 10:45 p.m.
5. Boats may be tied up to the fishing piers; however, boaters must stay in the boat and cannot fish from the pier. Boats also cannot be pulled onto the shoreline.
6. Only battery-powered lanterns are allowed to be used in the boats. No gas lanterns of any kind are permitted.
7. Intoxicated individuals will not be allowed to operate or occupy boats.
8. All day-use visitors who are not fishing must leave when the picnic areas close at 8:00 p.m.
9. All campers who are not fishing must return to the campground when the park closes.
10. All anglers must have a valid Dixon Lake daily fishing permit and must obey all fishing regulations. (E.M.C. 18-111)*
11. The fish cleaning station closes promptly at 11:00 p.m.

Catfish: We are currently preparing for the upcoming catfish season. The first catfish stock will take place on July 9th. The catfish are typically very active in the early morning as well as the afternoon hours before closing. Considering that catfish are primarily bottom feeders, setting up your rig with a weight that allows your bait to sink near the bottom will generally render good results. Catfish prefer bait with the strongest scent. Cut up mackerel, chicken liver and shrimp are typically the preferred bait of cat fisherman. Catfish have a limit of 5 at this time.

Bass: The bass are well into their post spawn faze as of now. The bass fry are bubbling up in many areas of the lake. Swim baits have been working well for catching bass. Drop shot rigs set up with Roboworms, or Texas rigs set up with Senkos continue to be a good method as well. We will begin to see the growth of aquatic weeds as temperatures continue to rise. Largemouth bass can typically be found in shallow water and are likely to be found swimming under something that provides shade such as vegetation or a pier. In water bodies that contain aquatic vegetation, you may find it advantageous to use slightly heavier line. Boat dock cove is still a promising location for bass. Just a reminder, bass must be at least 12 inches to keep with a limit of 2 at this time.

Bluegill: The bluegill are now beginning to spawn. Anglers have been catching small bluegill close to the surface. You may be able to retrieve larger bluegill when allowing your bait to sink deeper into the lake. Meal worms and red worms are still the best choice of bait for the time being. Using cut up night crawlers for bait is also a good method. The piers and shorelines are promising locations for catching bluegill. Bluegill are limited to 25 of any size at this time.

Trout: Our final stock of the season took place on April 14th. The trout are primarily going to be in deeper waters as we near peak water temperatures. In the early morning hours, you may be able to round up a few trout in the shallow waters of Trout Cove and Boat Dock Cove. Mini Jigs, mouse tails and power bait have been the most successful choice of bait for anglers this season. A two-pound test set up with a 12” to 18” leader is recommended. The Trout catching limit is 5! "No Catch & Release of Trout." Please make sure you are familiar with the current freshwater fishing regulations prior to fishing here at Dixon Lake as we do strictly enforce these regulations.