Jig (Casting & Pitching) Fishing on O.H. Ivie Reservoir
O.H. Ivie Reservoir · Texas · South Central
O.H. Ivie Reservoir spans 19,000 acres in Concho County and is known for its clear water, rocky points, and deep creek channels that create ideal bass habitat. The lake's unique geology features numerous submerged rock formations and ledges that hold trophy-sized largemouth and smallmouth bass year-round. This scenic Hill Country impoundment is a favorite among serious anglers seeking quality bass fishing with minimal crowds.
A lead or tungsten head with a weed guard, skirt, and soft plastic trailer. Fished on the bottom by pitching, casting, or slow-rolling. The jig imitates crawfish and bottom-dwelling forage. More big bass have been caught on jigs than any other lure category — it's the lure that separates serious anglers.
Jig (Casting & Pitching) Setup for O.H. Ivie Reservoir
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 15–20 lb fluorocarbon (cover) or 50 lb braid (heavy grass) |
| Weight | 3/8 oz standard; 1/2–3/4 oz in wind or deep; 1/4 oz finesse |
| Hook | Built-in, typically 4/0–5/0 |
Seasonal Tactics on O.H. Ivie Reservoir
Lake: Spring brings excellent topwater action as spawning bass move shallow along the rocky banks and in protected coves. Jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics around shallow structure produce quality fish as water temperatures warm.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Pre-spawn is prime season — pitch brown/green pumpkin jig to 45° bank transitions and rocky points.
Lake: Summer bass retreat to deeper water and structure, with early morning and late evening topwater bites providing the most excitement. Deep-water vertical jigging and finesse techniques around the main lake ledges and creek channels yield consistent results.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Football jig on offshore ledges 15–30 feet. Swimming jig around grass edges at dawn.
Lake: Fall transitions create aggressive feeding periods as bass chase baitfish in the shallows and mid-depth zones. Crankbaits, swimbaits, and lipless cranks work well around points and channel breaks as fish prepare for winter.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Swim a jig around baitfish schools near points and flats. Shad trailer colors in fall.
Lake: Winter fishing slows considerably, but quality fish can still be found in deeper areas and near the dam structure. Slow-moving presentations like jigging spoons and drop-shot rigs around deep ledges produce the most consistent winter action.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Slowest presentation — drag a 3/8 oz football jig on deep hard bottom. Barely move it.
Best Conditions
All seasons, all depths, all cover types; most effective in 50–70°F water; excellent in pre-spawn and when fish are on hard bottom
Match trailer to conditions: craw trailer in cold water (slower fall, bigger profile), swimbait trailer when swimming, chunk trailer for flipping.
More Techniques for O.H. Ivie Reservoir
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