Topwater Popper 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 floating hard bait with a concave face that produces a spitting, popping action when twitched. Most effective in low-light conditions near cover — points, dock edges, weed lines, and grass pockets. The pause after the pop is where most strikes happen. Few experiences in fishing match watching a largemouth explode on a popper.
Topwater Popper Setup for O.H. Ivie Reservoir
| Rod | 6'10"–7'3" medium casting rod, moderate action |
| Reel | 6.4:1 baitcaster or spinning |
| Line | 14–17 lb fluorocarbon or 30 lb braid (braid gives better action and hooksets) |
| Weight | 1/4–1/2 oz (Rebel Pop-R, Megabass Pop-X, Strike King KVD Splash) |
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.
Topwater Popper: First light on spawning flats — fish hold shallow and crush surface baits. Slow cadence with long pauses.
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.
Topwater Popper: 30-minute window at dawn and dusk. Fish dock shade and grass pockets. Noon topwater dies.
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.
Topwater Popper: Extended feeding window as water cools. Fish can be caught on top all day 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.
Topwater Popper: Generally ineffective in water below 55°F — bass won't chase topwater in cold conditions.
Best Conditions
Dawn and dusk year-round, overcast days, calm to light-chop surface, spring through fall near cover and grass edges
Don't set the hook on the explosion — wait until you feel the fish pull the line. Half of all missed popper strikes are from anglers jerking too early.
More Techniques for O.H. Ivie Reservoir
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