O.K. I want to fish Success on Friday. Hopefully tube. I've never been there so does anyone have any pointers? Where to launch? Where to beat the shore? Can you fish at night? Is the lake known for WIND? Not too concerned about what's working and where, because I pretty much throw whatever feels comfortable for the situation. Just want to fish some new water.

I grew up on Success Lake, but don't get up there much any more. My dad practically fishes it everyday and I talked to him a few days ago and he said the lake was nearly at full pool and the bite had been really tough the past few days. The lake has two inlet river systems (North and South Fork Tule River) If you are going to float tube, you might want to consider try starting near the highway bridge and working East into the South Fork of the river. Lots and lots of trees. If you go into the launch ramp areas on the main recreation side try putting in at the north ramp and working into the tree areas from there. There are some steep vert that is adjacent to the trees. My dad said most of the fish being caught are near the trees (typical for this time of year). You can fish it at night. It's a corp of engineers lake for farm water retention so they don't have the same daylight only rules that we have on most of our local lakes. There are many other good places to try, but are hard to get too unless you have a boat. Try topwater and reactions at before the sun comes up. Good luck.
BMC

Thank you! That helps alot. Do you know off hand if you can tube at night, or is it strictly shore access at night? Thanks again.

I would check with the park folks, but since you can fish from the shore or from a boat at night, then I don't see why you couldn't tube it at night.

I too grew up on Success Lake but have not fished it for quite some time. Hooksetter is right on the money and it's sage advice. Please post when you return as I wouldn't mind making the drive to the ole' stomping ground if the bite if fair.

mak

Yes you can fish the lake at night. Our club, the North Kern Float Tubers are having a night tournament at Success the 28th. We would love to have you show up if you are interested. This year the club is fishing Success, Kaweah, and Nacimiento. We have one tournament a month and are looking for new members. I agree that launching from the bridge is a good bet. There is a small area to park your vehicle by the bridge and you can take the trail down to the water. Amber/green red flake worms can be awesome. Would also try senkos in the trees.
If interested in the tournament you can e-mail me at mrbasslips@aol.com
Aaron

Mark, I'll be sure to let you know what I find. Thanks.

Aaron, am I required to have any special lights or special setup, other than say a couple of big glow sticks, a whistle and a life vest? About the tube tourney, let me think about it and I'll let you know. It takes me about 2 1/3 to 3 hours to get there. I live in Ridgecrest, so I have to take the 58 to Bakersfield then cut over on the 99 :( Not the most pleasant drive.

Aaron, just read your email....Thanks again