April 29, 2016

Captain's Log

Air Temperature: Low 60 High 77
Water Temperature: Low 68 High 71
Water Elevation: 359' ( 359' Summer pool)
Water Clarity: Fairly clear, little dirty in back of some bays. 3ft visibility, green stain.

If you're a bit of a fair weather fisherman, May is the month for you! The weather is great, the fresh green trees make for beautiful scenery, and the majority of fish species in the lake are in some stage of spawn. In other words fish are shallow and if you can find the bank you should be able to catch some. I've been fishing for Crappie, Red Ears, Bluegill, Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Smallmouth Bass. We've been catching some of all species but found the fish fairly scattered making it hard to really pound them. The Bluegill and Red Ears are usually the exception this coming month. They spawn in large colonies and will provide fast action.

I posted recent pictures on our website. Click on the "Pictures" tab to see them.

LARGEMOUTH BASS
Notes on Action: The fish are biting pretty good but finding fish pretty scattered. A few here and a few there. The peak of their spawn is now.
What to use: Green pumpkin lizards fished Texas style with a 1/4 oz weight is a mainstay. But fish are being caught on crankbaits (deep and shallow), top waters, spinner baits, swim baits, shaky head jigs, Texas rigged plastic worms, heavy large jigs and tubes. Almost any good bait will catch a few.
Where to Fish: Catching fish in the bushes, backs of bays, on gravel round points and on main lake points. Almost anywhere, mainly shallow two to eight foot deep.

SMALLMOUTH BASS
Notes on Action: Catching spawning fish a few here a few there.
What to Use: Texas and Carolina rigged lizards, creature baits, soft stick baits, and shaky head with worm, craw or beaver. Smaller swim baits and tubes are also working.

CRAPPIE
Notes on Action: We're at the tail end of their spawn but still catching spawning fish as shallow a 2ft deep. A few here a few there, keep moving and you can get a good mess.
What to Use: Minnows and jigs.
Where to Fish: Wood cover from 2' to 20' is producing fish.

RED EAR/BLUEGILL
Notes on Action: I haven't found a large bunch of bedding fish yet, but expect to in the near future. They are spawning now but in the early stages.
What to Use: Crickets, worms and small jigs.
Where to Fish: 2' to 4' deep on gravel bottoms.

CATFISH
Notes on Action: Fish still a little scattered but should find large groups soon.
What to Use: Night crawler or shrimp.
Where to Fish: Chunky rock points and banks 2' to 10' deep.

I still have good dates for summer Bass, Crappie or White Bass available. If interested feel free to call at 877-354-6017 or 270-354-6017. Thanks for reading my report!

Captain Kirk, out!