Billyneck

Was down over the weekend at Beaver, with my 6 yr old and spent the night Sat. Watched 3 fellows fill their stringers at dark Sat.... 25 or so guys on one side , them on the other, they are there, and finally one started to chat after they filled their stringers and offered some suggestions, thank you, but they are the picky whites, still worthwhile to seek, but the weather to come will hold those fish for mass catches within the next week or so, water temps seem to be what fellows are waiting for. Would like to see more water temps reported, which is general enough for me. Did get into some whites, after all had cleared, about 11pm -2am, with 1 keeper wally and the next morning started again around 630am and got shut out. Another fellow and son joined the area and we tried all colors and variations. Nothing. The wally were gulping all around and whites were roll flashing right in front of us til 11am. Frustrating. But, it is early for me compared to last couple of white seasons. I know I will get my day, but the trip is for the 6 yr old to experience. We did get some action when you don't expect it when 7 ft. from the bank a monster hammered my swimminnw and took off for the next 40 min. running down river, I thought I knew what it was, but wanted to make sure, but had my son and the the other boy (Gabe the Babe)his golden gloves boxing name, fight the fish, taking turns. We did land the river monster, thought it could have been a monster wally but was a 25+ carp. The video and pics are cool. They did not care what it was, they now had a story for school. That made my day watching them fight it and landing it. Their arm stretch story would be very accurate and will enjoy hearing over and over again. They wanted to be called Jeremy Wade #1 and #2. (River Monsters)show reference. Thats how you get kids to go again and push you to take them soon. Good luck, but you will not it soon enough.

There is a place on Republic Road, west, a mile before FF, that will be selling minnows and says his minnow farmer is solid and supplied them at their store in Willard. Nice folks, it is also a tobacco store with a small hunting/fish sign, they are saying by next week should be into the minnows. The store seemed in order and should be the main supply for minnows for Spfld. lake area.

The going price today was $30. But good news is the lead market is stable, and the rubber to compliment those heads are good, and there is endless supply of carpet fiber for scuds. Larry was just giving us a real heads up on tackle, and I appreciate that even if I am not buying those bassmagnets. Keep the info coming, thats what this forum is for. Remember, act on it if it is important to you and report your adventures.

Wow! What I initially got out of the original post was the price of "one" of the hottest baits possibly becoming more costly cause of where they are created. The demand dictates the market price. I came across the Megabass lures today and was around the shop to hear how great and how they were the 1st place and so on's...choice of lures, but the statements of a true fisherman is... Really! To each is his own. How a person wants to be involved in the fantastic world of fishing should not be judged by the cost of the equipment as the much as the education they give to enjoy it and who they involve for the future. If something brings joy/success to them while there using that equipment they will be more willing to talk about it, and should be taken as just information you can decide what to do with it without being indignent. I am sure glad there was not talk about the multitude of rods, high dollar lines, great boats, primo gear. Dont be so misguided by someones info, and enjoy fishing the way you want. By the way, give a thought to the people who lost everything over there and be blessed to have what we have.

I seen some big rolls on the surface, but think they are big cats. The water has been high enough throughout last spring/summer for the spoons to return to TB. If they can't get past the low-water bridges just down river they will stay, but will go crazy in the shallows making lots of surface breaks, I have not seen those breaks. They will be in there in the next 3 weeks slowly but surely, because of the water levels so far. Need rain to load the Spillway hole with fresh fish. Good luck.

Your on the most visited cove so far, It lends itself to the minnow forage spinning thru there a lot of times and is a great spot for crappie/bass from Fall to Spring. The hot water outlet currents are warm and spin thru the top basin before the falls. The Spillway(below) is a great fishery especially from Dec. til no water season. It sounds likes cats are still on your menu, but with jigs, all colors, and some minnows, (which you can catch down on the river in the weed beds with a large minnow net or throw net) will produce all the fish you want. A top the lake try in the big bays,(southeast way) I assume your on foot, and throw spinnerbaits,shallow running crkbts and top waters. If nothing is working that well,try throwing a jig/craw set-up with a brush guard. You will be able to attack any nasty looking banks with minimal hang-ups and maximize fish catches. Folks use Spfld. lake as back-up or "I can't afford a trip today to bigger water", or time is a factor, but there are a ton of fish. The slough holds fish all cold season, with a variety of tactics to catch fins. When you have had enough bank fishing, get some waders(check Bass Pro outlet for inexpensive waders) and fish below spillway or invest in a canoe or kayak, and get personal with Spfld. lake. You can rent canoes from the southeastside Boathouse in spring. That one expense to venture out might be worth it. Crappie/bass will be along the bluffs near the walking trail (east/south)side, in April and always keep topwater to chuck at chasing fish all over the place. It is shallow, but (bass) will show up anywhere chasing forage. Good luck!

Anybody hitting the spillway for fins? I have been checking thru out the winter with stringers of cats, a few crappie, all on jigs. There are always a few LM to pick -up but, since the snow-rain runoff in last couple weeks, has anybody done any good? You might see me in a old tan float tube floating around,throwing jigs. My convo's with fellows report walleye, a few whites and some smallies. I love to hear that, but can anybody else verify their catches of sorts. The quality of fish has definitely improved over the last 10 years down in there for sure, or I'm getting better at catching fish. I will say that I have caught more 2-3# channels lately than I ever have on artificial's. The spillway is to quell the urges of heading south to BS-Beaver-Swan before the water is ready,(and save gas money) and the spillway constantly produces. Today, one short-nose gar, 2- 11" crappie, 2-3# channels. Thought it was slow, and water is staying cooler than I expected. This must have something to do with water discharge on the top in the slough?

Thanks.. My 17-yr old broke thru this January with a 50 fish catch-n-release at Taney with new waders and a 5# wht thats been waiting for him. He did get up again the next time, little colder and tougher conditions, but now appreciates the time away. I think he is hooked, and wants my #3-#4 wghts for next time, for extra challenge,so he says. The 6-yr old just started waders this January down at the James River Spillway, in Springfield, fishing for cats and carp. He loved it,and caught fish and I got a little video. He was confused why we were in the water when there was 10 inches of snow around us until he hooked a fish. That's why!! What is.. Where is Dry Run, in Ark.? Thanks again for the chat. I have a 6' fly outfit that Canyon, my 6 yr. old, will cut his teeth on with some scuds and San Jauns at Taney soon. He has been pushing me to spend the night in the suv again like last March when he and I were chasin' whites at Beaver and finally found some in a eddy, 9 or 10 strong, slow but gave us filets and video and obviously a great memory for him. He's ready!

Just wanted to intro myself to everyone. I really appreciate all the info over the years, but thought I would change my name from the "anonymous" to Billyneck. Did not have much to contribute when their was so much to learn. Everybody's input and output is well perceived. Thank you for all the stories when I did not have one yet. My older son is finally into "the adventure" whether he catches anything at all, and makes a great companion and becoming a great fishing liar. And the 6 year old will go where ever. The info you all have been generous to provide makes the trips at many levels, better when trip are minimal. The goal is to never get skunked!!!