fishful thinkin'

I just wanted to say thank you to all for the multitude of helpful information from all the members from my original post. I have only had a chance to go fishing a couple of times since my last post unfortunately but both trips were much better than any others I have had since moving to the area in 2012. I went once with my 8 year old about 6 weeks or so ago and we caught 6 fish total. All of them from around the islands at the hwy 12 bridge. Most of them were too small to keep except for one 22" walleye which I took home because I have never tried walleye but have heard they are delicious.....and I agree. Very good eatin'. The second time I was able to go I went with my mother and father in law and we went around the horseshoe bend area, between the 3 of us we landed 9 spotted bass, 5 crappie, a baby(6") walleye, and a pretty fiesty little small mouth. All of which were too small to keep, but a day of catching a bunch of little guys sends you home with a much bigger smile than catching nothing. All fish were caught on #5 & #7 flicker shad, except during the second trip I tried some generic crankbaits that strongly resemble flicker shad that I found in a bin at wal-mart for $1.50 each and they seemed to get just as many strikes. I am so grateful to you all for your help, while I am not filling the boat like a lot of you guys, I have a great start and a MUCH better understanding of the lake. Unfortunately being a construction superintendent finds me working 80+ hours a week this time of year and leaves little time for the important things like fishing, and I am having carberatuer trouble with my boat( if anyone one knows a reasonable honest mechanic) but I will soon be working less and have my boat fixed and be back to fishing and I will be more diligent about my reports. Also more informative with water temp, time of day, etc. I just wanted to take a few minutes to say thanks. P.S. My 8 year old Jacob wants to say thanks, he caught his first fish with everyone's advice.....he was sooo excited! Thanks guys.

I'm so glad I found this forum. Most people nowadays would sooner give you their debit card pin number than tell you where they fish, much less how or with what bait. Like the lake is going to run out of fish. I truly appreciate all the helpful info. I hope I can be as helpful once I learn my way around this lake. Thanks to all.

Thanks for the info, I usually stay reasonably close to the highway 12 bridge, I guess I should try further south and see if my luck changes. I keep telling myself I'm not going to hire a guide and just learn the lake the old fashioned way....tons of practice. Too much pride I guess. Eventually not catching any fish greatly out weighs pride though so I may take you up on your offer.I really appreciate the reply and I will put your advice to work, I only get to go fishing about 2 times a month but when I go it would be great to fill the boat. But just being on the water getting some bait wet is great. I always say my worst day of fishing is still better than my best day at work. If I find any honey holes I'll be sure go post them. Thanks again for the help. This is a great site, I'm glad I found it.

hello all, I am new to this website and also new to Beaver Lake. I consider myself to be a semi decent crappie fisherman. by my standards at least. I have been out on Beaver Lake several times now, and have caught know crappie to speak of. I know that if I can just find the fish I should be able to catch some, I was just wondering if anyone would be willing to sharesome of their crappy hotspots. I usually launch my boat at the highway 12 bridge as I live close to there. but I would be willing to put in anywhere in the lake I needed to to be able to find a fish. I'm not looking to steal anybody secret fishing spots, just looking for hopefully a few guaranteed bites. anything anyone is willing to share would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance, and I'll keep reading the other post as most you guys seem to really know what you're doing.