dwiebenga

Pretty much had the lake to ourselves with deer hunting starting this weekend. Fishing was hard all weekend but my buddy, Jim and I got a few to make it at least interesting. We were hoping that the fish would push back into the creeks, but they were not there in any type of numbers. We tried to use the wind to our advantage and throw spinnerbaits (War Eagle Purple Shad and Mouse), but we only picked up 3 fish total our of about 250 casts. I tried to find a few drop shot fish, but due to the wind was unable to really stay on any points to locate fish. I was only able to land 2 fish out of about 4 bites on the drop shot all weekend. The fish would run up to it and do nothing or head deep. Most of the fish were about 20 feet down in 30-40 feet of water. Overall, our best bite was on a Pick Sticker Jig. We started fishing the fist 75-100 yards of the main lake points as they went into a cove or cut. The best ones had larger rock on them. I was putting the boat in 30 feet of water and throwing the jig to the bank and then dragging it back slowly. They were hitting hit about 10-15 feet of water. Most of the fish were healthy 13-16 inch fish. I think we landed about 15 fish on the jig. Overall we landed 25 fish, and we had to work for every bite. Good luck to you all! Dave

I throw my warts on 10lb fluorocarbon and I use a 6' Med. action Faclon Lowrider. Works great

Good plan, but also macke sure you have a drop shot or grub. I was down in September a couple years back, and the first morning I caught 4-5 on a FB jig right off the bat, and then they disappeared the rest of the weekend. Turned out they suspended in 25-30 feet over 40-50 feet and I was a novice who did not know how to get them. I would also bring along a few spinnerbaits and topwater too. JMHO. Best of luck and see you all in November!

When I was there two weeks ago. I put a depth range on at 28-32 feet of water and I kept the boat there all weekend. Easy to just look down at a color vs. depth numbers.

I have both. I like the lakemaster because of the color range select. I also like that I can raise and lower the lake too. I need to play with both more to see which one is best.

Just the "Great Plains" Chip. It is a good chip

We were tossing 3/16 oz darter head with a XPS Smoke/Purple Grub last weekend around Indian

Choctaw Bass looks similar to the Spotted Bass http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/05/08/newly-discovered-bass-species-to-be-top-target-for-anglers/

Only in Minnesota or Canada

Water was 55-57 degrees

Made a trip down with my brother on Friday night in the snow. We prepared for Saturday to be hard, but we made it work. Started about 8am at Indian Point on the point north of the Marina. I started throwing an RC STX in pro blue and hung a short Spot on the second cast. Then we switched over to a Smoke and Purple XPS 5" Grub on a 3/16 oz head for pretty much the rest of the day. I also received a nice surprise in a pocket I was throwing my STX into when I noticed a few fish cruising a bit shallower. I had a turtle swim up and grab the back hooks, and he tried to bit me on the release! Later in the day we pulled in to a bank just south of Point #1 that was protected from the wind and we went to work with our grubs. We sat in about 30' or approx. 2.5 casts from the bank. We caught about 15-20 fish off this bank alone. The last fish of the days was a rare Largemouth caught on the same bank. It was my brother's largest bass in his life. 22" 6.5lb fish. Today, we produced about the same pattern in the morning. Did really well on Indian Point itself with about 12 fish and the majority were Smallmouth. Overall, it was a great trip with my brother. Best baits: 5" XPS Grub (smoke/purple, smoke/black, and milky salt and peeper) and 3/16 oz head. We casted toward the bank counted to about 5 and then a slow steady retrieve with the rod at 10-11 clock position.

Thank you Bill, I will post and/or call with a report. Gonna be in the Dam area this year. My Grandma's friend is having bladder cancer surgery so they will not be in town.

Great pics! How will the crazy weather impact the fishing? I am going to be down this weekend.

Just curious what the prevailing opinion is on the weather this coming weekend. How will it impact the fishing overall?

Wow! What a detailed report! Thanks. So are you going to cast for me too??? LOL

Best Tip...Read this forum. Even go back 2-3 years and see the trends. 2011 might be tough with the flood, but there is some much here. If it is studied and put into action you can catch fish.

Check our Bill's most recent post

Very Jealous in Kansas City!!!

I use a 3/16 oz to 1/4 oz head (darter or round) I like the BPS single tail grub. I use the 4 inch when bit is smaller or I want a reaction bite as it pendulums down the 45 degree bank. I like the 5 inch one for a slower fall. I will "scrub" the grub on the gravel points or let it fall on taunt line on the steeper banks with my rod tip up. Always using a slow reel. I prefer the color of smoke pepper, watermelon red, or smoke with purple fleck. Keep it simple. Great way to catch good numbers and an occasional solid 3-4 pound fish this time of year. Best wishes. Dave

Hey all, I hope those of you fishing today are holding up well. I am at work today and keeping up with the Elite Series on the Bass blog. I just read a post that I felt I really need to share to put the fishing world in perspective... Brandon Palaniuk busted a prop this morning, and Classic winner, Cliff Pace provided him with a new prop and helped him do the installation. Remember these two guys went toe-to-toe at Grand, and Pace could have hosed him here. But, true to his character, Pace helped a competitor in need even when he could lose valuable time. This is a great sign on sportsmanship for us all to reflect upon. What a great lesson for everyone! Enjoy your day! Dave

Wow! Great Job!

I like the Chompers Garlic

If you want a "jig" rod...Ozark Rods has good ones and so does B&M. I use both for my jigging on Truman.

I agree it is a great fishery and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to fish it...Best wishes

There are NO FISH in Shell Knob in April!!! LOL