Greers Ferry Forecast May 2008

[Cody Smith]

Greers Ferry is currently 485.5 feet and holding steady. By the Middle of May, with no more major rain events, we should be down to the upper 470's. Remember normal summer pool is 461.4 feet. Folks, it's going to take some time to get all this extra water out. Marina's are having a tuff time, to say the least managing there slips. Most of the Parks that surround the lake should be reopening with the lower water allowing more access points. It's been a record breaking year with the rain, however the fishing through out the entire month of April was Fantastic! We had several days of 60+ fish and a few that pushed 100. White's proved to provide the most dependable action early on in the month, with Hybrids a close second. We caught 95% of all our fish up the main and minor creek arms with moderate to slow current, while fishing 3 and 4 inch curly tail grubs by Action Bait Company out of Florence, AL. With all the new water entering the lake Clarity was a factor. Paying close attention to color and presentation was a HUGE factor in catch rates. Electric Blue Grape and Yellow where by far the best colors. With the water clearing and visibility reaching 4 - 7 feet in the lower basin the Electric Blue Grape is still out producing any other combo's and colors. I will say that the 1/8 oz Jig and 3" grub has been the most effective weapon with all the high water. You can fish in and around all the new cover, there is a ton of it, and that's where the fish are locating themselves. Look for this trend to continue through the month of May. Water temps are currently 58 - 62 degrees and by the middle of May they will be in the mid to upper 60's with average annual temperatures. Walleyes are locating themselves in 10 - 25 feet of water on brush lines close to minor creek channels that feed into major drops. These fish have been and will continue to be active during low light hours. Key in on balls of bait up major and minor arms, once you find the bait your eye's are going to be close. Same rule of thumb goes for the Hybrids. I've found the majority of these game fish to be at the mouth's of intersecting creek channels close to structure and feeding heavily at low light periods and times of overcast. Large bucktail in-line spinners, along with the 4" grubs have and will produce best fished on a moderate retrieve near the mouth's. Smallmouth Bass are finishing up there spawn and are staging in current up major and minor creek arms. If you find current along with rock piles in as little as 5 feet of water there will be some bronze backs to be caught and released. The kentuckies and largemouth are in Pre-spawn mode. During the month of April these fish where spread out pretty good, but patterning and locating larger concentration's of them is getting better day by day. Once the water temp consistantly reaches 64 degrees look for them to be on shallow flats in the flooded timber spawning heavily and then pulling back out to the edges of the minor channels. Some Bream are up shallow trying to spawn with the full moon of last month. Look for these fish to spawn in greater numbers this month around the 20th. Slip bobbers with crickets are wigglers will be your number one option to bring a mess home. Crappies have been the ONLY species I have not seen to many of during the month of April. Look for the spawn to be in full swing by the first 2 weeks of May, It's seems like it's rather late this year, however the fish continue to be on the 2 - 3 week delay. They are going to be tuff on you, again with all the high water there is alot of places for them to retreat. If you pick up one, stick with the area to locate the larger numbers. 1/16 oz. jig heads with small tubes in Pink,White, Chartreuse, tipped with a small minnow are #1 lure choices. A number of presentation's will work, casting and counting down, float and fly, along with the long pole and "bumpin" trees will fair best. I have not personally attempted to catch any of our whiskered friends but have heard mediocore reports on trot lines and jugs baited with live sunfish or cut bait. June will be the time for the cat's along with the full moon of this month. Let me close by saying with all the new water the fish are slightly more spread out than usual and in very different location's. However, they can be located and caught with great success. Have patience and venture into new areas when your on the reservoir to locate a good days catch. Lake Levels should be nearing normal by July with the corp. releasing water daily. This spring has continued to amaze with changes and really goes to show you who's in charge.... Mother Nature! We simply have to adapt and deal with what she hands out. Stay positive and keep your hook wet and you will surely have a great time on our beautiful reservoir. Now's the time to be on the water, enjoy some good time's and fellowship with friends. If any of you have any question's about what's going best during the coming month, please e-mail me @ smittyc888@hotmail.com and I will provide an accurate account! Take a Child Fishin' Cody S. Smith Trout Troller Guide Service, The Little Red River and Greers Ferry Lake