Kings River Wed March 15

[SKMO]

Had the pleasure of fishing with Bill Babler today in the Kings and following is a report of the day. Launched at 0700 and headed up the Kings after Crappie. Gist of the story is we caught maybe 9 crappie with six good keepers. Had some nice ones right off and then hit some spots that should have produced but didn’t, although we lost some real nice ones, honestly! My mid-arm hotspots were kind of muddied up and I thought maybe I could get above the mud in the Blue Hole/Hickory Hollow area so off we went on a boat trip, which was about all it was as we made the run into just more mud, fished 5 minutes (lost another nice one) and retreated downlake with our tails between our legs.

Fished a couple more crappie spots and decided to test the stickbait bite about 10:30. Had some prompt success with that and according to Bill “boated 6 with 3 keepers” but I lost count after my one fish so you will have to trust him on that. He probably would have cleaned up but was pretty busy tutoring me on the stick. At noon I had to return him to the ramp as he had to go to “work” at 2PM (if you can call additional fishing work).

I went out 2 more hours solo and boated 2 more stickbait fish (man they will be BIG someday) then drifted a deep windy treeline and caught 6 real more nice crappie.

Final tally 8 bass and a dozen crappie. Pretty good on the bass no longer than we fished, but ho-hum on the crappie. Attached find pics of the biggest specimens of each.

Water temps 58 (upper muddy water) to 55 (afternoon near Viola). I think the upper river will clear in another day or so and it will be more conducive for jig fishing but minnow fishermen me be able to do some good now in the muddy stuff.

Overall: fishing - fair, Fun Factor - Excellent all day.

[Bill Babler]

Had a great morning with SKMO. Not a lot of crappie but sure nice quality. I believe the muddy water got to us a bit. I thought it would clear out by the end of deer bluff, but it was muddy in SKMO's best spots. We'll get them next time. Loved your technique, I'm going to get one of this big poles and give her a try.

Boy when the wind started to blow it was fun to hit the transitions with the stick. I believe if we would have had some time we could have gave them a wippin for a change. But you know how it is when you have to work for a living. Ha!

Thanks again SKMO best time I've had in a good while.

PS Becky is thrilled with the sign. Many thanks.

[Phil Lilley]

I'm guarding my raincheck with my life

[petertherock]

Hey lilley,

How about an updated lake level report? I know you recently had a little rain. Let's pray for more! See you guys in April! I just hope I can get the boat off the lift!

petertherock

[SKMO]

I'm guarding my raincheck with my life

Sorry you could not make it Phil. Your rain check is going nowhere, just get in touch when you can get loose. When you come over I'll take you to the REAL crappie spots I was afraid to show Bill, but we'll keep this to ourselves.... OK? Also you might want to stop and borrow Bill's new Long Pole that I know he is going to run out and buy today.