February Forecast

[Cody Smith]

Greers Ferry Lake is currently sitting at 460.3 ft above msl., which is a foot

lower than normal pool of 461.3 ft.. Water temperatures are currently ranging

from the low to mid 40's up to 49.5 degrees in the main basin of the lake. The

(main) south basin, is holding the warmest temperatures and the most

productive fishing. The warmest of the cold water is found on the edge of the

main river channel and the fish are locating themselves relevant to these

areas. All major and minor feeder arms of the reservoir are cooler and void

of active fish. There are however, small pods of bait hugging close to

structure within these arms. I'm sure depending on time of day there are

gamefish moving in and out of the main channels to take advantage of this

forage, however I have yet to have any real sucess fishing these location's.

Fishing during February will be much dependant on the weather and condition's

we experience during this month. February marks the beginning of the walleye

runs that will occur on into the spring and ending in April. Prespawn eyes

will begin there move up the arms of the Little Red River when water temps

start on a rising trend. Once water temps stabilize in the mid to upper 40's

and warmer water once again starts to fill the reservoir from the main and

minor feeder arms look for an active prespawn bite in 18 - 32 feet of water.

Large minnows on Light jigs and light line are a must. Be sure and contact

Fairfield Bay Marina to join in on the World Walleye Classic which is a month

long tournament held annually here on our fine reservoir. There will be

weekly prizes and a grand prize for the largest walleye caught and weighed

during the tournament. Now, for all you bass fisherman, February will fish

very similar to the summer pattern. Points, Ledges and the old river channel

will be your best bet for locating active fish. Watch your graph carefully

for tightly schooled bass in and around these location's. Stick Bait's and

finesse tactic's,ie. Light Jigs, Tubes, Drop Shot rigs, Shakey Head

presentation's, combined will be the winning ways. Tournament anglers will be

on the water by the end of the month and will continue throguhout the summer.

Our hybrids and whites will start making appearances with the warming water as

well. Main Lake points and the mouth's of feeder creeks with rock and timber

will be hot spot's when we have had a few warming days in a row. March and

April we will see a HUGE influx with these two species, more on that next

month (set your guide dates now for the best action of the year). For now,

Stick with the Main Lake areas until you see water temperatures swap, Meaning

once the water temps start to increase the further up the arms you go it's

time to get shallow and stay there. All of this is weather dependant. If we

have a cooler than average February look back at the forecast for January to

dictate where you fish. One thing that myself and the other local guides

agree on is 52 degrees is the magic temperature to spur all of the great

fishing that is possible here on Greers Ferry. Once we hit this magic number

you will be able to score big on all species we have to offer. Once the water

gets into the mid 50's the shad will start moving back in the creeks and

feeder arms and all of the gamefish will follow. This generally does not

happen until March, so we will save it for next time! Good Luck out there and

if you have any question's or would like to book a date here on Greers Ferry

or The Little Red River, please contact me and I will get with you as soon as

I'm off the water. See ya Later Ducks and Hello Walleye~