7/7/09 Fishing Report

[focused fishing]

7/7/09:

Kimberling City Area: The deep bite is the dominate pattern in the mid lake area. Main lake and secondary points in larger creeks are holding a good mix of spotted, smallmouth and largemouth from 25’ – 45’ deep close to the bottom. Early in the day several fish can be caught on topwaters and spoons fish over open water in these areas. As the sun move higher switch up to a drop shot rig or Jewel football jig. Use Chompers or Robo Worm drop shot worms in MMIII, Aarons Magic, brown / purple and plum. Most of the fish are holding tight to the bottom so drop the rig to the bottom, reel out the slack and pay close attention to the weight of the bait and sinker, any changes in tension signify a strike. If you prefer to throw a football jig position your boat in 35’ – 50’ of water and throw a ¾ oz. Jewel PB& J or green pumpkin / green flash and work it slowly along the bottom from 20’ – 40’ deep.

James River: The James River remained stable last week, the limited amount of rain did not affect the water level or clarity and the temperature has remained in the mid to upper 80’s. Early and late there is still a decent topwater bite; spooks, sammys and pop-r’s are all productive around schooling fish. Don’t hesitate to try using a swimbait when there are schooling fish present, many times better quality fish are positioned below the smaller schoolers. Once the sun comes up move out to 30’ or deeper and cast Jewel Football jigs and Carolina rigs to main lake and secondary points. Work green pumpkin lizards and brush hogs on the rig or brown/ purple flash football jigs slowly along the bottom to draw strikes.

White River: Much like the mid lake the lower portion of the White river has been dominated by the deep bite over the past week, drop shot rigs, spoons and single tailed grubs have all been effective on secondary and main lake points. Most of the fish have been coming out of 28’ – 40’ of water close to the bottom. In the major creek arms there is a decent deep bite in the trees. Look for trees that top out around 25’ on points and channel swings, the over depth is unimportant. Further up stream and in the Kings River football jigs and Carolina rigs are more important patterns. Look for fish to be on main lake and secondary points from 15’ – 30’ deep.

Dam Area: The deep bite is most prevalent on the lower end of the lake; main lake and secondary pea gravel points from 25’ - 40’ deep have been very productive. Work drop shot rigged Chompers drop shot worms in plum or brown / purple or Robo Worms in Aaron’s magic, MMIII or oxblood / red along and close to the bottom to be effective. In the creek arms several large spotted bass have been caught in tree tops on secondary points and channel swings; look for trees topping out around 30’ to be the most productive. Up Long Creek there is a decent flipping bite on channel swing banks above Cricket Creek; Eakins jig and craw combos and J-Lock jigs in black / blue flash or orange craw have been effective along steep bluff walls.

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