Dam Area

[Don House]

Fishing is still very good in and around the DAM area, Fish are still holding between 30 - 45 feet of water with the better fish coming out of the 35 - 45 feet of water. Fish are really starting to school up now also, on one spot today we found a really nice large school of K's right at 30 Feet hanging out with the bait fish on cables, one drop down and the school really fired up. Did not last long but it went on strong for about 20 mins. Crawlers is still the best bite, just Like Bill said they were eating it like it was food, when they are on they really eat it good. Bite can be strange at times, had days where is it was very light, like today but still there once you get it figured out.

Nothing new as to locations, deep water trees and deep water docks are the best for me. I have about 10 - 15 sets or groups trees that I visit during my 7 day week and I try to mix them up, not to over fish the schools, but right now I'm finding there are only certain trees in these groups that really hold the good fish. The Deep Water Dock's well there are only so many of these guys, but they are really paying off right now. Most fish are holding right on the cables, just have to follow the cable down to the magic 30 foot range and bang there they are. Also found some really good fish hanging on the main lake flat points on the bottom or really close to the bottom in the late morning and afternoon time frame. Have to hang on for dear life out there but they are there! Tried to give these guys the F/B Jig but nothing there, went back over to dragging the drop shot with crawlers just off the bottom and we started catching the nicer fish.

Also just now starting to look for big water docks that sit on deep water points to start holding fish inside the dock stalls on bright sunny days. These deep water stalls will hold really good schools of spotted bass just under the docks floats and the inside walkways floats really good, all white 1/2 ounce spoons are the ticket when this gets started and it is really close, have a had a few really nice fish this way last week, but can only do it when I get clients that can flip. I'm flipping these spoons into the docks stalls on the deep water docks, trying to hit the corners on the inside walkways and all of the support bars back out to the boat. We are counting down 15 - 20 sec count then light jerks back to the boat. Watch for your spoon to just stop falling or you will feel the tick as it is on the fall. Repeat as fast as you can you can flat catch these fish one after another. Warning this pattern is still in development mode it is an on and off thing right now, but still thought it was worth bring up, you might fish 5 docks and nothing, but when you find that right one have some fun! Now I have covered my rear, I'm out of here!!

Good Fishing Everyone

Don

[smallmouthjoe]

Don, thanks for the report. I have a question if you don't mind. What is it about this time of year through fall that makes some of the fish attract to deep docks? It seems to me that they would attract fish year round. But I never can catch quality fish off of docks until Fall. Is it bait fish related?

[Champ188]

Capt. D, I can't believe you just caused me to go out to my garage, take spoons off my pegboard and put them in my boat. Leaving early in the morning for CPA this weekend on TR. Lawd help me if it comes down to me having to jerk a spoon but after two frustrating days last weekend, I just might try it. As always, thanks for the thorough and FREE report.

[Don House]

Don, thanks for the report. I have a question if you don't mind. What is it about this time of year through fall that makes some of the fish attract to deep docks? It seems to me that they would attract fish year round. But I never can catch quality fish off of docks until Fall. Is it bait fish related?

SMJ, Yes I feel it has to do with Shade and Schools of Bait fish... You put the two together and it is a fish factory!

Good Fishing

Don

[Don House]

Capt. D, I can't believe you just caused me to go out to my garage, take spoons off my pegboard and put them in my boat. Leaving early in the morning for CPA this weekend on TR. Lawd help me if it comes down to me having to jerk a spoon but after two frustrating days last weekend, I just might try it. As always, thanks for the thorough and FREE report.

Sorry big guy!! Hope you and Donna do well this weekend. Think of me as you are out playing! You two Be safe and bring home the money!!

Don

[Spinnaker]

Don: What kind of spoons do you use - design. brand, size color? Please. Thanks.

[MstStudent10]

Hey Don! I'm fishing TRL for the Amateur CPA this saturday, not really familiar with deep summer fishing, especially on Table Rock. Im just now getting the hang of the drop shot this year and only have those small chompers worms. What is a "crawler" exactly? Thanks for any information anybody!

[ChipperT]

Hey Don! I'm fishing TRL for the Amateur CPA this saturday, not really familiar with deep summer fishing, especially on Table Rock. Im just now getting the hang of the drop shot this year and only have those small chompers worms. What is a "crawler" exactly? Thanks for any information anybody!

"Crawler" is short for night crawler or live worms.

[ChipperT]

Don: What kind of spoons do you use - design. brand, size color? Please. Thanks.

He already answered 2 of your questions before you asked. 1/2 ounce, all white, and I imagine it's probably a war eagle jigging spoon. They make a very good spoon with good swivels and quality hooks. You should give em a look. Sorry to chime in, but hope this helps.

[nathan RN]

Man i really feel sorry for the guides that post information, these new rules suck in my mind.

Ask any question and get an answer or just go fish and put in the time and figure it out.

Remember it is fishing not catching! Sooner or later GPS coordinates will be posted for all deep water docks too.