Greers Ferry October Forecast

[Cody Smith]

Hello all! At the time of this forecast Greers Ferry water levels are slightly above normal pool and holding with all the fresh rain from September entering the reservoir. Surface temperatures are ranging from 71 - 78 degrees depending on location. During this month expect a fall in water temperatures down to the low to mid 60's with average temperatures and rain expected for October. Fishing during the month of September has been all out FANTASTIC! I look for this to continue throughout the month of October and on into November. Schools of 3 and 4 inch shad are getting hammered by all game fish. Most species have pushed into main lake pockets, tributaries and creek arms following the bait. This has made for some awesome fishing, days of 50 - 100 fish have been the norm. Walleyes, Kentucky's, Large mouth, Small mouth, Hybrids and White Bass are showing themselves everyday. This keeps everyone happy and enjoying their time spent on the water.

With the falling water temperatures look for the walleye bite to really come back alive during this month on into November. Long main lake points, Bluff lines that run on the edge of flats and secondary points back in the creeks will be holding good concentrations of these fish as long as you have bait present. Stick with an 1/8 oz. Lead Head Jig and Crawler set up until we get water temperatures down into the upper 50's. Another location to run down a few walleyes this month will be under the schools of hybrids and white bass. Use a 1/2 oz. too 1oz. jigging spoon to drop below the bait fish and frenzied hybrids to pick up a few eyes gathering up the dead or dying minnows. White/Blue, Prism/Blue, and Chrome colors should be considered depending on amount of Light penetration you have on that given day.

Our Hybrids and White Bass made a big feeding surge during September but are still unpredictable from day to day. Look for this month to really shine with consistent action on these two species. Cloudy and Rainy days will be best for all day surface action. Big in-line spinners, Flukes, Pop-R type baits and swimming grubs will all catch these surfacing fish. Once the surfacing subsides drop those spoons to the suspended fish and hang on, look for big numbers and lot's of action over really small areas. There will be a lot of fish spread over different areas of the lake start your search for surfacing fish in main lake pockets and bays. To wards the end of this month start looking up main tributary arms like Middle Fork and South Fork. There will be a huge push of bait up these arms and these two species will follow them the whole way.

The Kentucky's and Smallies are packed in and around secondary points and key drops to wards the backs of creeks and pockets. These fish are feeding heavy and are really feeding heavy on the bait right now. Most are suspended with in 22 - 40 feet of water and are willing to bite the right presentation. Jerk Baits, Drop Shot rigs and Spoons will take the majority of these fish. Boat Control and positioning are crucial right now if you want to catch more than just a handful out of one school. Stay off the trolling motor as much as possible while making long cast to the school once located. I can't emphasize enough on keeping your distance to boat multiple fish in one location.

Schools of Big Largemouth are cruising the newly flooded bush's around the shore of the lake right now. This makes it tuff to get a dependable bite to go back on in the same areas multiple days in a row. Keep moving and you will locate the fish in short order. Look at the back of main lake pockets and a few of the longer creeks that have fresh water entering from the rain. Keep your eyes open for schools of bait and our Large mouths will be close by. Swim Baits, Flukes, Texas Rigged Plastics, Senkos and small cranks will get the job done. Of course look for low light periods to be the best bite, once the sun gets high the bite tempers back a bit. During periods of High sun and bright condition's slow down and pitch 1/8 to 3/16 oz. Strike King Bitsy Bugs in Olive or pumpkin to the outside of the brush line for a consistent bite. When water levels start to fall consistently this bite will really turn on in a big way!

Well, this is definitely the month to be on the water here in the Ozarks. Changing leaves, Shorter Days and falling temperatures make for great days to be on the water. There is little or no recreational traffic on the water right now so come on over and create some memories that will not be forgotten! If you have any question's regarding this report or would like details on a guide trip please email or call me and I will get back with you as soon as I'm off the water~