Greers Ferry 2010 February Forecast

[Cody Smith]

Hello all, we have been on a roller coaster ride of such with the drastic temperature changes we have seen so far for 2010. Record recorded lows in the single digits during the month of January as well as very mild temperatures in the 60's where experienced with the latter being very much enjoyed. We had some great days on the water with good numbers of Hybrids and White Bass showing up on certain days providing some good action during the month. February is a much anticipated month here on the reservoir with myself and most of our locals looking to the walleyes for some spawning action. Water levels here on the reservoir are running slightly above normal pool with the corp of engineers lowering water when they can. The current lake level here on Greers is 465 feet and falling. Surface water temperatures are ranging from the lower 40 degree mark to the upper 40's near the dam and Peter Creek area, which is the warmest on the lake.

Our Hybrid Striped and White Bass will produce the most consistent action this month when looking to higher catch rates. Days of 20 - 30 fish will be had with some days seeing catches of twice this number. Look at depths of 40 - 65 feet to be key in locating these schools of fish along with the bait they are chasing. Towards the end of the month these fish will abandon their open water haunts and start pushing into our creeks and the main tributaries with their spawning urge increasing. They will begin to stage from the mouths to mid way back in the arms during the end of this month, look for the deeper channel portions of these arms to harbor the most active fish. Large minnows on jig heads along with spoons will produce the most bites when fished properly.

The walleye will definitely be on the move this month with water temperatures really dictating on how much spawning activity is completed. From my experience 52 degree water temperatures marks the height of the spawn with some going sooner and others shortly there after. For the most part we will still be experiencing a pre-spawn bite this month, however, towards the end of February there will be some active spawning occurring. Lead Head Jigs with minnows or sunfish, jerk baits and minnow style cranks and spoons should all be considered depending on time of day and fish activity once your on the water.

All three species of Bass will be transitioning from their deep water winter habitats to the shallower secondary column during this month with average temperatures occurring. Towards the end of this month look for the majority of our bass population to start pushing up creeks and the main tributaries staging into their pre-spawn post winter pattern. During the last couple of weeks of this month I look for a big surge in feeding activity among all three species of bass. Thin profiled crank baits, stick baits, jig and chunk combo's and finesse style set-ups like the drop shot and shakey head presentations should be utilized when considering artificial lures.

February can be a feast or famine month here on Greers depending on the weather, rainfall and amount of sunlight we see for any extended period of time. I can assure you this month we will see some very good days here on the reservoir with catches on all species to be above and beyond the previous month. February will offer some nice days of 70 degree temperatures along with snow and blustery cold. After all it's Arkansas so these extreme temperature and weather changes just might occur all in a 72 hour period. Take advantage of any day you might spend on our beautiful reservoir as winter starts to wind up and Spring time temperatures move in.