Table Rock First Time Questions

[Barn]

I will be staying at Big Cedar the week of 3/22. I have only fish Table Rock once 30 years ago when I was a kid one summer. What tactics, lures, colors and locations can you suggest for this time of year? I would really like to catch smallmouth since I rarely have an opportunity down in Texas.

I am looking for some areas to try close to Big Cedar. I don't think I want to run all over the lake.

I have fished Taneycomo for many, many years. However, this year I would like to try something different.

Thanks,

[getfished]

I'm not down there on a regular basis but you can probably have some success fishing sloping and somewhat flatter locations with small gravel as opposed to the bluffs or the large shelf rock type shoreline. There should still be some fish being caught on jerkbaits but the grub bite should be close to full steam by then. Try sitting out in 25-30 foot of water and throwing up shallow. Count it down to the depth you want to try and use a steady retrieve. Quite often this bait produces best when slow reeled right on the bottom. 1/4 oz darter head with natural color 4" curl tail grubs are fairly standard. Some days or a bit later in the day you may need to move out deeper so you can fish your bait down on the bottom in the 20=30 ft. zone.Don't forget to throw a spinnerbait a little bit too.

Keep checking back here and some of the locals will post up some more accurate on target info.

[Bill P]

I will be staying at Big Cedar the week of 3/22. I have only fish Table Rock once 30 years ago when I was a kid one summer. What tactics, lures, colors and locations can you suggest for this time of year? I would really like to catch smallmouth since I rarely have an opportunity down in Texas.

I am looking for some areas to try close to Big Cedar. I don't think I want to run all over the lake.

I have fished Taneycomo for many, many years. However, this year I would like to try something different.

Thanks,

First time? I'd get a guide for a day,or 1/2 day. Preferably at the starting end of your trip. You won't regret it.

[rps]

Search this forum for stick bait or jerk bait. also search on wiggle wart. Both searches will give colors as well as how and where to fish them. In March I also have a rod rigged with a jig head grub and another with a spinnerbait for slow rolling. Good luck.

[S&M]

I have only fish Table Rock once 30 years ago when I was a kid one summer. What tactics, lures, colors and locations can you suggest for this time of year? I would really like to catch smallmouth since I rarely have an opportunity down in Texas.

I am looking for some areas to try close to Big Cedar. I don't think I want to run all over the lake.

Thanks,

You have a PM

Enjoy,

[techo]

You have a PM

Enjoy,

My brother!

[Barn]

Not seeing any PM's. To view PMs do I just click on my user name a look under Messenger? If so, I have (0).

Thanks,

[focused fishing]

Barn,

It's all going to depend on water temp when you get here, by then I think we'll be in the mid 50's to low 60's (I know big range). The Big Cedar / Dam area is one of the better smallmouth sections of the lake so finding brown fish should not be a problem. Target gravel and mixed gravel points leading into spawning pockets on both the main lake and in creek arms, any wind will help position the fish and points with a deeper drop on one side or the other will be a little more productive as well. As far as tackle, the guys have hit on most of it, my top baits would be:

1. 4" single tail grub on a 1/4 oz head (smoke, green pumpkin and pumkin)

2. Split Shot Rig with a fish doctor or french fry (green pumpkin and green pumpkin)

3. Shaky head with a green pumpkin finesse worm

4. Wiggle wart in brown craw or phantom green

5. Jewel 5/16 oz spider jig in PB&J or green pumpkin / green fash with a green pumpkin twin tail

6. wht / chrt dbl willow spinnerbait

If you would like help with some more specific locations feel free to PM me.

Hope this helps and you have a good trip,

EP