Greers Ferry Fishing Report 04/14/10

[Cody Smith]

Hello folks! I certainly hope all of you have had a chance to get out and enjoy some of the fantastic weather we have been having here over the last week. Greers Ferry is currently at normal pool and falling slightly. We have a cool front with rain in the forecast for the weekend which should help back water temperatures down and add a little needed current to the reservoir. Current surface temperatures are ranging from 62 to 68 degrees depending on location and time of day.

Fishing success this week was great overall with a small hiccup on Monday when myself and two clients from Greers Ferry hit the water in search of some eyes. No walleyes to be had on Monday as the high pressure and light winds left us empty handed. We had a great day on the water with the exception of finding some willing wally's. We caught a few Kentucky's along with some Whites, Largemouth and one really enjoyable carp that would go close to 8 lbs. or more while looking for some eyes.

Tuesday I had the pleasure of fishing with Mr. and Mrs. Willard Tripp, future Heber Springs residents. We switched gears and went looking for Crappies, we hit the jackpot early that morning and landed 19 really nice slabs in the 11 - 15 inch range all before ten thirty. Once we had all that we wanted to clean we headed up Middle Fork to go and check on the White's and hybrids that have been really thick in there for a few weeks now. We scored one willing Hybrid while up the arm and noted several other fish that just would not commit to our offerings. We tucked tail and headed back to the Narrows where we landed a few Kentucky's and called it a day.

Wednesday I was on a solo mission to put my hands on a few more crappie in some alternate location's and came out on top. I fished the Five fingers area, Hill Creek and Middle Fork with good success in all areas with the exception of the five fingers.

Most of our crappie population that is willing to participate in biting is positioning themselves in the 9 - 15 foot zone and holding no more than a foot or two off the bottom. I have had the best success casting an 1/8th oz. lead head jig with a 2" tube in a variety of colors. Pole timber located on main lake flats, small pockets, creek mouths and secondary points in these depths is where you definitely want to be. All of the females I have cleaned are still full of eggs and the males are only now beginning to really milt (squirt when you squeeze`em). I am positive that somewhere on the reservoir we have got fish in really skinny water and actively spawning, however I have not seen any females without eggs and my most active bite is by far still in the pre spawn stages.

I wish all of you good luck while on the water. If you have any question's or would like to set up a guide trip please call or email me and I will get back with you as soon as I am off the water. Good Fishin`