How Will I Know When It's Time?

[Brian99]

Hey everybody,

I'm not very active on this forum at all, but I do get a chance a couple of times every year to fish Table Rock. I'm going to try to fish down there this spring and would like some advice regarding the best time to plan on. Since it's such a deep lake it's very different from the ones I'm used to fishing and I've found it extremely difficult through the years. I'm from Kansas and I've always found that the fishing's best mid-April to mid-June.

We're going to fish with a guide for one day, but when should we go? Should I keep an eye on the water temps and try to target when the water is a certain temp? Any other tips for timing?

Thanks for your advice.

Brian

[snakem]

april and may is a very good time

Snakem out.

[97procraft]

Brian,

I aggree with Snakem, if I had to take only one trip to the rock in a year, I would make sure it was the last week of April or the first week of May.

If you are used to fishing dirty lakes, make sure you down size your fishing line to 6-8lb line. That will greatly improve your catch ratio.

[Champ188]

BASS Central Open is here the last week of April. You might want to avoid that week.

[Billfo]

Im from Nebraska & Table Rock is definately different than fishing your Sabetha, Pony Creek or Banner Creek ,BUT I am stubborn & still fish shallow at Table Rock.. My wife & I usually still catch some Bass -they tend to be smaller than most, but its still fun. The bigger once for us (as my 6.6 in profile pic) came off trees in 25 feet. I have not figured out the deeeeep fish, but im in no hurry- as long as we are having fun. Im good with 1-6 lb anyday We are primarily Senko fishermen, but do also have some success on spinnerbaits in 10-15 in lots of stumps. Im sure you can catch mulitudes of fish if you fish the right method at the right depth & the right season & right conditions, if ya just relax & have some fun, down size, fish slow & think about the basics.. BUT...... If I had a Kansas License, Id fish your Banner Breek anyday. LOVE that lake !!!!

[Sore Thumbs]

If i was choosing it would have to be early spring before spawn. You should be able to knock em dead with a Wiggle Wart and a jerkbait. Big ones too. Let's not forget about the controversial A-rig as well. I say anytime but hot time of summer and you will catch em. Good Luck!

[gitnby]

According to my research, the 2 absolute best times to fish Table Rock is:

1.The week before you were there!

2.The week after you're gone!

[Brian99]

Sore Thumbs - how soon does the spawn normally happen on TR? I've tried to time that before and ended up a week or two late.

Thanks,

Brian

[dtrs5kprs]

Hey everybody,

I'm not very active on this forum at all, but I do get a chance a couple of times every year to fish Table Rock. I'm going to try to fish down there this spring and would like some advice regarding the best time to plan on. Since it's such a deep lake it's very different from the ones I'm used to fishing and I've found it extremely difficult through the years. I'm from Kansas and I've always found that the fishing's best mid-April to mid-June.

We're going to fish with a guide for one day, but when should we go? Should I keep an eye on the water temps and try to target when the water is a certain temp? Any other tips for timing?

Thanks for your advice.

Brian

They'll still let you catch fish on Table Rock if you are from KS, at least me anyway. I target 4/15 through Mother's Day. Any stretch in there is pretty good, should be fish that are coming up, some locked on, even some finished and pulling out if you get towards the end of that time. Obviously it is a big lake and fish will be in different phases based on where you are.

Leave the goat rope and black and blue jigs home, put on some 6# and 8# fluoro and get after them with the little green worms and smoke grubs. Don't fish the stuff that looks good. You'll do fine. And it's way prettier than Banner.

[CaptainJoe]

April 15th to May 15th, but as Champ mentioned, avoid the last week of April.

Good luck...