How Will I Know When It's Time?

[rps]

I am from Oklahoma, originally. I completely understand the "adjustment" required to fish the Rock after years of slinging 9 inch worms under willow limbs in three feet of creamed coffee water.

The "best" time depends on what you want. Numbers? I would say May.and even early June. The grub and top water bite will be on. A chance at a true lunker? Pre spawn March is your answer. Almost every year we see a 10 and we see several 9's, usually on a jerk bait. Crank bait bite (WART)? April on a Monday thru Thursday.

The "smart" move? Set your trip for whatever period between March 10 and June 15 you can manage. Hire Captain Joe, Bill Babler, Bill Beck, Don House, or any of the other very good guides that post here and have them show you the lake on your first day here. They will not only put you on fish and on patterns, they will also teach - the best ones always do - and if the weather changes, they will be available for phone advice.

I hope you fall into the trap I into which I fell. I came here with family and now I am here. Oklahoma and Kansas no longer appeal.

[Martin]

Pretty much what they all said, but, if you're going to get a guide for a day, that should pretty much put you in the fish pie. Get the guide on your day one. Get their cell number. buy alot of gas.....lol.....seriously, Bill Babler, Bill Beck, Don House, Buster Loving, Chris Tetrick, Capt Joe, should all be able to show you where they are and how to get them. Didn't mean to leave the other guides out at all...

I second the : Watch out for a big tournament weekend. Good luck !

Signed, Old Kansas Boy

[Sore Thumbs]

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

I'm not exactly sure, when temps get around 60 degrees they are gonna be ready. I am assuming with the way temps are this year its gonna be sooner than last year for sure. Someone who fishes this lake all the time would be more likely to tell you that answer.

[magicwormman]

rps is "right on" as usual. I believe it comes down to quality or quanity. You seldom can have both. My experience for quality is three days before thru three days after the full moon in April. For numbers, I love the first two weeks of May. Good luck!

[CaptainJoe]

Watch the seasonal temperatures and rain totals. Keep an eye on lake levels. Finally, stay tuned to this forum for fishing reports that always mention the water temperature. Early morning water temperatures from 55 to 60 will be a good indicator. Keep in mind that bed fishing is only one way to catch fish. There are plenty prespawn and postspawn fish to be caught during the period that everyone is suggesting.