Crappie Report

[Phil Lilley]

Put in at Bridgeport at 8:30 this morning and headed up with my fishing pal Bill Babler. We hit a couple of places close to point 15 before heading up in to Flat Creek.

Had our limit at 11 am. Just like Josh has reported - 8-10 feet of water on the flats. Fished a long area - not all in one spot. Had to be on the bottom. 1/16th oz head with purple/red flake swimming minnows. Had probably 15 shorts, half dozen smallies up to 15 inches and a few small largemouths.

Water temp 41 and good color.

Paul and Martin met us there from Neosho. They had their limits by noon.

We were the only boats in sight. 3 rigs at the Flat Creek ramp and 6 at Bridgeport.

Agent Akin checked us as we were leaving. He was there last week too. Better be legal if you're fishing over there!!

[Josh Holt]

Yeah he check us the other day as we were taking out too and that is very good advice for the people who want to have more then they are allowed or the ones who keep short fish,we have these rules to sustain our fish populations and make sure their is some for the next season. Better to be leagal then to have a hefty fine. Sounds like you guys done allright good fishing and stay safe.

[powerdive]

It's nice to be able to follow reports and find a good bite as a result, isn't it? Doesn't happen very often! Kudos to Josh for sharing his knowledge in good faith.

[Phil Lilley]

We fished an area where me and Bill had caught crappie in the past. I followed Josh's report that he was catching his fish in 8-10 feet and it was right on. Many thanks for sharing that. Last week, we fished deep (18-20) thinking that was the winter bite pattern. I think they're there too but not as easy to catch as in 8-10 for sure.

We're going back tomorrow. I'm taking a fly rod and fish a jig under a float. Should work. It'll be the last time I get out this week. Weekend - we're covered up here at the resort.

Taking the Grizzly. If you see me with Jackson (black lab), wave and say howdy.

[Josh Holt]

I'm heading out friday to see if i can get a limit of crappie early then run up the james and see if I can find some whites If not I can always catch a few bass on my way back down.

[tho1mas]

I think I smell a fish fry.

[Tightline]

Good job Bill and Phil,and you said you weren't a crappie slayer Phil ?? How about some pics if you get a chance tomorrow.

Good luck..

[Jason Essary]

Lilley, did we ever set the date for the fish fry?

[Tightline]

Did you guys see any whites caught up there??

[Phil Lilley]

No whites there but did hook one upstream on flats just above point 15 last week.