White River Fishing Report 1-26-14

[Ham]

I took advantage of the warm weather to make a quick trip to the White.

Minimum flow and more wind that I wanted, but I knew the weather that was coming and I am desperate to fish.

I fished Rim Shoals. I never got out of sight of the boat ramp. I fished for less than six hours total. There was a really good bite on, but the wind did make it more difficult.

I started with an 1/8 oz Zig jig on my first drift. I caught 10 fish on it and it was definitely easier to throw and stay in touch with. On my second drift, I tried a 1/16 oz Zig Jig on 4 lb P line CX using a new St Croix 6'6" UL rod. I didn't think the St Croix was quite as good as my Dorber OMT 84 UL, but having said that I caught fish on 4 of my first 5 casts with it. I need to give it a chance when the wind isn't blowing so hard.

It was pretty clear the trout were eating the 1/16 oz jig better. I had some reel issues with my St Croix so I transferred the 1/16 oz jig to my OMT rod and got to work.

Grass beds continue to develop and the trout seem to like them a lot. Trout also like high current areas with larger rock. I made multiple runs from the upper boundary of the C&R area down to the first island. Catching decent numbers of fish with each drift.

I ended up catching 121 fish. I added Largemouth Bass to my list of species caught.. I had a couple of pretty nice Browns amped some smaller ones too. But mainly I had dozens and dozens of Rainbows.

I caught 106 fish on that one 1/16 oz Zig Jig. I broke it off on what would have been number 118. I guess you have to retie every 50 fish or so.

Nice trip.

[LittleRedFisherman]

Great report Ham. 117 fish on the same marabou jig is insane, in a good way. That a testament to the quality of the zigjig!! After fishing with you on the OAF trip, I know about where you were fishing, I've been thinking of doing the same thing, just working that area, good looking water there! I bet the road leading down there was a bit safer this time... The Largemouth bass, was that surprising, or common. I"d think you'd have a better chance of hooking a smallie that close to Crooked Creek? Enjoyed the report!

[hoglaw]

The bass was likely a crooked creek native taking advantage of the warmer water in the white!

[Terrierman]

^{Nice Trip Ham, appreciate the report.}

[Ham]

Hey Brett, the road into Rim was fine, but kinda lonely. I was the only truck at the landing. how can that be?

The White is a bass river that primarily supports trout now because of the cold water releases from the dams. It isn't perfect for trout and it's marginal for bass at this point. I think all the little creeks support warm water fish and there are lots of little creeks and a few major creeks and waterways. It's a kinda random deal, but I'll take it.

A nit picking side note, I caught 10 on the 1/8 oz Zig Jig then picked up the 1/16 oz. somewhere in the mix I threw the 1/8 oz in some deeper water and picked up another on the 1/8 oz jig. I broke off on what would have been number 118 so 117 - 11 1/8 oz fish = 106.

I've caught > 50 fish on a jig before, but I've hung up and broken off on the first cast with a new jig as well. They are hand tied and sometimes a jig will fall apart. A drop of superglue on the wrappings will take care of that, but I usually just roll the dice.

[Quillback]

Thanks for the report Ham, sounds like a great day on the water!