Clifty Insight?

[kjackson]

Heading out Friday and thinking it might be a good day to explore the Clifty arms. This part of the lake is new territory for me, and I really have no idea as to what I'll find.

I am thinking, though, that there might be some crappie back in a ways and possibly some whites or walleyes as well if there's enough current to be a draw.

Any advice?

It's either the Clifty area or back to Eagle Rock to see if I can find the elusive white run.

[Feathers and Fins]

Ignore clifty and thing Cedar Creek seems the men in striped suits are in there

[Ron Burgundy]

Neighbor of mine fished in the Big Clifty arm Friday for about 5 hrs and had 5 keeper crappie.

[kjackson]

I'm hoping the next two days of better temps will help fishing. The game plan now is to launch at Starkey, run to Cedar, and then scout my way back to the Clifty area. Once there, I may put the Flickers down and explore a bit.

I looked into North Clifty last fall for a few minutes and found a bunch of Ks on flat gravel. The way the bass in my pond have been starting their beds makes me think that if I can find some warmer water back in a ways, I may find something happening. It's new-to-me water, so if nothing else, it will be interesting. I wouldn't mid finding it stacked with whites and walleyes. But after this winter, I'll be happy with just about anything.

[Sore Thumbs]

I tore them up last year around this time. If they are spawning or close to spawning you can throw a jika rig,ned rig or wacky worm around 4 to 6 fow and catch em like crazy. Go to lillte Clifty about 3/4 of the way back. I think you will do good in shallow coves. If not try thriwing a jig in those deep cuts just outside thise coves. Caught the bigger fish in those deep cuts.

[Sore Thumbs]

I'm gonna try to go up there myself Saturday. If my trolling motor cables show up.

[bferg]

What size weight do you guys use on your jika jig?

[Sore Thumbs]

Can't remember Bferg. I think 1/8 or 1/16. I get them at HLS.

[kjackson]

Clifty lured me into the back bays, and I really had to go bass fishing...something I've not done to any extent this year, at least not in Arkansas.

I fished quite a ways back in North Clifty, past the old road crossing anyway and into the timber and stained water. I caught mostly smaller spots, one smallie and a largemouth. The largest fish was about 2 maybe 2 1/2 pounds and a spot.

Fish were mostly in 10 feet plus, maybe as far as 15 feet down. While I caught fish on plastic and crankbaits, the jerkbait fish were a no-show. The best lure was the Rage Blade, a Strike King version of a Chatterbait... but different. Ned was no help.

[kjackson]

Forgot to add that the temp was 58-59 back in a ways. I didn't see any beds, and I'm thinking the pale bass I caught were just moving up.