Fishing Lake for the 1st Time

[fishman783]

Hello,

My name is Matt and I am from southeast Iowa. My family and I are visiting the lake the second week of March. We have never fished the lake before and we will be staying on the lower third of the lake closest to the dam. We are primarily going to be fishing for bass and wanted to know some productive areas of the lake. I am assuming that the water Temps will still be in the low to mid 40's. My plan is to target the Northern creeks and pockets close to channel swings in the mid to lower 3rds of the lake. With the water Temps was assuming that fish would be on a stickbait or jig bite, may try the A rig and possibly a wiggle wart too. Just wanted to see if anyone had any advice or pointers to offer for someone that has never fished the lake before. Thanks for any help or advice.

Matt

[J-Doc]

Chartreuse dynamite.

Can't go wrong. :-)

Sounds like you've got a good game plan. Lower third has always been tough for me due to the clear water. Make it 40 degrees and it's even worse. I suck at it down there this cold.

I'd go way up river if given the choice. Then I'd try and find fish with craw type baits. Fishing this time of year can be super tough. Only a handful of locals seem to know how to bring a big bag in this time of year on that end of the lake. To me, it's a mystery. Up river, I have a fighting chance. :-)

[kjackson]

I fish the dam end more than upstream but haven't spent much time there in the spring. Having said that, my game plan would be to start with a jerkbait, following that with a slow-rolled fluke. I would also spend some time going back into creek arms and cranking flats.

Since this end of the lake seems to have a lot of smallmouth, I would think that finding flats between winter sanctuaries and spawning areas would provide you with some pre-spawn fish. An Iowa guy turned me onto the approach: small crankbaits, 6-pound test and a spinning rod--cast a long way on the flats and cover water. Smallies will jerk the rod out of your hand when they hit! I've caught fish elsewhere in 34-degree water doing this.

Failing all that, I would put the boat back on the trailer and head to the Houseman or Holiday Island launches on the river portion of Table Rock (they're relatively close to the dam) and fish the river for walleyes or trout (you'd need a trout stamp for the latter).

[Feathers and Fins]

One of the largest Tournaments start this weekend on the lake and it will be a good indication of where the best place to fish for Bass will be. However in your time frame I would trailer the boat to Hickory Creek or Prairie Creek and head up river. The dam area is home to Kentuckies and Smallies. It is possible to get them on any of the methods you talked about but It could be a very long day with few fish. The river area will be the best bet hands down.

[Mr. Ed]

Make sure you are equipped with a good GPS and paper map as back up. Pretty easy lake to get turned around on for a first timer... Been there and did it

[J-Doc]

So true Mr. Ed. Very very good point. Paper maps are available at local stores and Hook Line & Sinker bait shop. Worth the few bucks as it has historical data on areas for what generally works in what areas.

[fishman783]

Thanks for the advice, I do have lowrance Hds, but also plan on picking up a paper map as well. I do plan on trying the river as long as the lake stays low and clear. As far as line size goes most of my Rods will be rigged up with 8 to 10 lb test flourocarbon for jerkbaits and cranks, will most likely have 12 lb flouro for my jig rod (throwing small War Eagle finesse jig).

[Feathers and Fins]

The river arm will be from Lightly stained to heavily stained just stay in front of the mudline and you will do well. If you run the lake from the dam up to the river in the boat beware of obstructions and if we have any measurable rain take it easy there could be lots of floaters.

[J-Doc]

The lighter the line, the better your chances. I have personally witnessed a butt-kicking over 6lb vs. 8lb line for dropshotting. The bass couldn't feel the 6lb line where as my 8lb line of same brand did not get bumped as much.

I'd go with a 10lb leader about 6ft long on the jigs if you can. Moss green seems to be the best line color. Because the lake has a greenish tint to it most of the time.