9/12-9/13 trip

[PigSooner]

Had a great weekend, weather was perfect, water had a slight stain and the level was just low enough to hit a couple rocks but never needing to drag the kayaks. Caught ~70 over the weekend between the two of us. Nothing of any size- most were <10" with a couple of 13" fish being the biggest.  This really surprised me, as my previous trips the fish averaged 12-14" with a few > 16".  We fished Kelly's to Yellville (first time for this float) so didn't know if that was the norm for this stretch, or the larger fish just eluded us. 

[joeD]

What were you using and how and where were you using it?  Lower flows and level didn't help.

[PigSooner]

The last time we fished(and caught larger fish) the water was ~ 2ft higher.

This weekend we caught most on a Ned rig below shoals.  Also tried walking the dog, buzz baits, and flukes.  Had a few blow up on buzz baits but totally miss the bait.  Also used the fly rod with wooly buggers, craw, and minnow patterns. Buddy Fished with jerk baits, small spinners and rebel craw. 

 

 

[PigSooner]

After taking some time to reflect, I think I should have spent more time working  craw/ tube baits in the deeper holes.  I'm fairly new to smallmouth fishing in the creeks but I'm all ears if I should try a different bait or technique next time!

[joeD]

You were using the right stuff. They just weren't hitting. Low water was not your friend. 

[hoglaw]

Your buzz bait needed a stinger hook if they were short striking, but if they're totally missing the bait, not sure what you can do.

 

I'm a fan of big baits on CC.  Sometimes they just aren't biting though.