Kings river spawn

[Ticker]

I am trying to nail down about when the spawn is on the Kings River near Berryville AR. My brothers and I are planning a trip to Hickory Hollow resort for either late April or early May. I know it depends on the water temps reaching around 55. Is their a "typical" annual time that you all have seen over the years. We are in TX so trying to read up on everything we can. Last year we stayed on Tablerock 2nd week of May and didn't have good luck. We now want to river fish so I need you guy's advice. Thanks!

tight lines

 

[gruber]

FWIW, I think it's going to be a wait and see year, too many variables at his time to consider, all the local lakes are depending on a prayer

[Champ188]

Why target the spawn? Fishing is good here throughout the spring on a variety of patterns. Should be some spinnerbait, crank bait and topwater action throughout the Kings River arm. If that fails, get yourself some spinning outfits, spool them with some good-quality 6-pound mono and stock up on shaky heads and Ned rigs. (You can read up on the Ned rig here on this forum).

[J.M.]

Between the new moon and full moon in April would be my guess.

[merc1997 Bo]

april is always a good bet for the river.

bo

[bluebasser86]

I'd much rather fish prespawn than during the spawn. Those finicky fish on beds are so much harder to catch than they were a couple weeks before they hit the beds.

[Quillback]

2 hours ago, bluebasser86 said:

I'd much rather fish prespawn than during the spawn. Those finicky fish on beds are so much harder to catch than they were a couple weeks before they hit the beds.

I was just going to say the same thing, go for the pre-spawn fish.  Better big fish possibilities too.

[Bill Babler]

He really didn't say what spawn he was targeting.  Crappie, White's or Bass?  Here is another point, if you are after bass, why in the world would you stay that far up the Kings River.  Man you are in absolute No-Mans land.  No problem in March thru April targeting walleye and whites, but Bass fishing, you are a long ways from anywhere, especially up the Kings. One rain, big rain, small rain, and you are done.

 If I wanted to fish a River at that time it would be up the James.  I cannot even begin to tell you how small that Kings river fishes at that time of the year.  We have all had to listen to my rants about the numbers of people up there.  It is like Mardi Gras in NOLA.

Past guys on this blog have it down, come in March 15 thru 1st of May and have it your way.  Trying to fish the spawn here for bass is not the deal.  Post spawn Main lake fishing is the way to catch not only numbers, but real quality, especially if you are after some of the big Jaw's we have here.  The SM bite from Campbell Point to Long Creek is up and running as they get ready for the boys to chase the girls.

Good Luck

[Ham]

6 minutes ago, Bill Babler said:

  It is like Mardi Gras in NOLA.

 

Not that there's anything wrong with Mardi Gras

[Ticker]

OK...great info!  My brother lives in Berryville and we stayed out on the main lake last year and didn't do too well. He suggested Hickory Hollow because it is close to his house, etc. We are not looking for trophy large mouth but more of a fun experience river fishing. We spent many summers on the Gasconade River so we know small bodies of water. I reckon we would be happy catching some smallies, crappie, etc.  I simply didn't know when to come but it looks like anytime in April is good. My bro says the same thing you guys say, it all depends on the weather. I am shooting for last week in April and hopefully we do better this year. I have all the shakeys and senkos from last year so I should be good. Its more for us guys to get together and tell lies than fishing really but thought I would ask the pros.

Thanks guys!