Striper fishing

[Bitethis]

I live in Springfield, and fish Stockton religiously. I fish Tablerock from time to time, also. However, my 2016 New Years resolution is to catch more fish, catch bigger fish, and Fish somewhere different :-)

I would love to lock into some Stripers! White Bass fishing is my favorite, and the appeal of Striper fishing is getting the best of me this year. I was hoping some of you experts could give a guy a few pointers, though? I have read through some of the posts here, and have seen some of the recommendations for lure selections, however I am looking for the closes area of the lake to get to from Springfield, while still yielding great results.

Any recommendations on lake areas, lure selections, best time of year/day, etc., would be greatly appreciated. I am not looking for honey holes, top secret magic baits, or anything like that. I am just hoping for some general direction and help. Thanks in advance!

[Ham]

I missed the part of you being from Springfield. I'm not sure in Norfork is your closest option or if Beaver is closer. Both Beaver and Norfork offer great striper fishing to those who put the work in. You might want to consider hiring a guide on either lake to put you further along the learning curve much quicker.

[Crooked Creek Angler]

I live in the Mtn. Home area and fish for stripers occasionally.  The only technique I use is, which is a very popular one, is slow reeling a large stick bait after dark.  The standard is the 5" floating rattling rogue but there are many stick baits that will work. I've had luck on large rapalas, bombers, yoziris, you name it.  Just get a little more than a long cast off of a flat, shallow point almost anywhere on the lake, cast toward shore and reel in very slowly.  Works best when water temperatures are between 45 and 65°F with the sweet spot probably somewhere in the 50's.  On a good night I might catch a dozen, but a normal trip for me is usually 1 to 4. 

Most of the striper fishing is done near the dam, but I've found that stripers are almost everywhere.  Closest launch sites from Springfield would be on the upper section of the lake, Calamity Beach, and Pigeon Creek.  Probably be a good idea to arrive an hour or two before dark and get familiar with a few points that you may want to fish after dark. 

Good luck.

[Bitethis]

Thanks guys! I think I am going to hire a guide for half of a day to get a feel for the lake and ask 1 million questions :-)  Any recommendations on guide services and/or places to stay on the lake. I think I will make a few days of it and maximize my trip!

[Moswimb8slinger]

Buster Loving got into the lines-sides pretty good this last summer. Look him up and see about a trip with him on Bull Shoals