White bass time

[trythisonemv]

So for the last couple years we start a white bass thread around this time. So here we go again. Fly rod year three for me going up little sac. Hopefully we get some rain and temps hold fast. Last year was little to much water this year looks like not enough. I will say my best year was very similar to this start. 

[BilletHead]

        Tying Clousers as we speak . Did eight wiggle minnows yesterday. Looking back through a few photos Mrs. BilletHead and I had a very good day on a shoal in Oklahoma on march 29th last year. Yep we need some rain badly for a run here in Missouri,

  BilletHead

 

[Deadstream]

37 minutes ago, BilletHead said:

Tying Clousers as we speak

Did you get all of our articulating worms tied? 

[snagged in outlet 3]

Yeah what Deadstream said

[BilletHead]

           Gosh fellows I don't know what to tell you. They all went out last to you last week. Guess you will have to call Fed Ex and see what happened. . Sent them with your screen names general delivery. Suppose you all want clousers or wiggle minnows now? I will get them right out also. 

   BilletHead

[Deadstream]

24 minutes ago, BilletHead said:

call Fed Ex

You didn't pony up for Fed Ex, maybe Pony Express.        Just make another 1/2 dozen worms and send the clousers and minnows for my troubles.  Might as well send Ness some, he's not too far away and I will meet him for supper. ( I gotta see that tablecloth)

[Bill Butts]

It goes without saying that every year (spring fishing) is different, but it's important to keep in mind the most important factors for success on spring run White Bass and their larger cousins:

Water levels in the lakes affect where you will find the most fish. Generally, the best areas to focus are the first 3-4 major shoals above lake water to find the greatest concentrations of spawning fish. Right now, for example, if it was early April and the water levels were the same as today, the first few shoals above lake water would be much farther downstream than in normal years. With the lake levels of all the White River lakes being quite low, this would require a very different access approach for fishermen to find the most productive areas. Popular fisheries like Beaver Creek, James River, Sac and Little Sac Rivers and the North Fork of the White are all very low in stream flow as well as the lakes they feed into. Wading and boating access would be different, so proper planning is wise. Having said all the above, we all know that in a matter of days river and lake levels can change. By the time the calendar gets to April, we could be looking at a very different set of water level data in the region. And, in high rainfall springs the Whites can venture many miles upriver which dilutes the concentrations of fish up and down the river. 

Water temperatures in the rivers affect the actual timing of spawning fish. White Bass, one of the Temperate Basses that include Stripers and Hybrid Stripers, will spawn in water that is as cool as 58*, but in the Ozarks region the strongest spawning usually occurs at temps give or take 65*. The rivers will get an influx of small male Whites for days or weeks prior to the actual spawn. I've always found that 50* is a good benchmark for males to come into the river, and the closer it gets and stays near 60* the more fish will be found. There are even some large female Whites caught very early, but until the water temp is right, those females are usually upriver temporarily to feed before retreating back to the deeper lake water of the river channel. Another water temp factor to keep in mind early in the season is that a sunny day can warm the river water a few to several degrees, which raises the metabolism of the fish and therefore their need to feed. So, the best time to fish early in the season is mid to late afternoon, after the water temp reaches it's highest for the day. A warm rain can have the same affect, and a cold rain the opposite affect of cooling the river and lowering the metabolism of the fish.

In addition to the above, I would also make the following suggestions for the greatest odds of success from year to year. First, keep a fishing journal of all your experiences. This is particularly important in the early season when water and weather can change quickly. Keep records most importantly of not only your success rate, but where you fished, the water temp, water level and clarity, and the atmospheric factors of temperature, sun, and barometer. Next and very importantly, network with other fishermen who have the same interest. This board is a great resource for many things, but what you need is a small group of trusting fellow fishermen who can share their (including yourself) successes and failures on a daily basis throughout the spring. And lastly, realize that success fishing for the Temperates is largely based on finding them, so timing is utmost important when someone tells you they have been "on fish". Do your best to have some flexibility to be able to break away and get to the river. This is hard for many, but know that it is a worthwhile factor if you can arrange it.

I hope this will be helpful to some of you, have a great Spring 2017!

Bill

[BilletHead]

          Hey Bill,

Thanks for the info as always. Glad to have you in my "Network"  but can I trust you ?  . May be down your way late this week.

  Deadstream when Ness invites  us up for the Clouser Summit and five course high class tablecloth feed I will bring you your Clouser.

     Todays Clousers. One is a Clouser ala Fishinwrench with a spinner blade off the tail,

   Wiggle minnows, some painted and some still needing paint,

     BilletHead

[fishinwrench]

That Lil'George Clouser aint so good for Whites, but early Walleye (if they are around) will eat it good.   

Around here the Walleye show up before the Whites do.