Tough year so far

[Blll]

After last year, my 3rd fishing Beaver, I actually thought I was starting to get the hang of it. This season has slapped me stupid. Beautiful evening tonight. Fished from 6 till 10pm. 1 suicidal 12" spot to show for it. Any one else finding it tough this year?

[MoCarp]

2 hours ago, Blll said:

After last year, my 3rd fishing Beaver, I actually thought I was starting to get the hang of it. This season has slapped me stupid. Beautiful evening tonight. Fished from 6 till 10pm. 1 suicidal 12" spot to show for it. Any one else finding it tough this year?

It seems the fish everywhere have been running shallower......

[Quillback]

I made a few efforts in the Indian creek arm after the lake came up.  I could catch some 12-15" smallies but never could find the largemouth or spots except for an occasional one here or there.  It had me scratching my head.  But, I hear the mid lake area has been good for bass fishing. 

[Stump bumper]

I have not fished much this summer but what I have noticed is the abundance of shad and fewer sunfish in the clear water end. That makes for short feeding times and the bass are not running up shallow to raid sunfish nest. Could be different south of the bridge and that might be where all the sunfish ran. I always find summer hard and I have little patience for the summer time crew playing in the water so I don't try very much anymore and have been too busy to fish after midnight this summer so not much help. 

[J-Doc]

I went out a few weeks ago to take a friend out.  I told him that I could guarantee we would catch at least one fish.  And we did.  A nice largemouth while trolling for walleye.   I also caught a crappie dropshotting. 

 

THat was the last time the boat was hooked to the truck and it was 2-3 weeks before that trip.

I just don't get out much anymore.  Tired of the traffic, tired of the highly erratic fishing patterns, and tired of finding fish and cannot catch them after throwing what I know should work.   I'm just frustrated all the way around and have other things to do.  Ready for fall and maybe some more relaxing atmosphere and relaxing fishing.

[Champ188]

Grand is an hour's drive west. Table Rock is an hour north. Just sayin, there are options.

[RyanG]

12 hours ago, Champ188 said:

Grand is an hour's drive west. Table Rock is an hour north. Just sayin, there are options.

Shoot, I've been going about an hour south to the top of the ozark pool of the Arkansas river. Fishing has been excellent when the water is moving. Even pretty good when it's not, just gotta slow down. 

 

[Champ188]

Yep, that and Dardanelle are both good summertime options. Glad you've been catching some and getting some river experience. 

[Dan the fisherman]

I can't wait to get back on beaver.  I love the toughness of it.  IMO its a great teaching tool.  I just can't wait to get a new  fishing boat and get back ON it.  I'm hoping  August won't passs without me getting one.  Fingers crossed 🤞🏽 

[JohnF52]

How big of a boat do you want?  HP?