South of 12 Bridge

[Duke 59]

I have never ventured south of the 12 bridge, this is my first year here and have only fished the prairie creek area and the islands.  I plan on maybe going as far as horseshoe unless I get lucky and find some stripers that keep me busy before i get that far.  

I was wondering if there are any stretches that I should be careful since the water level is getting lower?  Are there areas that are full of submerged timber?  Would you just follow the channel or would you go back into some of the coves or arms?  

Any help would be appreciated....at least I'm excited to see a new part of the lake.

Thanks, greg

[petpipuppy]

IMHO...much of the lake is full of submerged timber if you are not out in the main channel parts.   At speeds...try to stay toward the middle of the channels...check your map...there are channels into those coves and arms too.  If you are going to get out of those channels, I'd do so at a speed that won't throw you out of the boat if you find some of that timber!  I often shudder to think of the water skiers in the summer skiing over all of those stumps that I saw there last fall...just below the surface.  You are probably aware of that sandbar just north of the Hwy 12 bridge, right?

 

Good fishing to you...You are a persistent one...given the current rain showers!!

[Blll]

Welcome to the forum Duke. Just finished my 4th year on Beaver and learn more every day. Missed out on the most of the first season of winter fishing because of the unreliable marina schedules. I'm blessed to have a nice slip and it seems as you may too and my 150 Merc is too much of a gas hog to rely on what I can carry. So my advice is: Have all the marinas on speed dial. Call first and wait for a real person to answer. Too many messages that list winter hours just aren't true. For my money PC is the most reliable and the most expensive. HSB usually is a lot less but they are the worst on being open. I'm amazed at the lack of slip based boats that fish in the winter. Most Important: NEVER get below 1/2 tank. I never worry anymore as I can fish easy all day on a half tank. When you do find an open marina...fill up.  Beaver is a great lake and shines in the winter. Plan ahead and go get em'!

[Ozark Flyer]

I too have only been back on Beaver a short time but I am finding good winter fishing south of the bridge in the White River.  I try to follow the 1/3rd tank rule.  If I expect to burn 5 gallons getting to my furthest fishing spot, I wil be sure to have 15 gallons on board when I leave.  5 out, 5 back, 5 in reserve.  Even if that means fueling the day before (as Bill said, “plan ahead”).  Can’t be too safe when it’s this cold outside.