Help for an annual Table Rock victim?

[mrcold]

I've been going to the lake for about 5 years now with a buddy and his family, and we usually get smacked down pretty hard. It seems no matter when we go, it's about 2 days after the spawn ends and there's normally a cold front coming in. We always hear "you should've been here last week" or "they'll really turn on next week." I was hoping we'd actually time it right for once and have some luck. Does anyone know where the spawn stands around the Kimberling City area? We're staying at Fish Hook Resort, and I've never stayed in that part of the lake before. We're usually down right by the dam.

Obviously, any fishing advice is welcome, but I know how fishermen are with their tactics. Anyway, I'm all C&R, probably the only hardcore fisherman who doesn't like to eat fish at all...so I won't be removing any of the chunky ladies that may have some eggs left.

Thanks again for any help.

Brian

[MOBass]

I caught fish a week ago swimming a grub, dragging a fry, and sight fishing for bed and cruising fish. I spoke to one of the guys I work with and they were on fish doing the same thing yesterday. We both fished the Indian Point area. I talked to a guy that fished the dam area and he reported gin clear water and fish on beds. He had to stay well off the bed and make long cast because the water was so clear.

I haven't talked to anyone fishing the Kimberling area but I would guess that patterns similar to what worked in Indian would hold. I would also consider throwing a football jig and keep a topwater tied on. There are some points above Joe Bald that would be worth a look. There may also be some big white bass above Joe Bald if you just want something to stretch your string.

Hopefully I'll be down Saturday mid day and I have more to report.

Good hunting!

[mrcold]

Thanks for the response! Although I'd love to catch some nice white bass, they just don't count in the tournament of the egos. I'm a bit more serious about fishing than the rest of the group down there, so I've got a reputation to uphold. I'd just assume it's not a reputation for not catching fish at the Rock.

Anyway, thanks again for the help, and I look forward to hearing how you do Saturday.

Brian

[Bill Babler]

mrcold, check out my weekend report and also any of the past reports over the last week. Smallmouth in your area of the lake near your lodging are hot to trot. Smallies are in full spawn and K's are joining the party.

Grub swimmers on windy days are collecting lots of nips on flat gravel and on the long points in front of the spawning coves.

Water is NOT GIN CLEAR, in the Kimberling to dam area, it is at Shell Knob. The clearer the water, the farther they can see your bait and come and get it.

Table Rock guides love gin clear water.

There is about 10 ft. of visibility,thats really good to catch fish, in the dam area and up to 22 ft. of visibility in locations up the white river.

Topwater early and grubs and french frys later, on chunk rock and shelf. If it is clear and no wind, go play golf or go to the mall. If it is windy and overcast go and get-em./