Weekend Report

[Bill Babler]

Huge weekend to report on the rock. Two major guide extravaganzas, both featuring up to 15 guide boats each. Thats about all of us.

I will give a lake section report and the goings on of both parties. This was the first major boating weekend, with lots of lake activity other than fisherman. Shame the season of the boater has arrived. We have to share now.

Dam area, this weekend when the wind was blowing was very good for the smallies, as both smallmouth and K's are in full spawn. I believe for the most part the Largemouth have finished up as we caught quite a few spawned out females in that 20 plus deep water range dragging a rig, and also captured a few on topwater and swimming a grub off the major lake points from Longcreek to Point 5.

Midlake section, from Kimberling to Campbell Pt. seems to be just on fire with the small jaws, as long as the sun is behind a cloud and the wind is blowing. Topwater early on the spawning flats and then if wind is not present, back off a mite as the K's will continue to bite in the 14 to 18 ft. range on any shelf or table rock.

These fish are still in full spawn and as fat as pigs with extended vents. Some of the Jaws had red tails and you could tell were working over the nusery. Most of the K's were just fat and ready to go. Have caught them spawning, as late as the last of May, so they are still up too baby business.

When the wind kicks, move back onto the shallow stuff and get back after the brown bass. Splits and shakeys seem to be the ticket, with a hula grub, being a close third. Nice catches are also being reported on green pumpkin tubes.

Look for the wind.

Shell Knob to Beaver Town, Excellent split shot bite in 6 to 16 ft. with topwater gone wild in the early mornings.

Major chasing activity going on in cove mouths major creeks mouths and bluff ends. Spooks, fins, and sammey's will get you snapped. On overcast continue to throw the top, but if the sun comes out and the water flattens, start dragging.

Look for topwater chasers, and don't pass them by, while you are doing any kind of fishing or just motoring from location to location. Had two 4 pounders on just little swirles this weekend.

Kings River, James River and Long Creek, Pretty nice topwater bite early then that great little money maker Jewell 5/16 pbj is catching em. Fish still seem to be in that 6 to 14 ft range. The doctor, is also still in the house as my best bite in the Kings is on a dr. Fish seemed to be locked in on the drag at 6 to 14 ft.

I keep trying a blade in the wind and on banks with lots of breeze on-em but for me I am just getting bit better on a rig.