April 24-May 1

[DavidB]

Our annual group trip to Table Rock begins on April 24th.  We make the trek every year around this time, and it's been something we look forward to since our first trip in 1982.  We fish the Long Creek area, from the Arkansas line to around Point 1.  I've read and heard about widespread issues with slime this year.  Are the reports correct?  If so, can you recommend areas where it's not so prevalent?  Thanks in advance for any input.  Table Rock is special!

[Jadesjigs]

Welcome back @DavidB, good to hear the annual trip is still going!  Always enjoy your reports. Wish I could give some input, but I've been spending the last month chasing the white bass up river. Hope you guys have another safe and wonderful trip!

[SplitG2]

It’s hit or miss on the slime on the lower end.  Some points and pockets have little some have a lot.  There are plenty of places to fish without getting gummed up.  You should be fine, just move when you get into it and not too far.  Or throw the jerkbait in the bad areas.  Looking forward to your reports.  

[Quillback]

Very little slime up the White above Shell Knob or so.  

[Dutch]

I haven’t encountered any up the James above Thompson Hollow.

[dtrs5kprs]

I'm the weirdo who fishes right in the snot. It bothers fishermen, not fish and their food.

[DavidB]

Thanks to all for your replies.  Part of our group from Southwest Louisiana will be there this week, so we’ll get reports from them before our group arrives on the 24th.  

This is such a fine forum.  I’ve followed it for years, and all of you provide such useful information.  Table Rock is a treasure, and we’ve seen the fishery evolve in a positive way since we first came in 1982.  Love the smallmouth!!!

[dtrs5kprs]

35 minutes ago, DavidB said:

Thanks to all for your replies.  Part of our group from Southwest Louisiana will be there this week, so we’ll get reports from them before our group arrives on the 24th.  

This is such a fine forum.  I’ve followed it for years, and all of you provide such useful information.  Table Rock is a treasure, and we’ve seen the fishery evolve in a positive way since we first came in 1982.  Love the smallmouth!!!

Safe travels!

[Quillback]

7 hours ago, dtrs5kprs said:

I'm the weirdo who fishes right in the snot. It bothers fishermen, not fish and their food.

Just got some images sent to me of some nice smallies caught on the slimy end of the lake.  

[dtrs5kprs]

34 minutes ago, Quillback said:

Just got some images sent to me of some nice smallies caught on the slimy end of the lake.  

No question it makes some baits and techniques unfishable, but a lot of things work just fine in it. The fish aren't going to leave a good place because of it.

I grew up fishing every green thing you can imagine living in water, so I mostly just shrug off the mess.

1/32 or 1/16 ounce heads help 😉.