Deep Shad on the White River.

[Bill Babler]

Been fishing quite a bit, and have pretty much lost that one day early top water deal. 

Shad are done spawning for the most part and schooling on the flats on top early. Sun and boat traffic are pushing them down and really for this time of year they are going DEEP.  Some schools are on the bottom and others suspended as deep as 80’. Lots of Shad schools in the 40’/50’ depth range. 

I’m really struggling catching keepers. 3 or 4 a trip, but lots of shorts both LM and K’s. Seem I’m catching as many walleye as bass in the keeper size range. Kept the one a few days ago but have been turning all others loose. Best day was 7 keepers and 3 shorts. Nothing over 21 inches. 

Every walleye has been caught on the little Keitech, reeling or dragging. “strolling” it on the bottom in 14’ to 26’.  You know the bite every time, it’s unmistakable. 

Almost like a bluegill with a shudder then it’s free then a thump. Never set the hook till you feel the weight of the fish after the thump or you ain’t gettin ‘em. 

Tons of fun fish on the flat gravel in the 16’ to 20’ range on most every gravel point. Usually 6 to ten or zero. You catch one you catch several, including the walleye. Shad does not have to be present as most have claws sticking out of their gullet 

Surface temps 72/77 from Camp Pt. Up river. 

Good Luck. 
 

Quick PS. Lots of whites chasing most mornings. Up and gone from Hobbs Hollow to Viney. Must have seen 20 or more pods the last 2 days. 

Carry On.