Kim City - Dec 28 - Deep main lake

[Dock-in-it]

I fished deep this morning and my #1 priority was to find bait somewhere out of the extreme wind. I was fortunate to find bait on the main lake that was postured high in the water column in about 35-50 FOW. 

Caught about 8 keepers using the 3/8 Damiki and 5/8oz ice jig. Caught all three species with 4 SM, 2 LM and 2 spots. I seen some fish postured 20ft down and a swimbait would have worked but I stayed with the vertical presentation. 

When I catch deep SM in the winter I will stay put and milk the location. 

My preference is to find deep winter fish on the edge of their depth comfort zone which seems to be about 35-50 FOW in my area. If the lake is flooded, the comfort zone starts at 30ft which allows the fish to be in stained water and avoid current. 

WT 48.5  dropped about 3 degrees with the multi day cold front.

[Smithvillesteve]

Amazing!!

[Bassin4fun]

I just picked up some damiki rig jigs. Hoping to try them out soon. Thanks for the report and pics!

[Quillback]

That is some great fishing!  Looking forward to some days with moderate winds and warm temps.

[Dock-in-it]

I forgot to mention the following topic in the original post.

For some reason in the Kimberling area the number of loons and seagulls are way down compared to previous years. Last year in November the million dollar tournament was partially won due to loons and seagulls providing major clues where the shad and fish were located. 

Has anyone noticed the loon/seagull population numbers in your area of the lake?

 

[Quillback]

I don't think I have seen a single loon in the upper White this winter, very few gulls too.  Seeing very few shad too.  

[cheesemaster]

3 hours ago, Dock-in-it said:

I forgot to mention the following topic in the original post.

For some reason in the Kimberling area the number of loons and seagulls are way down compared to previous years. Last year in November the million dollar tournament was partially won due to loons and seagulls providing major glues where the shad and fish were located. 

Has anyone noticed the loon/seagull population numbers in your area of the lake?

 

Great observation - Now that you mention that I have to say, here around Cape Fair I have not seen the numbers as years past either. 

[bobby b.]

Dock, I haven't started the winter fishing deal yet.  Was able to get into an Arkansas lease this year as the drought messed things up in Missouri.  The season runs through January.  Son (pictured) and I shot 3 days limits Tues - Thurs this week.  The lease group have harvested close to 400 ducks so far this year and there is a whole month to go yet.  I am torn from going ducking or fishing.

[TRRANGER]

Envious of your wing shooting location and the excellent table fare you have acquired. Awesome job guys eliminating those pesky quackers.

[Bill Babler]

Wow Bobby that’s fantastic. 
 

I have neither seen a loon or a gull to this point. I’ve only been in the White from SK to Leatherwood creek.