Seeking Advice for May 1-4

[River]

I'm headed to Table Rock just southeast of the Hwy 13 bridge near Kimberling City on May 1-4 for a family reunion. My family is more experienced at fishing the lake than I am, but I wanted to see if anyone has any advice for fishing the area and what the fish might be doing around that time. I'm here in Fayetteville, AR and the bass around here have been gearing up for the spawn. 

I know the forecast is calling for pretty consistent rain and thunderstorms that might be rolling through so I was interested if anyone has any experience fishing just before, during, or after a thunderstorm on the lake? I'm generally fair weather fisherman so fishing around the rain will be a new experience for me. My limited understanding is that oftentimes bass tend to shut down for a bit or hold tight to structure especially if the storm has thunder and lightning. Since the upcoming forecast is calling for multiple days of rain chances I can't imagine they totally shut down. Does anyone have a good lure or technique to throw on days where thunderstorms might be around? 

Thanks for any advice and tight lines.

[FishnDave]

I'm not real familiar with that lake.  Hopefully others can chime in.

You can't go wrong with old-time favorites.  I think that's key.  Speaking of which, Ben Franklin liked to toss a key during thunderstorms.

[snagged in outlet 3]

3 minutes ago, FishnDave said:

I'm not real familiar with that lake.  Hopefully others can chime in.

You can't go wrong with old-time favorites.  Ben Franklin liked to toss a key during thunderstorms.

Stop it!😆

[snagged in outlet 3]

2 hours ago, River said:

I'm headed to Table Rock just southeast of the Hwy 13 bridge near Kimberling City on May 1-4 for a family reunion. My family is more experienced at fishing the lake than I am, but I wanted to see if anyone has any advice for fishing the area and what the fish might be doing around that time. I'm here in Fayetteville, AR and the bass around here have been gearing up for the spawn. 

I know the forecast is calling for pretty consistent rain and thunderstorms that might be rolling through so I was interested if anyone has any experience fishing just before, during, or after a thunderstorm on the lake? I'm generally fair weather fisherman so fishing around the rain will be a new experience for me. My limited understanding is that oftentimes bass tend to shut down for a bit or hold tight to structure especially if the storm has thunder and lightning. Since the upcoming forecast is calling for multiple days of rain chances I can't imagine they totally shut down. Does anyone have a good lure or technique to throw on days where thunderstorms might be around? 

Thanks for any advice and tight lines.

Ned. 

[FishnDave]

12 minutes ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

Stop it!😆

What? 😇  No joke!  Ben used to say that some of the strikes he'd get on that key were absolutely electrifying!

[bfishn]

18 hours ago, River said:

...I know the forecast is calling for pretty consistent rain and thunderstorms that might be rolling through so I was interested if anyone has any experience fishing just before, during, or after a thunderstorm on the lake?...

I've lost about 30% of my hearing due to the thunderclap that accompanied a bolt of lightning that hit the (concrete) bridge I was sheltering under during a TR thunderstorm. I was only ~30' from the bluff end, so the sound was doubled. Also only 30' from the visible arc that followed the rebar in the bridge column to the water. Every muscle hurt for a couple days, don't know if it was the electric field (every hair on my body stood on end) or just the violent muscle reaction when my brain rebooted.

I had put in at dark as I did a lot then, thought the storm was gonna skirt me. It didn't. Scooted back to the ramp but chose to anchor under the low bridge instead of loading up. Threw out the crappie light and nothing came, not even a silverside. I was in the dry though, so I baited 4 rods in holders and went to sleep (thundered all night, not much sleep). I'd caught lots of fish there before, but nada that night. 

I must admit to tempting the weather too many times, but there were a few times right before it hit the fish practically jumped in the boat, so I persevered. I remember those few hot times well, hence my dilemna. My former self will tell you to be there right before the boom, while my present self says it ain't worth it.

[rps]

Provided no lightning is striking, I have had good luck in the rain. The bass are in the staging and moving up time period. Several patterns might work. Slow roll a paddle tail grub in areas near spawning grounds. Same for a twin spin with trailer. Find a spawning flat with a fall off into a channel and fish a finesse jig with trailer from the flat and over the edge. As above, a Ned will work, but target pocket mouths. If you see beds, throw a neko rig and pause and jiggle frequently.

[gitnby]

A lot can change between now and then, but there will still be some fish spawning. 
 

Usually for me, the first week of May is when I like to bulge a spinner bait just under the surface. 
And, the redfin is usually a pretty good bet over trees adjacent to spawning areas.

I would go up into Schooner Creek, White branch, Fisher Creek and Mill Creek. 

Should be a good time for Carolina rigging a lizard or some creature bait?

and, it seems like they’ll always hit a split shot rig with a fish doctor, centipede, etc.

this is that time of the year when you can throw the whole tacklebox at em. 

can’t really do much about the weather, but when you get some bad weather, I would back out a little bit and concentrate on pole timber and brush  

i’ve caught some good fish in the rain, running a spinner bait along side of pole timber or on secondary points with some wind  

Ned rig is always good, but it can be hard to throw and feel if it’s windy?

keep checking this page and others because the weather between now and then could definitely affect where the fish will be that week.

The really nice thing about Table Rock is you have three species whose spawns overlap and you’ll always be able to find fish in different stages of the spawn  

Enjoy your time here and catch some fish!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Quillback]

The ned was working last time out and so was a wake bait.  2.8 and 3.3 swim baits ought to also work.  

I have no advice for fishing when the lightning is crackling as I tend to skedaddle in those situations.

[96 CHAMP]

 There will probably be fish in all stages of the spawn, Shakey head, wobble head, if on beds try a top water to aggregate them. Windy, try a spinner bait. Let’s not forget a senko  either.