Kings River 8-12-25

[Bill Babler]

Surface temps have dropped up here. We were in the high 80’s to touching 90 degrees, week prior to last. Surface has cooled to 83 and it really has not improved the fishing. 

We have a very strong thermocline at 23’.  The topwater deal has pretty much vanished for me with a few exceptions.  It was fantastic till the water cooled down. 

Took son Steven Friday and Saturday. Did well on Friday he had 3 fish over 3 pounds and Steve had one of the most ferocious top water bites I’ve ever seen. Scared the begebbers out of me. Surge Shad. 
Fishermen and wake boats and many many jet skiers were on the water by 0600.

Saturday was slower and very few boats  of any kind.  Saw 3 bass boats and fished till 0900.  

Big crappie on a flutter spoon. Dixie Jet chrome 1/2 oz. 

90% of our fish came on a 1/2-5/8 oz. jig at the thermocline.  Had under 30 fish for the weekend but probably 15 solid keeps.  

Going  up the James tomorrow to try the buzz bait deal.  If you see the black Phoenix come over and say howdy. 

 

 

[Champ188]

11 hours ago, Bill Babler said:

 

Two observations here:
1. That's a darn nice crappie.
2. Is it even legal to fish in pickleball apparel? 😂

 

 

 

[Smithvillesteve]

Thanks for the report Bill. Not much on here lately. I been wanting to come down but just been too hot for me. I hope you wear that MU hat proudly down there around all those Razorback fans! MU back to back double digit win seasons but not ranked in the preseason top 25. 7.5 on the over/under win total. No respect!! I may have to put some coin on that win total!! Good luck on the James and let us know how you do. We love your reports!!

[cheesemaster]

16 hours ago, Bill Babler said:

Surface temps have dropped up here. We were in the high 80’s to touching 90 degrees, week prior to last. Surface has cooled to 83 and it really has not improved the fishing. 

We have a very strong thermocline at 23’.  The topwater deal has pretty much vanished for me with a few exceptions.  It was fantastic till the water cooled down. 

Took son Steven Friday and Saturday. Did well on Friday he had 3 fish over 3 pounds and Steve had one of the most ferocious top water bites I’ve ever seen. Scared the begebbers out of me. Surge Shad. 
Fishermen and wake boats and many many jet skiers were on the water by 0600.

Saturday was slower and very few boats  of any kind.  Saw 3 bass boats and fished till 0900.  

Big crappie on a flutter spoon. Dixie Jet chrome 1/2 oz. 

90% of our fish came on a 1/2-5/8 oz. jig at the thermocline.  Had under 30 fish for the weekend but probably 15 solid keeps.  

Going  up the James tomorrow to try the buzz bait deal.  If you see the black Phoenix come over and say howdy. 

 

 

I am anxious to hear about your buzzer bite. I have thrown it in the James for a few weeks without much success. A few here and there at first light but nothing like I was expecting.

thanks for the report - always very good.