10 year-old Brodie Williams from Lincoln, Ark., had a good fight getting in this nice striper last Saturday. We’re still catching stripers on Beaver Lake without weights in water less then 20 feet deep, and we’re still going up the War Eagle and White River arms with water temps running about 65°. There is no reason for the stripers to leave the rivers yet, but I’m also getting good reports from some catching good fish in the mid-lake area from Hwy. 12 bridge area to Point 6.
Live shad, perch and big brood shiners are all catching along with big top water baits like the redfin, spook and my favorite, the whopper popper. Check the flats next to a river bends and you should find what you’re looking for, along with maybe a walleye or big bass. They’re all with the bait because they like to eat.
It is good to hear they’re being caught closer to home so this will probably be my last week fishing up river. Will start fishing from Prairie and Rocky Branch probably for the rest of May, then back here at home in June and get to sleep in my own bed and start doing trips out of the dam area for the summer.
My walleye trip last week had to choose another date due to his dog breaking a leg, so I did not get out here at the Island this week but know the creeks are still your best bet.
Crappie are wanting to spawn now. If you see some brush on the shoreline drop a jig or minnow in it and you should catch. Walleye and the whites are still in the creeks and up river and being caught on minnows, jigs and smaller crankbaits. Trolling is a good way to find them now then stop and start throwing your favorite lure.
Well, it’s time for me to head back south. Enjoy the spring on the water and since it’s warmer now take a kid or two with you.
Johnson Guide Service (479) 253-2258 www.fishofexcellence.com