Well, we got a good pic of fish and bait just out scouting around on Beaver Lake. It seems September is a slow month for the motels, restaurants and fishing here in the Ozarks. Kids are back in school. Most vacations are over so we get in the transition between the summer visitors and the fall visitors, but it only last a few weeks with October being the best month for most business in Eureka. October brings the cooler weather along with the War Eagle Crafts Fair and our fall colors.
The fish are in a transition state, too, and with cooling water that is already happening now. The lakes are turning over, which is bringing the algae up along with the shad. Water temps have now dropped below 80°, so getting below the thermocline to catch fish is gone with the summer.
The stripers on Beaver Lake are still up here on our end with most being caught between Points 3 and 7. More schools are coming to the surface every day now and being caught from the surface down to 30 feet. Big topwater baits are working along with spoons during this transition.
If fishing live bait, big shad and shiners are both doing good now. We’re freelining two rods now and running five more on down to 30 feet deep. White bass and spotted bass are also chasing the shad to the surface on Beaver Lake and here at Holiday Island.
Crappie have also moved up and back closer to the shoreline in the treetops and brush close to 12 feet deep, and being caught on crickets, minnows, jigs and trolling crankbaits.
Trolling the flats and humps from Holiday Island to Houseman can also get you some walleye, along with bigger trout that don’t like the tailwaters being as low as it is now. Trout fishing in the tailwaters is also doing well with a fresh stocking just a couple weeks back.
Boat anglers are doing good in the mornings and evenings, but if you’re fishing from the shoreline you might do better in the mornings due to running water in the afternoons. Power Bait and worms, along with small spoons and crankbaits cast or trolled, can get your limit of trout now.
Well, I better go now. Get out and enjoy catching some fish now for the excuse of being too hot is now also in the past with the thermocline.
Robert Johnson, fishofexcellence.com. (479) 253-2258