We call this meat in the boat. Mark and Lorraine Eslinger from Stanley, Wisconsin, came down for a visit last Thursday and tried their luck on maybe catching a big striper. Well, they went home with an ice chest full of fish. They caught their limit of six fish in the Prairie Creek area on free lines, except for one smaller one with a 1/2 oz. weight 18 ft. under the boat. All were caught on brood shiners and creek chubs.
Water temp went up throughout the day from 48° to 51°. The rain did bring in a little mud, but as I predicted last week the mudline cleared after hitting the islands near the Hwy. 12 bridge. We had some color but the back creeks were already clearing and to me the water was more stained than muddy.
All I know is the fish saw our bait and liked it.
Walleye are on the move wanting to spawn here at the Island and on Beaver Lake going up the creeks and rivers. They are liking the bottom in water from 6 – 20 ft. deep. Putting a minnow on with just a #2 hook and split shot should work from the bank with no float unless you have current.
Trolling with deep diving crank baits and jigging a spoon or jig from a boat can also get them in a boat, with chartreuse and orange on white being the best color. Crappie and bass are both being caught 6 – 12 ft. deep getting closer to the shoreline every day now as we warm up.
Best trout fishing in the Beaver tailwaters now is from the shoreline from Parker Bottoms to Spider Creek. Just get some power bait and worms and go have a seat on the shoreline and you should have trout for dinner.
Well, I better go get more bait, it’s time to fish. Have s lot if days still open if you can’t get out on your own. Enjoy these 60° days and take a kid with you. Robert Johnson, JOHNSON GUIDE SERVICE. fishofexcellence.com. (479) 253-2258.