The weather can affect fishing in a number of ways. Key influences on the way fish behave include water temperature, wind, and barometric pressure.
Most fish species are cold-blooded and can’t regulate their body temperature. They’re forced to adjust their metabolisms to the temperature of the water around them. In winter and colder waters, most fish tend to slow down in lakes, and generally need less food. In warmer waters, they are much more active, and need significantly more food to survive.
So, because of warmer temperatures last week, Table Rock Lake reports were good on walleye scattered along creek channels. Trolling crankbait along the gravel slopes about 17 feet deep worked well. Orange has been key color. Crappie did fairly well but were deep.
Beaver Lake, due to warmer temperatures, had great reports on all fish. Bass fishing had been excellent with a lot of large fish being caught. Jigs and plastic crawls have been working the best.
The walleye spawn will begin at the end of February through the end of April, sometimes mid-May. It starts with the smaller males migrating into shallower waters to prepare beds for the females to lay their eggs.
This picture was taken on the White River between Houseman Access and Table Rock Lake. Some folks are already starting to pick up a few small ones here in there. Warmer weather has even triggered the walleye on the river into thinking it’s already springtime.
The very personable Benji Jarmin of Ozark’s Full Stringers (479) 270-7773, does a little bit of it all and he’s good at it. He reported that John from Missouri caught this between Houseman Access and Table Rock Lake using jigs and minnows.
The last several months the White River has been very, very low, which has created a paradise in the first four miles for bank and wading piscators. Low water means easy access and holding fish in concentrated areas, making it easier to catch trout.
If you want to fish the lake or river, or simply sightsee, give me a call at Custom Adventures Guide Service (479) 244-5259.