Well, our weather can’t seem to make up its mind. Had a bit of a warmup, then back to some cool mornings. The tailwaters are starting to lose some water, making things shallow, however that has not stopped the bite.
This time of year, we start to change things up a bit. We have been getting good results using Pautzke Fire minnows and Fire Neds, fished with light terminal tackle. A chartreuse or white Fire egg floating a nightcrawler has done well.
Fire bait, fished on bottom, is producing nice number. With the fire minnow, you want to use a 1/16 oz. jig head, with a slow action. This method is also great during generation. With this method, you can also pull fall walleye, as well. Also try working some jerk baits for them toothy critters. Try looking around chunk rock and inside bends.
Casting ¼ oz. spoons, along with pulling Flicker Shads is seeing some success. As we are getting shallow, water temperatures have been pretty consistent from Houseman Access to the dam, with slightly higher temperatures downstream into Table Rock.
Hooked on Fishing Guide Service, Beaver Lake report: “Beaver Lake water temperature is holding with temperatures above normal this week. 67° – 71°. Water level is 1112.12 ft.
Striped bass are scattered throughout lake and have been tougher this week but still consistent. Slow trolling live shad, minnows and bream have been producing mainly schoolies with the occasional trophy. Some seagulls have moved in which usually means top water is around. Cloudy calm days are best for top water. Best top water for striped bass is bone white or chrome pencil popper/spooks.
“Crappie report is good most days with a few fair days in between. Trees tops, brush piles and docks are holding fish. Any color combo with chartreuse will work. Lighter jig heads for shallower fish and heavies for deeper fish. Livescoping roamers down south is improving daily.
Bass have changed some this week. We’re not seeing them deep on our graphs. Some spotted bass are roaming offshore.”
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Pictured are two father–son combos, Nate and Nate Jr., and Jose and Johny.