Pictured is Grant from Arkansas, who caught this very nice rainbow with BMFG Robert Kennedy.
Beaver Tailwaters:
Winter is settling into the Ozarks, bringing cold mornings and pushing the most productive fishing windows later into the day.
The upcoming week features classic temperature swings, with cold starts followed by a midweek warm-up.
Afternoon highs climb into the upper 50s and low 60s offering a great window for winter fishing. Those warmer afternoons will offer the most consistent fishing opportunities.
Fishing continues to improve from late morning through the afternoon as sunlight warms the water. Light tackle remains the top producer, with Pautzke Fire Bait, PowerBait, and small spoons performing well. Anglers using artificials should downsize and slow everything down — small jerkbaits and Rooster Tails fished with long pauses are drawing the most strikes.
Game Plan:
- Fish deep and slow on cold mornings.
- Move slightly shallower during warmer afternoons.
- Use natural colors under clouds; add flash when the sun is out.
Winter rewards patience on the Beaver Tailwaters. Adjust to the conditions, fish methodically, and you’ll find consistent opportunities even in the cold.
Austin Kennedy, Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service
Beaver Lake:
Water temps are holding around 47–50° and the striper bite continues. Finding bait in cooler water temps is the key to a good day on the water. Wind direction will sometimes determine where the shad will travel, and a good channel swing will hold a good concentration of bait and feeding stripers.
Stripers are spread out through the entire lake so choose an area and put your graphs to work. Some top water is showing up early in the morning as these fish are working the bait to surface.
Crappie are holding on brush piles 10–18 ft. of water. Roaming crappie are on flats if bait is present. 1/8 oz. jigs are good options for these crappie as they been liking a slower presentation.
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