Pictured is Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Robert Kennedy with a monster 31-1/2 in. trophy Brown trout caught and released last week.
Beaver tailwaters:
Got your waders ready? That’s the big question right now.
The tailwaters are dropping fast, and while it always gets folks talking, this really isn’t out of the ordinary for this time of year—especially with the lack of rain we’ve had. One thing you’ve probably noticed over the past year or so is the increase in water vegetation. I know I’ve had more than a few conversations with anglers who are concerned about how much has taken over.
Here’s the good news: this drawdown combined with freezing temperatures is actually going to put a lot of that vegetation in check. It’s one of the more effective and recommended ways to manage it, and you’ll see the benefits as we move forward.
Now, on to the fishing.
Heading into 2026, the emergency trout regulations are still in place. What we’re seeing is encouraging—fewer fish under 14 inches and a noticeable uptick in that 15-20 in. class. Most of these fish are being caught on Pautzke Fire Eggs, Fire Worms, and minnows. Don’t overlook 1/4 oz. spoons, either—they’ve been quietly getting the job done.
When the water is moving, focus your efforts on the deeper pockets and seams. That’s where the fish are holding and feeding. And if you’ve been thinking about chasing a true trophy Brown trout, now is the time to do it. Winter is when those big fish make mistakes.
As we move deeper into winter, I’ll start dialing in updates on the walleye spawn, as well. Stay tuned there’s a lot to look forward to.
Austin Kennedy
Beaver Lake:
Striper fishing has been good when you find tight bait balls near a channel swing. The birds are starting to show up and sometimes they can show you a good starting point to work the area and where to start graphing.
Stripers are feeding heavy right now on threadfin shad so try to match the hatch to the size of the bait in the area for best results. They are showing up on our graphs anywhere between 10-30 ft. down in the water column. Some of these fish are packed with shad so if you don’t get bites even though you’re marking them, changing your boat speed will get some to react and you’ll start putting fish in the boat.
Crappie fishing is getting real good, too. They’re on flats chasing bait and holding tight to brush piles when bait isn’t present on these flats. 1/16 oz. or 1/8 oz. jigs are good options for these fish holding on brush piles and just slow roll your bait above the brush piles. Once you catch the active fish out of the brush piles you might have to downsize your jig size for a slower presentation.
Juan Granados
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