Pictured is Terri from Alaska with a nice walleye, caught with Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service.
Beaver Tailwaters
Fishing conditions on the Beaver Tailwaters continue to improve as we move firmly into the post-spawn period for walleye. Water temperatures have now climbed into the low 60s, which is a major trigger for increased activity. With the spawn wrapping up, post-spawn walleye are beginning to transition into recovery and feeding mode, and we’re starting to see more consistent movement and positioning.
We are actively catching post-spawn females, which confirms the transition is well underway. These fish are beginning to slide off shallow chunk rock and reposition along nearby breaks, transitions, and slightly deeper staging areas as they recover from the spawn. Meanwhile, males are still holding shallow, but they are also starting to spread out and become more aggressive as feeding activity increases.
With fish now dispersing, covering water is key right now. Walleye are no longer tightly grouped in spawn areas, so anglers need to stay mobile and target chunk rock transitions, sand edges, and gradual depth changes to locate active fish. As water temperatures continue to rise, expect post-spawn feeding windows to become stronger and more predictable, especially during low-light periods.
White bass are also beginning their spring run. We are starting to see more fish pushing up the river, and activity should continue to increase as temperatures hold in the 60s. This bite should only improve in the coming weeks, providing additional opportunities while targeting walleye.
The trout bite remains good, but fish are more spread out than they have been recently. Anglers are finding success by covering water and adjusting presentations, rather than staying in one location. There are still quality trout being caught, and overall trout fishing continues to be productive.
Recent rainfall has helped improve water levels, which has been beneficial for overall fish activity. However, we are still running lower than normal, making boat positioning and covering water even more important.
Overall, conditions are trending upward. With post-spawn walleye beginning to feed, white bass moving into the river, improving water temperatures, and a solid trout bite, the coming weeks should provide excellent multi-species fishing opportunities on the Beaver Tailwaters.
Austin Kennedy, Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service
Beaver Lake
Water levels are still lower than normal pool, but the fish are staging for the yearly spawn. Look for bait and fish on the river channels or shallow flats off those channels close to the rivers. Stripers are making their way to the south end of the lake and holding on flats with bait balls. With lake water temps in the 50s they can be found shallow or high in the water column.
Live bait has been working best when you place your bait above where you’re seeing them on your sonar. Crappie fishing has been good on shallow brush piles and on flats roaming chasing bait. 1/6 or 1/8 oz. jigs paired with a red chartreuse jig are working great. Male crappie are starting to show up on the banks and the females are not very far behind them.
Juan Granados, Hooked on Fishing
For pictures and videos, like and follow us on Facebook.