Pictured is Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Jim Epperso, with these very nice crappie.
Did you know that Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service has a brand-new website? Be sure to visit buschmountainfishing.net for fishing information and resources. The site includes links to Beaver Lake conditions, weather forecasts, and generation schedules, so there’s no more calling the dam to check water releases. You can monitor generation and flow schedules directly from the website, along with other helpful fishing tips and resources.
Fishing on the Beaver tailwaters has been quite good this week, despite water temperatures continuing to run warmer than normal for this time of year. The Corps of Engineers has been periodically releasing water through the generators while also utilizing conduit releases.
This combination has helped bring water temperatures down into the mid-60s, creating improved conditions for trout and other species.
Trout fishing has been especially productive. Most anglers are finding success using Pautzke Fire Bait, Fire Eggs, and nightcrawlers. With the warmer water, trout tend to spread out across the river in search of cooler, oxygen-rich water. Anglers willing to move around and cover water have been finding the most consistent action.
Walleye are still in the tailwaters as well. Most fish are being caught in approximately 15 feet of water using hard crankbaits. As summer progresses and water temperatures remain elevated, many walleye seek deeper, cooler water while taking advantage of baitfish concentrations near current seams and structure.
Bluegill and sunfish fishing has also been good, providing excellent opportunities for families and young anglers. However, once the generators return to regular operation, many of these fish are expected to move farther back into Table Rock Lake as stronger flows alter their preferred habitat.
Warm water conditions affect fish behavior in several ways. Trout become more sensitive to temperature and oxygen levels, often seeking out areas influenced by cooler releases. Walleye frequently feed during low-light periods and hold deeper during the day. Panfish remain active but will relocate as water flow patterns change.
With improving water temperatures and a variety of species available, now is a great time to get out and enjoy the Beaver Tailwaters. Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water!
Austin Kennedy, Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service
Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake is settling into an early summer pattern as water temperatures hover around the 70° mark. The annual shad spawn is underway, creating excellent feeding opportunities across the lake.
Striper have completed their spawn and are now scattered throughout Beaver Lake. The key to consistent success is locating baitfish. Keep an eye out for spawning shad around floating debris, treetops, rocky banks, bluffs, and other hard surfaces during the early morning hours. If you find bait, there’s a good chance stripers won’t be far away.
Surface activity has been productive at first light as shad gather high in the water column, so be prepared to cover water and let the bait lead you to the fish.
Crappie fishing remains productive, with fish holding around brush piles and flats in 10 to 20 feet of water. A 1/8-ounce jig worked slowly over submerged cover continues to produce quality fish. On bright, sunny days, don’t overlook docks—many crappie are positioning in the shade, waiting to ambush an easy meal drifting past.
As summer patterns continue to develop, anglers willing to stay mobile and follow the bait should find success across multiple species on Beaver Lake.
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