Pictured is Adam from Oklahoma with a very nice Beaver Lake catfish, caught with Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service.
Beaver Tailwaters Fishing Report
The Beaver Tailwaters have been changing almost daily as the Corps of Engineers continues releasing water through both the spillway and hydropower units. Those releases have caused water temperatures to fluctuate more than usual, and the trout have definitely noticed.
The trout bite has been a bit of a roller coaster. During periods of cooler water and increased generation, fish have been more active. As temperatures climb between releases, trout tend to become less aggressive and hold in areas with stronger current and better oxygen.
If you’re targeting trout right now, focus on fishing early in the morning whenever possible. Target current seams, deeper runs, and oxygen-rich water. Drift natural baits under a float or present them naturally along the bottom. Small spoons, inline spinners, marabou jigs, and finesse soft plastics can also produce when worked slowly. Don’t be afraid to downsize your presentation during warmer parts of the day, as trout often become more selective.
Patience is the key right now. When the water cools with fresh releases, feeding windows can open quickly.
If you’ve been looking for consistent action, now is a great time to take advantage of our new Beaver Tailwaters Multi-Species Trips. Instead of focusing solely on trout, we’re targeting walleye, crappie, bass, and perch — and the fishing has been outstanding.
Common techniques that have been producing include vertical jigging soft plastics and hair jigs for walleye, live minnows or small jigs around timber and structure for crappie, Ned rigs, finesse worms, tubes, and small swimbaits for bass, and light tackle with small jigs or live bait for perch.
The biggest advantage of a multi-species trip is that if one bite slows down, there’s almost always another species ready to cooperate. It keeps rods bending, gives anglers the chance to catch several different species in one trip, and showcases just how diverse the Beaver Tailwaters fishery really is.
As always, be sure to monitor generation schedules before heading out, as changing water levels and temperatures can quickly alter fish behavior. Stay safe, adapt to the conditions, and good luck on the water!
Austin Kennedy, Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service
Beaver Lake Striper Fishing Report
The recent rain showers seem to be behind us, and the lake level at Beaver Lake has stabilized.
Striped bass are now locked into their summer pattern, holding deep—anywhere from 30 to 100 feet down between the Highway 12 bridge and the dam. These fish are roaming in massive schools, constantly on the move to follow baitfish and escaping fishing pressure.
Where to look: River channels and channel swings; bluffs and points; islands and coves; the deep edges of large mud flats.
What’s working: LiveScope anglers, catching their fair share by dropping spoons and heavy jigs directly into the schools. Trollers are finding success deep by pulling shad and bluegill.
The biggest key right now? Trust your electronics. Once you spot them, make sure to get your bait down deep, placing it just above their heads.
Juan Granados, Hooked on Fishing, LLC
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