Pictured are James and Natalie from Missouri, who caught these nice stripers with guide Austin Kennedy of Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service
The Beaver tailwaters are running low, and there’s no question about it — we could certainly use some rain! With the current low-water conditions, anglers are having to put in extra work to find fish. The trout are still biting, but don’t expect to sit in one spot all morning and fill the boat. Staying mobile and locating deeper holes and channels has been the key to putting fish in the net.
The good news is that the brown trout bite is starting to pick up! As we move into fall and water temperatures begin cooling, we’re seeing the seasonal transition that makes this one of my favorite times of year to target browns. Early mornings and late evenings are going to offer some of your best opportunities, especially for anglers looking to hook into a larger fish.
Rainbow trout are still providing good fishing opportunities throughout the tailwaters. With the water running low and clear, presentation becomes increasingly important. Light line, smaller offerings, and a little patience can make a tremendous difference. Prepared trout baits, small spoons, and spinners are all worth keeping in your tackle box. Don’t be afraid to change colors or presentations when the bite slows down.
A few tips for fishing the current conditions:
- Find deeper water: Concentrate on deeper holes, channels, and areas offering trout protection from the shallow conditions.
- Keep moving: If the fish aren’t cooperating, don’t spend your entire morning waiting for them to show up. Cover water until you locate active fish.
- Fish early or late: Low-light periods are particularly important when targeting brown trout.
- Adjust your presentation: Clear water can make trout more cautious. Smaller baits, lighter line, and natural presentations may improve your success.
- Watch your surroundings: Low water exposes rocks, gravel bars, and other hazards that may normally be submerged. Boaters should use extra caution when navigating the river.
As we continue into the fall season, brown trout activity should become increasingly interesting. This is also an important time to be mindful of spawning fish. If you encounter trout actively spawning or notice clean gravel spawning beds, give those areas some room and avoid disturbing them.
Looking ahead: Some steady rainfall would certainly help improve conditions along the tailwaters. Until then, anglers willing to adjust their approach, cover water, and concentrate on deeper areas should continue finding opportunities for success.
Remember, fishing isn’t always about what worked yesterday. It’s about recognizing the conditions in front of you and making the adjustments necessary to be successful.
Stay safe, enjoy the cooler fall mornings, and we’ll see you on the water!
Austin Kennedy, Busch Mountain Fishing Guide
Beaver Lake
Water level: 1113.44 ft. Water temp: 70.8°F – 81.5°F.
Beaver Lake stripers have been actively feeding, with the major feeding at sunrise and sunset and consistent but fewer bites throughout the day.
The surface water temperature is cooling down some, and I’m starting to see bait holding higher in the water column. That means topwater season is just around the corner! My favorite topwater walking-style lures are made by Cotton Cordell, Evergreen, and Yo-Zuri. These tail-heavy lures cast further, cut through the wind, and are easier for anglers to walk the dog.
The lake has started to turn over and will take several weeks to clear up, and the fish are moving. Keep an eye out for surface activity, and don’t be afraid to scan the entire lake.
Xieng Chanthavong, Hooked On Fishing LLC
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