I've been on the river 4 out of the last 5 days and things are really starting to happen. It is still a mixed bag of whites, hybrids, and big crappie. I've been keying on areas from Snake Creek to Ringer, mainly. Water temps have risen from 48 or so early last week up to 53-54 yesterday. Actually saw some low 60 water off the river late yesterday evening.
The crappie I'm catching are all pre-spawn fish that are still in the main river. They are sitting on some sneaky stuff that isn't visible. Little small current breaks are really producing. We are mainly catching them on Strike King Slabalicious in Black/Chart. on a 1/8 oz head. A follow up Bobby Garland shad under a float will pick off any stragglers.
The white bass are really the big player right now and the bite has gotten better by the day. Same lures are working, but I'm tossing my hand tied bucktails for them as well. All the normal spots seem to be holding fish. Still not seeing a ton of fish north of Snake creek, but that is subject to change at any moment.
The hybrids are slowly working their way into the mix. Most of our fish are coming south of Potato creek. Again, same lures. You can target them a little more by throwing bigger swimbaits or live/cut bait. I'm not breaking out the live/cut until absolutely necessary. I much prefer the light tackle if the water color allows.
The crappie I'm catching are all pre-spawn fish that are still in the main river. They are sitting on some sneaky stuff that isn't visible. Little small current breaks are really producing. We are mainly catching them on Strike King Slabalicious in Black/Chart. on a 1/8 oz head. A follow up Bobby Garland shad under a float will pick off any stragglers.
The white bass are really the big player right now and the bite has gotten better by the day. Same lures are working, but I'm tossing my hand tied bucktails for them as well. All the normal spots seem to be holding fish. Still not seeing a ton of fish north of Snake creek, but that is subject to change at any moment.
The hybrids are slowly working their way into the mix. Most of our fish are coming south of Potato creek. Again, same lures. You can target them a little more by throwing bigger swimbaits or live/cut bait. I'm not breaking out the live/cut until absolutely necessary. I much prefer the light tackle if the water color allows.