Well, this week was a tough one for the fisherman. The air temps and strong winds have kept even the most avid fisherman on the trailer. The water temp has still held at the 44 to 49 degree mark. The fish are moving to the staging areas. This will be the pattern till the spawn starts. The fish will pull up on points and secondary points and as the water starts to move into the 50's they will scatter out over the flats and backs of the coves. When the fish start moving up on the points they will stack up before moving back into the coves. When you catch a fish work the area over and come back to the area several times and look for other areas that have the same structure. The lipless crank bait and chatter bait have been the baits of choice. Cover plenty of water and work it well before moving on. Now is a good time to get out that jig if you don't have confidence in it and pitch it to heavy cover. Hit that spot several times before you move on. I like main lake points with water 10 to 15 foot deep and plenty of cover. I like a ½ ounce jig in neon pumpkin with the same color trailer. Big spinner bait is another good bait to cover plenty of water with. I like the ¾ ounce with a #7 silver willow leaf and a gold Colorado in a chartreuse and white and fire tiger. When we have some warm days the Lake Fork Tackle Zig Zag and Ring fry fished weightless will be a good choice to have tied on.
When the water gets into the 50's and stays consistent there will be more fish than right now. The mid to upper fifties is a good temp for the males to start their spawning activities. The males move in first and start picking out there nesting areas and the big females will be close behind. I have said this many time's, spend as much time as you can on the water. That fish of a life time is out there waiting for a bait to come close and the memories will begin. Remember to be careful when you are handling the fish as they will be caught many times during the spawn. Take your pictures and handle the fish as little as possible.
The worst weather can be some of the best fishing days. Get out there and catch that next state record.
Jim Reaneau