January 11, 2009
Lake Level: 914.93
Water Temps: 37-47
The most productive bite seems to be deep right now. Stickbaits, crankbaits & jigs are still working shallow.
Many fish are being caught throughout the lake from deep structure in the major creeks, suspending over submerged timber around 35'-50' over 60' -100', and also on main lake bluff ends. Keep a close eye out for the birds, Gulls & Loons then idle around these areas looking for schools of bait fish. When the bait or fish have been found on your locators there are several baits that will work. 1/2 and 3/4 oz. spoons in white or chrome, Rapala Ice jigs, 4" or 5" single tailed grubs in smoke and salt & pepper colors, 4" drop shot worms in purple or shad colors. Fish will suspend at different depths depending on the depths of the bait fish, try to keep your lures below the bait & around the tops of the submerged timber. These patterns are working throughout but more effectively in the clearer, deeper water.
Fish can still be caught on suspending jerkbaits and crankbaits on main lake bluff ends, points, and in the creeks on secondary points and channel swings. Crawdad patterns and colorations working best on the crankbaits and shad colors on the jerkbaits. Use different retrieves on your jerkbaits to find which is working well for you, and don't be afraid to play with colors other than those mentioned, you may find them to be more successful on any given day. 5/16 oz & 3/8 oz brown jigs fished slowly on channel swing banks in the creeks in 5'-15' will also produce some fish.
Good Luck!