March 9, 2009
Lake Level: 915.51
Water Temps: 46-49 River Arms: 46-54
One of the best areas now seems to be the upper White River from Shell Knob to Beaver Town with the Kings River, James River and Long Creek also good. The water is stained in the river arms and is also warmer than main lake areas.
Fish main river channel swings with crankbaits in crawdad patterns, Wigglewarts and Bombers in 2' - 10'. Try to work the baits slowly, staying in contact with the bottom. Shakey head worms and small jigs (1/4 oz. - 3/8 oz) in brown/black or brown/green colored skirts are working well. Look for channel swings in the creek arms as well as the main river. Fish are really scattered, you may get one bite at the mouth of the creek and the next at the very back end of the creek.
On the main lake and lower river arms, jerkbaits are still working on main river and secondary points on the major creek arms. Search for submerged pole timbers and cedars where the creek channels come close to the bank. Some fish are being caught in the back of creeks from the last couple of boat docks in pockets around gravel in 5' - 10' on Shakey head worms.
Main lake grub bite is starting to pick up, and it should get better, I'm finding them on flat gravel points on the main lake, suspending 5' - 15' deep or on bottom from 5' - 20'. For suspending fish, try 1/4 oz. 4" or 5" smoke, salt & pepper or watermelon grubs and 4" twin tailed hula grubs or Chompers, and small 3/8 oz. football jigs, fished 5'-20' deep on bottom.
If we get heavy rains the next few days go to the backs of the creeks and places where run-off is coming into the lake. The are will have warmer water coming in and will get the fish feeding. Spinnerbaits, jigs & crankbaits will also work in these areas.