FISHING REPORTS/BASS: The Lake level is 167.7 feet and both generators are shut down with great water conditions all over the lake. Water temperatures are running from 76 to 79 degrees. Recent fishing conditions as well as results have been excellent to off the charts with 25 to 35 bass per day common with several 4 to 6 pounders in the mix.
I guide mainly the southern one third of the lake which has a lot of shoreline grass and submerged vegetation. Basically, we have been starting shallow early in the morning with Stanley Wedge spinnerbaits, Stanley Ribbit frog as well as and top water (Frenzy Popper, Frenzy Walker, Pop R, Chug Bug). We target edge of grass line with exciting results.
When this patterns slows, we have been throwing a Texas rigged Berkley Wacky Crawler in 5 to 15 feet as well as weightless Berkley Gulp! Sinking Minnow and Senko in green pumpkin and watermelon blue. I have been using Berkley's 100% Flourocarbon (12 lb test) on this pattern and 50 pound Spider Braid on spinnerbaits and frogs. Take your time with this (weightless TX rig)pattern and work area completely.
Another successful pattern has been to work outside grass with a lipless and shallow running crankbait. Also, there are a lot of bass suspending in the middle of the day and a deep running DD22 is a great choice over deep points and edge of grass. Jigs and Carolina rigs continue to catch bass in 15 to 25 feet as does a drop shot. We have been catching a lot of spotted bass on a drop shot.
CRAPPIE: Crappie fishing has really picked up with great reports coming in from Six Mile, Cypress Bend as well as the Pendletion Bridge area. Basically they are the same with best results from baited brush tops in 15 to 30 feet on live shiners and jigs (blue and white). To get more bites, try Berkley's 100% Flourcarbon line on a new, re-designed Mitchell 300 spinning reel.
AUTHOR INFO: Joe Joslin is a syndicated columnist, tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and Sam Rayburn. His sponsors include Skeeter Performance Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Lake Charles Toyota, Red River Marine/Alexandria, LA, Berkley, Fenwick, Abu Garcia, Bill Norman , Daiichi, Jay's Carpet One DeRidder, The Floor Trader Lake Charles and Stanley Jigs Inc. Contact him at 337-463-3848 or joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com. and WEBSITE www.joejoslinoutdoors.com
