January 2011 Fishing Forecast

Happy New Year! It's hard to believe it's 2011 already.  Most
sportsmen are enjoying college football, duck season and more
importantly are in high anticipation of the spring spawning season.
January will mark some of the coldest temperatures of the year and
moderate rainfall/precipitation can be expected.

Our walleyes here on the reservoir will start to move and stage in
most feeder arms and rivers looking to feed up before the spawn during
this month.  At this point the eggs are growing and big females start
to get the urge to push shallower to focus on depositing their eggs.
The males will push first and then the females will follow.  During
January focus at the mouths to half way back in the rivers and creeks
to locate our river strain walleyes.  As for our stocker strain that
prefers wind current over river current for spawing, concentrate on
main lake points and bluffs that have gravel and shallow water close
by.  Wood is always a plus in locating greater numbers of these fish
so brush piles and standing timber are always a plus but not a
necessity.

Most of our smallmouth population will be set up on main lake points
and wind blown forty five degree banks this month.  Look at depths of
18 - 32 feet to hold the best numbers.  Jerkbaits, Swim Baits, Grubs
and spoons should all be utilized this month to boat a few bronze
backs.

Greers Ferry largemouths are going to be in slow motion this month
feeding only once over a period of a couple of days depending on
current surface temperatures and location on the reservoir.  The
Florida strain bass we have had stocked over the past years really
seem to hunker down during the cold stretches.  Jigs, Spoons, Rat L
Traps and Crankbaits should be used this month.

Our Hybrid and White Bass will start to push into the main tributaries
of the Little Red River this month.  Look for them to be out in
greater depths of 50 - 80 feet relating to bait and current.  During
January I don't expect anything crazy to happen within the temperate
bass species but select days will shine with decent numbers on spoons
and live shiners within the formentioned locations.

Once again Happy New Year to you all and I look for 2011 to be one of
the best years ever here on the reservoir. If you have any question's
or would like more information about booking a trip, call me at
(501)691-5701 or check out my web-site at www.fishgreersferry.com
Good Fishin`  Cody S. Smith