Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Fishing Report 3/15/2011

A little Spring Time Update for you all, It’s getting really close! Greers Ferry is currently at 458.01 ft and rising from recent rains. While most of the state experienced minimal rain over the weekend the some parts of the Greers Ferry watershed received over 2"’s of much needed rain. With the corp. of engineers releasing water daily, we need all the rain mother nature can send us to ensure another great year of spawning for most all species. Water surface temperatures are starting the day in the mid to upper 40 degree range and over most parts of the reservoir. During peak daytime hours we are seeing surface temperatures rise to the lower to mid 50's in certain location’s lake wide. Overall the reservoir is clear to moderately stained, really perfect for this time of year.

Our walleye population is in full spawn at the time of this report as every male pulled into my boat has been milting, while most of the females we have landed are readily dropping eggs. Overall we have experienced a difficult bite to this point in this early season among the eyes. I expect nothing but great things to happen from here on out within this species specifically. With warmer nights and the spawn drawing to a close look for there to be an increase in overall bites and quality of fish. Live bait methods along with minnow imitation artificial’s all having there place. All three rivers and select feeder creeks are holding fish right now, if you can’t access the rivers or are unfamiliar with how to navigate them try your luck on windy, gravel forty five degree banks on the main lake and in the cove creek area.

White bass and hybrids have been making some appearances on recent trips out. None have been seen or caught up the rivers or creeks yet but we are not far away. Look for the next two weeks to really get hot! 58 degree surface temperatures typically mark the height of the white bass spawn here on Greers Ferry. With lower lake levels this year I look for the fish to really utilize the large flats within the creek and river arms for spawning, of course we will still see a large population push in the backs of the creeks, however don’t overlook the flats on the way back! 3" Grubs, In-line spinners (like the Cindy K www.fishdinnerlures.com Small minnow imitation crank baits and jerk baits will also work if you have good current or wind. If live bait is your deal use small to medium size minnows and present them on a dead drift with the current for best results.

Here on Greers Ferry we are lucky enough to have great bait fish that can feed all the different types of game fish the reservoir contains, of these game fish our Crappie are an angler favorite. Most all the crappies that have come on board over the last couple of weeks are staging in 22 - 30 feet of water with there nose on the bottom. I look for them to start moving shallower in the column while staying in the same overall depth zone during the rest of the month. Look at creek channels that swing in close to the shore with wood cover to hold good numbers of fish. Utilize your graph to locate schools that are mixed within large lay down tops within in the creeks and rivers. 1/8 oz. Jigs tipped with minnows or Jigs, small spoons and swim baits will all put good fish in the boat.

Spring Time is right around the corner and it’s a great time to be on Greers Ferry! As water temperatures warm and days get longer the bite will increase on all species here on the reservoir. Current weather conditions will dictate how the reservoir is fishing so keep a close eye on the weather and get on the water as much as you can over the next couple of months, Fishing is going to be FANTASTIC! www.fishgreersferry.com (501)691-5701 Cody S. Smith

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