Fishing Report

Water levels are falling when we see generation from the COE.  Water temps are in the lower to mid 60's depending on time of day and location on the reservoir.  Overall fishing has been fair to average with most of our fish coming in from 18 - 35 feet.  We are beginning to come out of our low dissolved oxygen levels and our fish seem to be responding.  The best fall bite is readily approaching as water temperatures fall into the mid to upper 50's I look for our Hybrids and White Bass to make a big push soon and fishing should be lights out.  The Cindy K Spinner, fish dinner lures flutter spoon in white and small to medium swim baits will produce best.

Almost Time

Greers Ferry Fishing Report

Greers Ferry is currently 7 ft below normal pool and falling slightly. Water surface temperatures are finally approaching the upper 70's in the morning and warming to just over 80 degrees.  Water clarity is dependent on location, some areas have 15 feet of vis and others have a foot.  Schooling action on most all species is occurring in isolated areas.  If you find yourself in an area with shad present, it's only a matter of time before the fish feed.  It's best to stay put and wait the fish out rather than running around and hitting numerous areas, although you don't want to sit idle in an area without fish.  Run and gun until you locate both bait and fish on your graph.  Right now most every species in the lake is less than 32 feet of water.  Artificial minnow imitations and top waters have been best from sun up to sun down when fished in the middle to upper levels of the water column.  The clearer the water the further these fish will come to eat your offering.  Remember, for every foot you can see in the water with the human eye, fish can see 4 to 6 times this distance.  Keep this in mind and you will catch more fish!
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Greers Ferry Fishing Report

Greers Ferry is currently 7 ft below normal pool and falling slightly. Water surface temperatures are finally approaching the upper 70's in the morning and warming to just over 80 degrees.  Water clarity is dependent on location, some areas have 15 feet of vis and others have a foot.  Schooling action on most all species is occurring in isolated areas.  If you find yourself in an area with shad present, it's only a matter of time before the fish feed.  It's best to stay put and wait the fish out rather than running around and hitting numerous areas, although you don't want to sit idle in an area without fish.  Run and gun until you locate both bait and fish on your graph.  Right now most every species in the lake is less than 32 feet of water.  Artificial minnow imitations and top waters have been best from sun up to sun down when fished in the middle to upper levels of the water column.  The clearer the water the further these fish will come to eat your offering.  Remember, for every foot you can see in the water with the human eye, fish can see 4 to 6 times this distance.  Keep this in mind and you will catch more fish!
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Greers Ferry September Fishing Forecast Report

Hello All!  Yep, September is upon us!  Greers Ferry in the fall is
one of the very best places in the world to spend some cool mornings
on the water chasing fish and taking in everything mother nature has
to offer.  After brutal temperatures this summer we have cooled off
quickly and the season of change is upon us.  September will offer
good to great action on most every species that swims here.  Early
migrations of teal are already showing up and it seems we are in for a
moderate to cool, early fa,ll as we are now seeing below average
temperatures.  Water levels are currently 7 feet below conservation
pool, with any amount of significant rain look for runoff location's
to harbor loads of bait and game fish of all kinds.

Junk fishing will rain supreme this month when pursuing our
largemouth, small mouth and spotted bass.  At some point this month I
will have 12 rods on the deck of my boat and utilize every single one
of them throughout the day.  Now, I'm not saying you have to fish this
way to be successful.  I am, however stating you should be prepared
for an array of situations and be prepared to fish "current"
condition's in an instant.  I will keep a top water walking bait, a
large swim bait, a small swim bait, a spoon and a fluke ready to grab
the instant things change and favor presents itself.  In doing this
I'm prepared for any actively feeding fish I see with my eyes or my
electronics.  September can be an awesome time to absolutely load the
boat with fish becoming more active with the cooling temperatures and
fall condition's becoming more prevalent.

The fall frenzy action with the white bass and hybrids should
progressively get better as the water temperatures fall into the mid
to lower 70's this month.  With the most oxygenated water being above
32 feet right now look for this depth and higher in the column when
searching for the temperate bass.  The mouth's of most creeks and
tributaries will harbor large amounts of bait fish along with these
white bass and hybrids.  As always my first choice will be the Cindy K
spinner followed by a 3/4 oz. spoon.  This will be my first fall
having the Alabama Rig in my arsenal for these temperate bass and
suspect it's going to be a killer tool in catching large numbers of
these fish while on the water.

As more and more of our bait fish population's move shallower in an
attempt to spawn look for our walleyes to follow them to the shallows.
 Jerkbaits, Swimbaits and minnow imitating baits will produce.  Live
bait option's are also a possibility as long as you are presenting
them in areas occupying active fish.  Some of the smaller spawning
flats on the main lake and in the creek arms will be a good place to
locate schools of feeding walleyes.  Main lake points with brush and
drops hold fish year round but concentrations should improve as bait
fish pass through on there migration to current and spawning
locations.

September is an awesome time to enjoy Greers Ferry. The bite on most
all species will be good and should become more and more consistent as
water surface temperatures fall and the amount of daylight becomes
shorter.  Now is the time to throw everything in the box that
resembles a bait fish or forage specie.  Covering lot's of water to
find large schools of fish will pay off this month.  Don't stop moving
until you find evidence of  forage and game fish.  Prime location's
will continue to load up this month and can last until mid December
when fish start to slide out to more stable water.  Start considering
mid day to early afternoon periods for some of the best feeding
activity.
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Cody S. Smith
(501)691-5701
www.fishgreersferry.com

Greers Ferry Fishing Report

Greers Ferry is currently at 456 ft and falling slightly due to daily
small release from the coe.  The bite on most all species is still
sporadic with moderate success on recent trips.  The dock bite is
picking up and is really one of the more consistent patterns we have
here right now.  Drop Shot and Spoons are the way to go for these
fish.  The deeper ledge bite is so hit or miss.   Drops from 22 out to
35 feet are holding some schools of Ky's and small mouth but there
really not feeding aggressively.  A slow drag with most soft plastics
will produce but you have to really soak it in order to get a bite.
The walleye bite has been dreadfully slow but should pick up towards
the end of the month.  I look for the last week or so of the month for
the fishing to progressively get better into the fall.

August Forecast

Back to School time already???  Oh, I mean Fish not Kids!  As the end
of the summer nears and our average daily temperatures start to slowly
retreat, look for the fishing to respond in a positive way.  As our
water temperatures peak towards the middle of August we will see very
small windows of actively feeding fish throughout the day, timing is
key to boating higher numbers of fish during this month.  As August
lingers on we will see all of our shad spawns from the spring and
early summer become larger in size and fish become less finicky for
larger offerings, as our natural forage will start to more closely
resemble our artificial choices of baits available.  On with the
Forecast...

Let's start with what's hot, Big Ole Bull Bluegills in the 7" - 10"
range!  If I had to choose one word to describe them it would be,
DELICIOUS!  These fish are fun to catch and offer really good action
here on Greers Ferry while some of other species are not willing to
cooperate.  Depths from 8 to 18 feet will harbor these fish in decent
numbers.  Look at main lake points, humps and secondary gravel points
to hold some of the larger gills.  Cover does not really seem to
matter although a nearby brush pile is always a plus!  I like a whole
or half night crawler rigged on a drop shot for the deeper fish. While
crickets with a slip cork would be my number one bait for the
shallower fish holding in the 8 to 12 foot range.  I have also had
some good success on the Lake Fork Tackle "Live Baby Shad" in these
same areas.  The only problem with the "Live" Baby Shad is you are
likely to catch those pesky crappies and kentucky's while your Bream
Fishin!  Check out Anglers Depot in Heber Springs for an awesome
selection of both Live and Artificial Baits and Lures.  They open
early (6am) and stay late (7pm) just for us fisherman!

As August progresses towards the latter half of the month I expect to
see a big increase in actively surfacing fish in the morning, mid day
and evening hours.  Largemouth Bass and Kentucky's along with our
White's and Hybrid Striper's will start to feed more towards the end
of this month as our day light hours get shorter.  These fish will be
keying in and feeding on our shad forage here in the reservoir.  Top
water walking baits, Spoons, Smitty's (modified) Alabama Rig  and a
drop shot will all be great choices this month.  When looking for
these fish consider deep flats with a shallow lip, bluff ends into
shallow drains, and the mouths of most major creeks on the reservoir.
If you choose to fish our tributaries this month concentrate on
channel swing locations into small flats or pockets along with bluffs
that have a shallower ledge to hold the highest concentrations of bait
and game fish.

Our Crappies are starting to slide out from primary ledges off of
spawning areas to the deeper portions of the creeks scattering a bit
through the timber.  Long Lining Crank baits through these schools
will produce.  While fishing with this method I prefer a Bandit 300
long lined at 120 feet back on 8lb. Fluorocarbon.  This puts my bait
at 18 fow when trolled between .7 to 1.2 mph.  This will work just
about anytime here on Greers Ferry but let current conditions dictate
what colors and sizes to choose.  August is a great time to beat the
heat and long line some crank baits while searching for an active
school of fish.  I've caught everything that swims in Greers Ferry
while utilizing this method and it sure beats sitting on the couch!

Right now most of our game fish are gobbling up piles of small 3/4
inch shad that are plentiful in the reservoir.  August can be feast or
famine, it really all depends on location and timing.  As a
professional fishing guide and angling teacher I find myself fighting
the timeline more so than the fish most of the time.  Fish are on
their own schedule and some times they just don't want to eat when you
want them too!  This is what keeps me going back, I always feel like
we are going to catch them better than we did the day before.  If you
have any question's about this forecast or would like to book your
trip with Fish Greers Ferry please call me at (501) 691-5701 or email
me at fishgreersferry@gmail.com Check out fishgreersferry on Face Book
or the web at www.fishgreersferry.com
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Greers Ferry Fishing Report

Greers Ferry is currently 5 feet below cons. pool and holding steady with recent rains.  Daily generation continues with generators running for one to three hours.  Fishing on the reservoir has been incredible.  Hybrids and White Bass are schooling together making it fun and action packed.  Most of the heavy surfacing and feeding has been from 8 am to 10 am with sporadic action before and after this peak feeding time.  Top water walking baits, In Line Spinners and Slab Spoons have produced best over the last week.  There is also a very good multi-species live bait bite going on throughout the morning.  All three species of catfish, blue gills, crappie, LM, Ky's and Smallmouth are holding in brush on drops off the main channel.  The deeper bluff ledges are producing a more consistent bite than main lake points and flats.  Graph the drops and don't fish until you see them on your screen.  Discipline yourself this way and you will catch more fish, Guaranteed!

July Forecast

Fireworks and Fish will be exploding here on the reservoir this month.  July brings warm weather and lot's of good early morning fishing.  Sun up through mid morning will be the time to hit the water in anticipation of fast and furious action.  Schooling fish of all species will be primarily focusing on or shad forage.  I have never seen as much bait in the reservoir as this year.  Literally hundreds of yards of shad litter the creeks and the main basin.  This is great news for the health of the reservoir here as our game fish will respond quit positively to this abundant food source.  This year has been a banner year with lot's of catching on most every trip out. With only a few exception's we have seen double digit days every time out on the water in regards to multiple species action.

Big Bull Bluegill's in the 7 to 9 inch range will be on my radar this month.  This spring and early summer here on Greers Ferry has produced more bluegill's in this trophy class than any other year.  Days of catching a dozen to three dozen of these bull's are here.  Target the front side of the full moon through the next three month's for the best action.  Although some of these big gill's will be in 3 - 6 feet of water, look deeper when chasing the monsters.  I like 15 - 18 feet of water and prefer bright sunshine when fishing this species.  Live night crawlers presented on or near the bottom will work best for the bigger gill's.

With the spawning blue gill's brings old Mr. Mossback  into the shallows at night.  Some of the largest bucket mouth's on the lake will be feeding almost exclusively at night.  If your wanting to catch a big summer time bass, hit the water at dusk and fish until midnight.  These large fish that are primarily reclusive in the day time will be cruising the shallows for an easy meal.  Big Spinner Bait's like my custom Midnight special will deliver in a big way!  Lake Fork Trophy Lures 10" worms in Red Bug, Black Neon and Blue Bruiser will all produce when you find active fish.  I prefer ultra skinny water with a good vertical drop into much greater depths to hold the best night time bite.  Night fishing in the summer time can be fun but at the same time slightly more dangerous.  Use caution and always keep a light on while fishing and moving from location to location during night time hours.  Be sure you are very familiar with the lake and it's hazards before going out on your night time excursion.

Our White Bass and Hybrids will be very willing to bite this month during twilight hours and some days on up in the morning.  While Cloudy days will produce extended feeding times, Bright sunshine will really make them feed in tighter schools and generally produces a much more consistent bite.  Consistent weather is always a plus when chasing the temperate bass species.  Large summer time thunderstorms can disrupt the feeding pattern for a day or so following a large storm.  When chasing these surfacing fish I like the Fish Dinner Lures Cindy K Spinner, Zara Spook in Bone or Clear or the new line of hard plastic's by FDL Company which included the "Almost Something" and the "Skipper".  Both of these new baits are fish catchers and produce an awesome visual when the fish decide's to eat!

July can be an awesome time to catch loads of fish here on Greers Ferry.  Be careful in selecting the times you choose to pursue your quarry and be sure to load up on plenty of water before you leave the dock.  Heat sicknesses can occur in short order when we have temperatures in the upper 90's to over 100 degrees at times.  If you have any question's about the reservoir or what's biting best be sure and call or shoot me an email and I will get back with you as soon as I'm off the water. Check out Fish Greers Ferry on Facebook for updated trip pictures and the inside scoop on what's happening now here on Greers Ferry.  Good Fishin` Cody S. Smith www.fishgreersferry.com (501)691-5701

Greers Ferry Fishing Report

06/26/2012 Greers Ferry is currently 4 ft. below cons. pool and falling slowly with small to medium burst of generation daily.  The Hybrid bite is as good as I've seen it in a long time.  We are boating a dz. to 2 dz. Hybrids in the 3 to 6lb. class daily, with some fish reaching the 7 to 9 lb class occasionally by crawling Smitty's A Rig in 29 - 40 feet of water.  The white bass are surfacing well periodically throughout the entire day with mid morning being the slowest between 10 and noon.  You can catch all you want right now on the Cindy K spinner fished fast through surfacing fish. Right now there are also some really nice black bass shallow with the shad fry and smaller juvenile thread fin shad.  They will eat a spook, frog or popper as long as they are actively feeding on bait.  Time of day does not really seem to matter because it changes every day...being in the Right Place at the Right time is the key to success right now.  Feeding times vary across the reservoir and if you hit it just right you can stay on actively feeding fish for the entire morning.

Greers Ferry June Fishing Forecast 2012

     Hello all!  Greers Ferry in June, is there really any other place you'd like to be?  Beautiful scenery, awesome fishing and tons of wildlife all "free" for the taking.  If you have never spent anytime west of the Delta you owe it to yourself to take the short little drive to Heber Springs, Ar.  On with the business end...Fishing Forecast are a lot like trying to forecast the weather.  Your best guess can be spot on or really out in left field.  Typically the only thing certain in Mother Nature is uncertainty!  We take the things we know as fact, collaborate all the information and experience we have and give you our best prediction with the known factors available.  For the ones of you who are regular readers of my reports and forecast I "thank you"!  I do my very best to supply honest reports so you can hit the water ready with the mindset that you are going to catch fish while here on Greers Ferry!  I always enjoy hearing reports from my friends and readers, be sure and let me know how your trip goes while visiting our great reservoir.

     Schools out for Summer???  Well, when talking about schooling Hybrid Stripers and White Bass here on Greers Ferry, School is most certainly IN!  This is one of the most anticipated and enjoyable times of the year to be on the water.  Literally thousands of fish within very small areas gorging on natural forage and eager to take your offering when presented correctly.  During June we will see days with extremely high catch rates and lot's of surfacing action as our temperate bass species take advantage of all the newly reared bait fish from the spring.  During the first few days of June look towards the upper end of the lake on large flats outside of spawning areas to harbor the most dependable bite.  As we get closer to the middle of the month I really look at the Dam area as one of the most productive and dependable areas to start my day.  Later in the month as the bite starts to progress turn your attention to Cove Creek, Salt Creek, Cherokee, Sandy Beach, Higdon Bay and Mill Creek.  These areas should all be considered for Large active schools of fish and fisherman!  I still rely on the Glitter Spinner and the Cindy K Spinner by Fish Dinner Lure Company to get my clients hooked up in short order.  Lot's of baits work, but those two will out fish and out catch every other single lure on a consistent basis.

     OK, let's talk about some awesome table fare, the walleye!  During June we will see these fish really become more shad dependent.  Schools of walleyes will travel edges of deeper creeks and channels throughout the reservoir this month in search for forage.  When looking for our eyes be sure and pay close attention to your graph for small schools of fish slightly elevated off the bottom on hard breaks and drops into deeper water off of the flats.  Some of the best location's change daily as other game fish pushing schools of shad into shallow flats will concentrate a lot of walleyes for very short times.  Depths of 16 - 30 feet of water will be best this month when pursuing these fish.  I like a drop shotted night crawler 99% of the time.  Although the fish are keyed in on shad and small bait fish, most of the time they cannot resist that crawler just sitting in their face!  The versatility of this set up allows for lots of different presentations with one rig.  I'm simply not much of a troller when it comes to walleyes, although long lining crankbaits in these depths can be very effective.

     Our Kentucky's are another fantastic fish to pursue this month as they will be in school as well.  Sharper  drops from flats, bluff ends with timber and at the mouths of small creeks and pockets with bait present are excellent areas to have a collision with a pile of very willing "Spots".  Small top waters, spinners, soft jerk baits, crank baits and jigs can be fished with ease and provide some really good action while the fish are actively feeding.  Once the feeding subsides and surfacing fish are know longer scene, switch over to a more finesse approach with a drop shotted worm or LFT ring fry and dead stick it in the school that will be holding on a nearby deep piece cover.  Go as light as possible, however, heavy enough to get your offering down in a timely matter as these fish will be holding from 20 - 45 feet deep.

     June is one of my very favorite months here in the foothills of the Ozarks on Greers Ferry Lake.  It's going to be a wonderful summer of fishing and time spent in the outdoors creating memories that will last a life time.  If you would like to book your day on the water or have any question's regarding a guide trip or lodging/area information please contact me at fishgreersferry@gmail.com or via www.fiishgreersferry.com (501) 691-5701 phone.  Good Fishin` Cody S. Smith, Professional Angler and Fishing Guide  

   

     

   

   

Greers Ferry is 458.7 ft and holding steady 3 feet below normal pool and 4 feet below seasonal pool, while 12 feet below the 5 year avg pool for this time of year.  The reservoir is continuing to fish extremely well.  Stable weather is always a plus here, however this past week we have seen mixed weather and clouds which have seemed to scatter the fish a bit. However with this cloud cover we have seen an awesome top water bite for big gills, largemouth and ky's that can last all day.  With higher skies and clearing weather look for our game fish to really put there nose on some sort of structure and/or cover like sharp drops in the 20 ft range out to 40 and planted brush in the 15 - 35 foot range. Whties and Hybrids are surfacing somewhere everyday on the reservoir but my other game fish bite has been good enough not to chase the surfacing temperate bass.  I look for the schoolers to really start get active for longer periods over the coming weeks and the early morning bite should really get good.

Greers Ferry Fishing report

Greers Ferry is fishing incredibly well right now.  Shad are still spawning on the main lake, creeks and rivers.  In order to increase my catch rates I am spending a lot of time in really small areas and not moving around much at all.  Once you locate a school of fish, soak the area really well and for a good amount of time before you pull the plug.  All of our game fish are beginning to school up tight getting into there summer pattern.  It is a must right now to utilize your electronics to locate fish, if you are not seeing them on the graph...there is no one home!  Unlike during the Spring where fish are so spread out in vast spawning flats that you can practically catch them doing anything.  These summer fish are like wolf packs, hanging in prime locations adjacent to the shad feeding at select times of the day. Right now these wolf packs of various species of fish are still relating to the bottom and contour breaks.   As we get deeper into summer look for these same fish to start suspending in open water. Top Waters, Spinners, Swim Baits, Big Worms and live Crawlers are all producing good numbers of fish Daily!

May 14, 2012

Greers Ferry is fishing good but spotty right now.  Schools of Bait Fish and Game Fish are on the move daily it seems.  Here one day and gone the next has been the story.  Depths of 12 to 18 feet of water are holding the most actively feeding fish here on the reservoir.  Schoolers early are providing some really good action for the first hour of daylight and longer on cloudy days, however the clouds seem to scatter them out pretty good as the day goes on.  I have had the best luck on bigger hybrids and huge schools of whites in really small areas towards mid morning on shallow flats.  Honestly, I have never seen the amount of shad we have in the reservoir right now...copious amounts are scattered from the creek and river arms out to the main lake and in the flats.  I have had the best luck fishing the fish in transition from spring to the summer pattern.  Smitty's A-Rig, the Fish Dinner Lure Line up of spinners, c-rigs  will all pull some good fish while they are feeding.  The walleye bite is so hit or miss, unlike most years, by now they are really starting to school and are relatively consistent.  Right now I'm having to run a lot of unproductive water eliminating it everyday to get on really small areas that are holding medium to large concentrations of fish.  As we warm this week I look for the summer pattern to really come on strong and more consistent fishing action to be seen daily.  Everyone that knows me well, knows I really want every trip out to be a banner day.  I can assure you, know one wants you to catch them any more than this guy right here!  Right now it's difficult to catch them all day, you simply have to be in the right place at the right time and take advantage of peek feeding times.

Greers Ferry Fishing Report

Greers Ferry is fishing really well right now.  The bite on most all species is fair to really good.  Both live bait and artificial methods are producing.  The deeper fish in the 15 - 24 ft zone are really responding to live bait and the drop shot rig.  Lot's of High catch rates are showing up most everyday with a slue of different species being caught, up to 10 different species and lot's of keepers are being boated every trip out.  Night crawlers are out fishing both bream and minnows.  This past weekend I had bass fishing trips with artificial baits and we stuck with cranks and swim baits, letting the condition's dictate which one to throw and where.  Had over 17lbs. best 5 on Saturday with a solid 12lbs on Sunday.  No wind and Bright sun, focus on 9 - 17 feet of water.  Clouds, Wind or Murky water the crankbait was the deal in 3 - 7 feet of water.  As the next full moon nears the bite should only get better but I don't know how!  Check out Fish Greers Ferry on Facebook for up to date reports and pics!

Fishing Report

9 - 18 feet of water...:)

Fishing Report

Greers Ferry is falling fast and the bite is really exploding on most all species.  Lot's of Fish up shallow in both the Rivers and the Main lake.  All types of game fish are in the bushes as our Thread Fin Shad are actively spawning in all types of cover and vegetation.  Our Small Mouth have really come alive here on Greers and can be caught on a variety of minnow imitation artificials like small spinner baits, soft plastic jerk baits and crank baits.  There is also a decent drag bite going on but it won't produce as many bites.  Our walleyes are also showing up in the shallows and feeding at select times of the day.  Crank baits are out producing live bait for me rt now in regards to these fish.

April 04, 2012 Fishing Report

Greers Ferry is currently falling at approx. 4 inches per day with generation and spillways partly opened.  Water surface temps are ranging in the upper 60's to lower 70's.  We typically do not see water temperatures this high until Memorial Day which is almost 2 months ahead of schedule.  The fish have not responded with the soaring temps as most would think.  Photo Period or amount of daylight plays a huge role in spawning and water temps must be maintained in order for a successful spawn to take place.  Our white bass who made a huge push over the last week have totally backed out of traditional spawning areas and most still have there eggs.  We may or may NOT see another push of spawning fish.  Live bait methods have produced best over the past week with smaller finesse style presentations ruling the artificial world.  In the Narrows and other parts of the North section of the lake a thermocline is formed at the 30 ft range.  Awful early for this to be taking place but it's forming.
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Hello Springtime!  It really doesn't get any better than Greers Ferry
in April. Beautiful Scenery, Clear Water and Lot's of BITES!
Typically during April we will see unstable yet predictable weather
trends persist here on Greers Ferry.  With all the spring rains we
will most likely be seeing lot's of inflow coming into the reservoir,
this is great for all species of fish here on the lake as these rains
add lot's of nutrients and oxygen to our reservoir.  Water surface
temperatures will range in the mid to upper 60 degree
range.  Both species of shad will be spawning in a variety of areas
and should be your focus for the best opportunity for success.  Water
depths from 16 feet and shallower will be harboring most all species
in great numbers during this month.

Our Walleyes here on Greers Ferry will really get spurred on this
month having completed the spawn and beginning to feed into there
early summer pattern.  Look for heavier concentrated schools of eyes
this month on the edge of spawning flats that roll off into the main
channel.  Isolated cover in these location's is not a must but is
preferred. Depths from 6 to 32 feet deep depending on the amount of
light and given condition's will hold good numbers of fish on both the
main lake and in the creeks and rivers.  Live Bait methods with
minnows and crawlers will most likely out produce artificial baits
during this period.  However, with rain and low clouds these fish will
aggressively feed on a stick bait or crank bait when fished around
shallow rock with wind and bait present.

White Bass and Hybrids are and will be up most of the creeks with any
amount of inflow.  Once they have completed there spawn early this
month they will begin to feed back up as they will not leave areas
with spawning shad present.  Early morning and late evening can be a
great time to take advantage of peak feeding times.  Catch Numbers can
be extremely high right now and days of 100 fish will be seen.
Smitty's A-Rig in the 3 arm version with a variety of soft plastics
are already producing multiple catches on single casts.  The Cindy K
Spinner by Fish Dinner Lure Company is a jack hammer on these fish.
Extremely easy to fish and very Family and Child Friendly!  As these
fish follow the schools of shad out to deeper water towards the end of
the month look for the Spoon bite to improve and really start to
shine.

The smallies and ky's are hitting the bank and spawning actively this
month.  We will see pre-spawn, spawn and post spawn fish.  Look for
the bigger females to be spawning heavily on the first full moon of
the month.  Areas of 9 - 17 feet deep will harbor most of the beds and
with current water condition's sight fishing will only be available in
select areas.  Split Shot Rigs with the Lake Fork Tackle Baby Ring fry
will produce very good numbers this year.  When considering color,
brighter is usually better on the smallies.  Chartreuse, Pinks, and
Reds can all be great colors at this time.

April truly is one of my favorite months on the reservoir here.  Lot's
of bites and we will have days where we boat up to 10 different
species while on the water.  Walleyes, White Bass, Hybrids,
Smallmouth...You name it, We got it, here on Greers Ferry.  Check us
out on Facebook and the www @ fishgreersferry.com Good Fishin`  Cody
S. Smith 501.691.5701 fishgreersferry@gmail.com
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The reservoir is topping out 8 feet over normal pool and clearing in all the main and minor creek arms.  Water surface temps peaked last weekend in the mid 60's and now the runoff entering the lake is a cooler 57 - 59 degrees.  This really backed the fish out that had already pushed toward the backs of minor creeks and in some degree the major 3 arms as well.  Most of the best fishing has been in major and minor flats off the main lake and in the creeks as this water is much more stable and has consistently fished better and better each day.  Lot's of crappie, small mouth, large mouth and white bass are congregating on these flats and seem to feed better than the creek or river fish, at least for now.  As this week goes on and more stable warm weather continues look for the tributaries and the minor creeks to really turn back on in shallower water with inflow.
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Greers Ferry Fishing Report 03/13/2012

Water Levels have risen over the past week to 364.?? ft and continue to rise as copious amounts of run off are still entering the reservoir.  Water surface temperatures have saturated through the entire north end with the exception of the runoff which seems to be running around 51 degrees in most locations.  We had a really good bite going here on the reservoir until we got the rains...With all the extra water most fish are still in the same location's, just not tightly bunched and actively feeding.  By the time the weekend gets here we should see a very good spring bite return and continue into the early summer months. Daily condition's will affect the current bite; fronts, rain, thunder and temperature should be considered when choosing your presentation and location on the reservoir.

Greers Ferry Fishing Report 3/06/2012

Water levels are slightly below normal pool and falling with little
runoff entering the lake.  Water Temperatures are ranging widely over
the lake, with upper 40's and mid 50 degree surface temperatures in
certain areas.  Locations with moderate surface temperatures of 51 -
54 degrees seem to be holding the most shad and actively feeding fish.
 Right now you want to be on the water before the sun comes up!  This
has paid off on recent trips with lot's of GREAT action early.  The
bite becomes more difficult as the day wears on, as most of the
schooling tends to die off by 9:00 or so.  Birds can be of great help
right now, pay attention to them while out!  Although some areas of
the lake are harboring more fish than others right now the exact
location seems to vary within a few hundred yards as these fish start
to progressively get shallower.  Over the last week we saw lots of
fish very shallow early and then hunker down in the 15 foot zone and
out deeper as the sun gets higher in the sky.  Although there is still
not a lot of bait shallow, craw fish are starting to become available
and these fish that have transitioned into spawning areas are taking
advantage of them.  This last week marked the first time this spring
where I've seen fish set up on shallow cover and not be suspended on
the nearest drop.  All species have been boated over the last week and
most all our game fish here on Greers Ferry are doing the exact same
thing.  Spend time using your graph and your eyes to cover and dismiss
water for the day, when your around fish you will see them and can
present your offering accordingly.  Fantastic days of fishing are here
and it's only gonna get better as the days become longer.  The next
three months here on Greers Ferry will simply be unparalleled when it
comes to the diversity and quality of fish one can catch here. Give me
a call or email to book your Spring time Fishing Adventure here on
Beautiful Greers Ferry!  After all, "If it Swims...We'll Catch`em!"
Cody S. Smith (501)691-5701 www.fishgreersferry.com

Greers Ferry Fishing Report 02/24/12

Most all fish are still relatively deep with the majority of shad.  Most are ranging from 18 - 28 feet in depths of 25 - 60 feet.  The north end of the reservoir seems to have higher concentrations of fish at present time.  These fish are located on the edge of primary flats, with or without timber or cover.  Fish Dinner Spoons, Smitty's Rig, Drop Shot and live bait methods are all producing fish with numbers varying everyday.  Water temperatures are  still in the mid to upper 40's but warming.  This last warm front did not push many more fish shallow or staging higher in the column.  Some baitfish are making there way up river but are not harboring many game fish with them yet.  However, it won't be long until we see a major migration of shallow fish that are willing to hold and bite.  South Fork, Devil's Fork and Middle Fork have been producing best for myself and other anglers I've talked to.  Good Fishin` Cody S. Smith (501)691-5701

Greers Ferry Fishing Report 02/07/2012

Greers Ferry is currently a foot over normal pool and falling with daily releases from the corp.  Water surface temperatures fell off a little over the past week from the lower 50's to upper 40's lake wide.  Quality largemouth are being taken on Smitty's A-Rig when paired with smaller paddle tale swimbaits in a variety of colors.  Most of these fish are already showing up in there pre-spawn location's and are spread out.  Cover a lot of water to catch these larger staging fish, while most of the smaller blacks are still schooled up tightly in there winter pattern.  Whites are starting to feed well on the main lake with a few showing up in the rivers.  Spooning suspended fish around bait and birds has been the best method and produced really good numbers for this time of year.  Walleyes are still a little early but this new water and longer days coupled with this full moon will spur some better action.
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Greers Ferry Fishing Report

Hey Folks...fish are on the move and feeding at select times here on the reservoir.  Good water color and warmer than average temperatures are lake wide.  Surface temps are ranging from 49 degrees to 52.  Water temperature isn't making much of a difference as to active fish.  Mostly all of the fish we have been catching are in 12 - 25 feet of water.  Pre-Spawn location's are starting to hold fish of all species.  Typically I would not see the volume of fish that are in these areas for another couple of weeks, this is good news for the early bird. Most of the shad I've found over the past few days tend to be spread out a bit rather than in tight bunches.  Some birds are using the reservoir too making it a little easier to determine where larger schools of forage are hanging out waiting to push.  As always I will be reporting what I find as I'll be on the water most everyday.  Good Fishin`
Cody S. Smith

A ton of folks are fishing this rig here on Greers Ferry and just about every other Lake across America, with good reason!  Today BASS announced it's view on multi-bait rigs and you won't be seeing any more jig and drop combinations or even double fluke rigs.  I'm wondering if smaller clubs and tournaments will follow suit?  What do you Think??? fishgreersferry@gmail.com


January 17, 2012
Editor's note: B.A.S.S. is now accepting applications for working media credentials for the 2012 Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 24-26, on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La. Working media can click here to apply.

B.A.S.S. Imposes One-Lure Rule For The Bassmaster Classic And Elite Series
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S., upon the recommendation of its Elite Series Rules Committee, has amended its tournament rules to limit anglers competing in the Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Elite Series to the use of a single lure during practice and competition.
The rule change, which does not apply to Bassmaster Open, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, College B.A.S.S. and other events, clarifies the intent of long-standing rules permitting only one rod, one reel and one cast at a time. No longer permitted are double soft jerkbait rigs, drop shot rigs with jigs used as weights, double topwater setups and other multi-lure rigs, such as “umbrella rigs.”
The change becomes effective Feb. 1 and includes the upcoming Bassmaster Classic at Shreveport-Bossier City, La., Feb. 24-26.
Elite Series Rules Committee members, comprised of 2012 Elite Series qualifiers, seemed most concerned about new multi-lure rigs such as The Alabama Rig, which Bassmaster Elite Series pro Paul Elias used to win an event on Lake Guntersville in October. In the weeks since, tens of thousands of the multi-lure devices have been sold, and they have proved extremely effective in both recreational and competitive fishing.
The Alabama Rig and similar setups from other manufacturers consist of a weighted head with five wire leaders trailing behind. Soft plastic swimbaits and similar lures are attached to the leaders, imitating a school of baitfish.
Rules Committee members believe the rig eliminates some of the skill that should be required in tournament competition at the highest level. “It doesn’t matter how you work it,” said one of the anglers. “The fish can’t help themselves.”
“The Alabama Rig has become enormously popular in recent months, and it has definitely had an impact on the tournaments in which it has been used,” noted Trip Weldon, B.A.S.S. tournament director. “Personally, I have enjoyed catching bass on umbrella rigs and found them to be very effective in some situations. I have witnessed first-hand the excitement this technique has generated in our sport.
 “However, the Elite Series Rules Committee members unanimously asked to be held to a higher standard,” he added. “We have decided to honor their recommendation.”
The rule change follows a precedence of imposing more stringent restrictions in Elite Series and Classic competition than in other B.A.S.S. events. For example, landing nets are prohibited in the Elites and the Classic but not in other circuits. Additional rules specific to the Elites include off-limits periods, no-information restrictions and new limits on boats that can be used in competition.
B.A.S.S. officials emphasized that the decision should not be construed as disapproval of multi-lure rigs.
 “We are as excited as the rest of the country about the new multi-lure rigs,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “We will continue to cover new ways to utilize these tools in Bassmaster Magazine and on Bassmaster.com. Our Classic and Elite tournaments simply have a higher standard for the sake of competition. The rest of us will enjoy learning how to catch more fish with these tools.”
A Rules Committee member added, “I don’t have a problem with the use of umbrella rigs or multi-lure rigs to catch bass. If you are out fun fishing, there may be nothing more fun to use. However, B.A.S.S. events represent the highest level of professionalism in our sport and I think as participants of these events, we should be held to a higher standard, as well. I like the idea of one rod, one reel, one lure.”
About B.A.S.S.
For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.

The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications — Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times — comprehensive website Bassmaster.com, ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.

-30-

Greers Ferry January 2012 Fishing Forecast

Happy New Year!  January is always one of our coldest months here
on the reservoir.  This means very little traffic on the water with
good cause.  Water surface temperatures will remain in the mid to
upper 40's with average temperatures occurring during the month.
However, if we get a really cold snap surface temperatures will plunge
into the 30's and ice will be seen in some of the pockets, creek arms
and tributaries limiting access in some cases.

During November and December we saw copious amounts of rain fall in
and around the watershed.  Lake levels soared from 456 ft up to 469.00
ft in just two weeks with two really heavy downpours.  The Corp. of
Engineers will be attempting to lower lake levels as soon as possible
with Spring rains coming in a couple of months.  The higher lake
levels will provide another great year of spawning for most all of our
species.  This is Great news!

January can be one of the best months for taking an absolute giant in
a variety of species.  This time of year I like to focus on the north
end of the lake, I don't really know why I just like it :).  Locating
and finding schools of fish with your graph and electronics is really
key this time of year.  I like to search for deeper shad and/or game
fish that are really grouped up in the 15 - 45 ft. zone.  During this
month it's too cold to be running and gunning, find a school of fish
and work on them thoroughly with a variety of methods.  I prefer a 1/2
to 1oz. jigging spoon in white or chrome or a drop shotted minnow
paired with  a 3/16 to 3/4 oz weight 8 to 15 inches below.  I will
watch my offering on the electronics and see if I can make them react
to the spoon first, if no go I switch to the live bait rig.  My
clients and I have caught lot's of really good fish utilizing this
method, you just never know what the next drop is going to produce!

Well... the Greers Ferry Walleye run will be beginning towards the end
of this month and really picking up steam as we get into February and
March.  I like to follow the cold/colder water line.  Generally you
will find most of our eyes staying with this line.  There will be two
distinct water temperatures in most of our creek arms and tributaries
formed by warm/cold water rain runoff and inflow.  Most of our game
fish and especially our walleyes will relate to this in someway.  Live
bait and minnow imitation lures will be best when presented in a very
slow fashion this month.

Once again I would like to thank each and everyone of you who read my
forecast and follow the reports.  Check out www.fishgreersferry.com
for up to date reports and pictures of recent trips.  Also Click Like
on Facebook and follow Fish Greers Ferry their. I enjoy engaging with
other outdoors men and women who share a passion for this great sport
we call fishing!  I wish all of you the best year in the outdoors and
look forward to fishing with each and everyone of you!  BOOK YOUR
SPRING TRIP NOW FOR BEST DATES ~ Good Fishin`