Wednesday, January 4, 2012

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`

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