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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