This past week we found solid topwater action with big fish (over 20”) consistently. Box fish were hit or miss but we managed several solid stringers. Catfish have remained very consistent drifting in 20-30 fow with many big fish being caught along with the eaters…. Largest this past week was just over 50 pounds and multiple 30 pound fish.

This past week we have seen some good signs of patterns starting to get in to place after the flooding in May and June. Blue cats have showed up in their normal spots in 25-35 fow and have been aggressively feeding on both the morning and afternoon trips. This past monday we had two 50 pound 1 20 and a dozen under 15 pounds. Striper have been starting to bust top water lures in the first 2 hours of daylight and decent on swim baits after if you find the schools. They have been moving around far more than normal for this time of year. Evening striper fishing has been difficult and no topwater action consistently. Fishing should only continue to improve as the lake stabilizes from the big rise and fall of the lake levels.

Lake is still roughly 8’ high and water is murky but finding fish starting to get in to parterns that resemble a normal year. Striper have been good on live bait on ledges and some shallower flats 12-15 fow. Catfish have been very steady in 20-30 fow drifting cut bait.

Today was the first day for me to see the large top water action with some birds working as well. I had heard of some earlier this week but saw it today. Water temp is right around 60 and the striper are coming in to their spring routine. The next few weeks should be very strong with swim baits and maybe even throwing top water lures. Blue Cats are active and being caught in shallow water. We should have another week or two of shallow bite but they will be transitioning to deeper water soon. Nows the time to book!

The fall pattern for stripers is in full swing. At daybreak and for about an hour or so after the big fish are shallow and exploding on top water lures. After that watch the sky and find the birds working. Using slabs or swim baits under the birds will trigger consistent bites. The lake turned over last week or so and the catfish were inconsistent for me but i expect that bite to pick back up. Now is the time to have your chance to land your biggest striper of the year. Many fish welll over 10 pounds caught recently

Picture above from this morning. 12 pound striper 8 pound cat Fishing this week was tough with the winds but the big fish were aggressive early am all week. Multiple 10 pound plus stripers on top water in the first hour of each day. Slabs and sassy continued success once the sun was up. Lots of small fish on top water as well. Boat traffic on weekends makes the fishing much harder but weekdays were great! Catfish were very consistent all week with good eater cats. Didnt catch any over 20 pounds this week but lots of 5-10 pounders. 16-25 fow drifting flats near ledges. Striper fishing should continue to heat up even more as the temps start to come down… hopefully the temps come down! Until next time.