Summer Fishing Table Rock Lake.
The mid-summer heat is upon us and so are the summer fishing patterns!
Currently the lake level is at 920.91. This is nearly six feet above the “full pool” level of 915. To those who visited the lake last July and wonder how it compares, on this date last year the lake level was at 916.71. This has caused some difficulty with launching boats at some ramps on the lake. At many sites, people are virtually launching from the parking lots. The good fishing makes up for the launching inconvenience though.
The water temp this morning was 84 degrees at Indian Point Marina. This is consistent with most of the lake with water temperatures rising soon after sunrise. Water in the upper James River has a lot more color to it but traces of mud have all but disappeared in the past week. The water is stained but not muddy and with the high water levels, this has resulted in a good “flipping'” bite.
Baits flipped or pitched into heavy cover has resulted in good bites throughout the day though the better bites seem to be taking place after 10:00 a.m. Jigs, brush hogs, and baits like Yum’s Wooley Bug produce consistently. Drop-shotting remains a good tactic when targeting spotted bass on humps, points and drop offs throughout the lake. Stay with colors such as oxblood, green pumpkin/purple and purple laminates and you will keep the bite going all day long.
The Ned Rig bite has slowed quite a bit but some fish are being taken in the dam area with them when they are fished in 15 to 20 feet of water. Unfortunately, the smallmouth have gone into their summer pattern and are not there to give anglers the enjoyment they had last spring fishing these simple baits.
One final note, there are two tournament that I would like everyone to put on their calendars. The first is the Pink Fishing “Reeling in the Cure” tournament to be held at Schooner Creek Marina October 21st. The second is the first annual ARC of the Ozarks benefit tournament to be held April 21st, 2018. It will be held out of the State Park boat ramp and there will be raffles and a barbeque along with it.
We are working to make both of these events great successes and need your participation. Both should be a great time!
Enjoy your summer and please be safe!
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