Fishing is a great way to avoid cabin fever during these cold winter months. Just dress warm and enjoy the outdoor beauty of the Ozarks! Here are some tips to help guide your fishing adventures this winter on Table Rock Lake.
Though we had a lot of success fishing the back of coves in November, the focus is now on fish that have transitioned to the main lake points and humps here on Table Rock Lake.
This is where you can find fish for the remaining months of winter.
Currently, fish are being caught using a variety of baits and techniques, especially drop shots 25 – 30 feet deep. Spoons are another good option and if the white bass are showing up there is a lot of fun to be had. Keep in mind that though the metabolism of the bass slowdown as the water cools, they still must eat to survive. Using electronics to locate shad and finding active fish among them is key.
There will be days in December with pleasant weather, providing a great time to get out and learn new areas of the lake. Try fishing with drop shots and jigs along those bluff ends that are so abundant on the lake. Keep in mind that you need to fish slowly as the bass will not chase fast moving baits during the cold winter.
If you have a system on your boat such as a Lowrance Live Target, you will actually see active fish moving along these bluffs. Take your time exploring these areas and use the warmth of the sun to your advantage by fishing areas where the sun has been shining.
Trout Fishing?
January and February are typically cold here in the Ozarks and water temperatures drop accordingly, making for challenging fishing on Table Rock. Consider trout fishing on Taneycomo to avoid “cabin fever”. The trout are active all year round and the water discharge from the dam is consistent. Don’t forget that you will need a trout tag. Plan on using 4 lb Flourocarbon line and very limber rods. Berkeley Power baits tied to very light Carolina Rigs do very well.
Late Winter
Toward the end of February and beginning of March expect a slight rise in water temperature on Table Rock. This is a good time for Jerk Baits, Alabama Rigs and Float and Fly rigs. On a clear day with flat water, try these rigs with the Fly suspended about five feet below the surface. Flies in white, gray and blue combinations typically do the best.
Into March we sense the beginning of Spring and so do the fish. Jerk Baits still do well as do small Swim Baits and Alabama Baits. Look for transition areas where you know bass will eventually spawn and work them from the opening of the creek to the first secondary point. You will need to cover a lot of water as the fish can be active on one bank one day and another the next day. Keep your baits near the bottom and fish them slowly.
By the end of March the water will warm faster in the back of creeks. This is a good time to fish the back of major tributaries such as Long Creek, the King River and the James River. Also, fishing the channel swings with jigs can produce great results.
So bundle up, get on the water and enjoy fishing during the winter months on Table Rock Lake.
For more about Anglers Obsession Guide Service, click here.
