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From winds to rainfall, fisherman face many challenges
Posted: Friday, May 8, 2009 8:01 pm
By: By Brent Callicott
Thanks for turning the page and reading the Reelfoot Lake fishing report.
This week, I am glad to report that the winds have finally subsided for a few days.
I know most folks I’ve questioned along with myself say this has been the windiest past eight months anyone can remember. Not only have they blown, the winds have blown 35 to 45 mph.
Now, we are dealing with heavy rains, which have caused not only Reelfoot to rise a few feet, but anywhere that holds water. I just hope some of these waters stay around in Reelfoot Lake through the summer, hot months. I measured over six inches of rain in my rain gauge in Union City. This all took place in about three days late last week and weekend, not counting the mid- to late-week rains of this week.
As for the fishing report from Reelfoot Lake for this week, the lake (Reelfoot) has really risen and water conditions have really changed in some areas. The Upper Blue Basin, Walnut Log area, most areas in the Kirby Pocket area and some parts of the lake just behind Samburg have been pretty stained. When I say stained, I mean you can see maybe 2 to 4 inches in the water, almost like moving mud.
Lots of current is present also in all the ditches around the lake. Now, on the other hand, there are other areas of the lake farther behind Samburg and the Lower Blue Basin area out from Blue Bank that are still fairly clear. I know some of this has changed for either the better or the worse, depending how much rain we received in the latter half of this week.
The recent rains and cooler air temps have caused the lake water temperatures to drop like a rock and, as of this past Tuesday, the lake water was around the 63 to 64 degree range.
As for the crappie, the bite on Reelfoot Lake has really picked up in the last two weeks. Just this past week, I witnessed not only a few crappie being caught but some of the well-known bluegill in Reelfoot. Most of the bluegill were being caught in clear water on a cloudy day by casting.
My father (Lanny) and his good friend and fishing buddy Ray Wilson, both of Union City, had a pretty good day on Tuesday of this past week. They managed to keep around 40 nice crappie with most being caught on minnows. Then on Monday, Ray Wilson and Kenny Davis kept 32 crappie. Minnows and jigs are best right now. Depending on the fisherman depends on what he or she like to use as bait.
Most of the crappie catchin’ has been taking place in the Lower Blue Basin on the south end of the lake. This also has the deepest of waters Reelfoot Lake has to offer. Now on the bass side (my kind of fishin’), the overall bite has been slow. Bass are somewhat different and a little more particular than other species of fish. When the weather changes very much, so does the bass bite.
Now that we have had the winds lay down, the rains and cooler air temps are playing tricks on the bass in Reelfoot. Last year in the month of February and March 2008, the Reelfoot Lake area received several inches of rain and caused the lake to get to the levels they are right now. The difference now verses then is that last year it happened during the pre-spawn period and, come time to spawn, the lake was almost back to normal. This year, the heavy rains have come in late April and early May and this is during and post spawn for the bass. Water is everywhere around Reelfoot so bass are searching areas they have not been able to go since last year during the highest of water.
Everyone I have talked with and seen on Reelfoot Lake tells me the same story — it’s kinda on the slow side. Most fishermen are catching anywhere from zero to 5 bass per trip. For the best luck, use the new Strike King Perfect Plastic Game Hawg rigged Texas style and jigs with plastic trailers for your best big fish bite. Also, the Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait in 3/8 oz is working well.
Once the waters warm climb into the 70 degree range, things should pick back up. One note I would like to pass along, the St. Jude Open Buddy Bass Tournament that was scheduled for last May 2nd at Kirby Pocket has been re-scheduled for May 16th. Blast-off is at 6;30 a.m. and weigh-in is at 3 p.m. sharp at Kirby Pocket State Park area..
This event is sponsored by Reynolds Brothers Oil & Tire Company and co-sponsored by the Reelfoot Lake Adult and Junior Bass Clubs in Union City. All money raised goes directly to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis and I can’t think of a better place to spend your money.
If you like, donations can also be sent, even if you do not want to fish the tournament, to Reynolds Brothers. For more information on this event, contact Gordon Fox or Jimmy White at Reynolds Brothers at 885-5541.
Speaking of St. Jude, most of us know of someone in just Obion County alone who has recently spent several months there. This is another good reason to send in a donation. Also folks, be planning for June, when there will be some area-wide free fishing rodeos for kids. June 6th has been set aside by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency for Free Fishing Day statewide.
Speaking of the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency and even the U. S. Fish and Wildlife, these agencies and their officers do not get enough credit. They are out there help protecting our resources and making folks obey the law. So the next time you see one of these folks, reach out your hand and say “Thank You” for doing your job. They are on water and protected wildlife areas as police and sheriffs do protecting us from everyday crime.
So get out, fished or never fished, head out to your favorite spot and enjoy a little family time together. ... memories made for a lifetime. Also, boating season is almost here so please wear those life vest while boating. Until next week’s report, thanks for reading and please contact me by e-mail at calli1@charter.net or David Fuzzell at The Messenger at dfuzzell@ucmessenger.com to share your story or photo with us to share with our readers.
Catch ya on the lake,
Brent
Published in The Messenger 5.8.09
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Brent Callicott, fishing report
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