Missouri Lakes Fishing Report

Lake - Bull Shoals 05/25/06:

BULL SHOALS LAKE REPORT,northern sector. Submitted as a community service by SPRING CREEK ENTERPRISES. Don and Judy Schnable 417 273 4859 schnabs@webound.com

SPRING CREEK ENTERPRISES http://www.maout.com/springcreek is sponsored by HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS Mountain Home Arkansas http://www.hiexpress.com , SCHOCKEYS BOAT and MOTOR http://www.bullshoals.com/schockey/

Bass ,all three species of black Bass are pretty much into their summer time mode and haunts. They will congregate at ambush spots waiting for schools of shad to pass . The most common spot is the main lake points .They will be at the thermocline ,whatever that depth is when you fish for them. While they are waiting to break into the shad they will forage for crawfish,worms etc. If you do not have electronics that can technically find the depth of the thermocline your most accurate info can be obtained by calling one of the dive shops on the lake. When the Bass break into the shad the surface activity will be dramatic. Any top water lure will catch these fish. If you want bigger fish they will be directly below the smaller faster swimming surface feeding Bass.To get these bigger bass to hit you have to realize they are feeding on the wounded shad that have been hit in the surface feed..My favorite bait is a MEPPS SYCLOPS LITE SPOON . The best color is the shad imitation SILVER / CHARTRUSE. The size I use depends on the size of the shad. These spoons seem to be a little bit pricey but they drop and swim better than their cheaper competitor. The ole saying "you get what you pay for" is accurate in this case. When fishing these points waiting for the top water action I use a 8 inch curl tail red worm with double gold flake. Gene LaRue or Lucky Strike brands will do.I prefer a Texas rigged worm.

Crappie are in the deeper locations and around the flooded trees. Minnows AR night under the lantern is the best call right now. The catch is about 3 small fish to every legal size crappie.

White Bass and Stripers are schooled and working shad from mid lake at Oakland up into the major feeder streams like Big Creek.

Catfish are being caught in the feeder streams and at the mouths of these streams. Night time fishing with small sunfish ,prepared baits, night crawlers,and leeches are the most used . Jug fishing the main lake has not yet caught on.

Blue gill are being caught near their spawn beds in about 17 ft of water. Pea gravel flats at the entrances to the major main lake coves are good spots to find these excellent fish. Crickets are the best bait to use right now.

Report #2

This report is compiled by Ron Schneider schneidersrods@schneidersrods.com

Hi folks!

This is Ron Schneider with this week’s fishing report.

Both lakes have come up this past week; water temperature is up and in the mid 70’s.

On Bull Shoals, Wilderness Trail reports the Bass have moved shallow again and finishing their spawn. There is some top water action early and late in the day, other times try tube baits, grubs, jigs, or Flukes.

Catfish are active and being caught on a variety of baits in the backs of main lake pockets and major creek arms.

Walleye action has been picking up; try flats and points in the 23’ to 26’ range. Crawler harness rigs or Leech rigs with bottom bouncers has been the best bet, although trollers are also scoring with Reef Runners or Glass Shad.

Attention Bass Anglers and fish record buffs!!! An original copy of the article( photo included) on the catching of the Missouri State record Largemouth Bass as published by the OZARK COUNT TIMES is now in the MAOUT Magazine. Copy's are available at Big Bobs Tackle-Theodosia Marina- Pontiac Marina.

Remember to keep only what you can eat and release the rest for another day. Rick Culver of Wilderness Trail does the research for this report and the writing of this report. For more information call Rick or Sue Culver at Wilderness Trail at 870-445-2703, e-mail us at wtrail@bullshoals.net or check out our web site at www.wildernesstrail.com

For all other outdoor data ,including Tournament standings and updates log on to the finest Web magazines found anywhere. Don and Judy Schnable 417 273 4859 schnabs@webound.com

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