01/20/2007
Eufaula - AL,
Spring Report

April will bring the warming of the river and the early stages of the spawn. The continued growth of the hydrilla will again change the ledge fishing for bass. The hydrilla acts as a shade from the sun as well as an incubator in cooler weather. The bass do not need to go deep for dark or warmer water. The hydrilla also holds bait fish in large numbers. While the hydrilla is sparse and the pads are non-existent it is a perfect time to rip a lipless crank bait through the submerged hydrilla. Look for the stick-ups from the old lily pad crop and you will be able to locate the submerged hydrilla and grass. The areas to search for this scenario are along the creek and river banks where you have a drop towards the first ledge. Place your boat in deeper water and work the banks back to the boat. Where you have an offshore stick-up or stump, work it ahead on your approach.

A new and exciting bait I have worked with since last spring is the new Big Bite Bait frog. Scott and Dennis Montgomery have worked out all the kinks and this frog works like a live frog when worked properly. I also like to use the Kinami finesse baits and Derek's creature baits. They are awesome on a jig or fished alone. The jig and Texas rig will produce some great fish alone the hydrilla patches later in the morning. The craw with a rattle inserted will drive the fish crazy where you have a rock bank behind the weeds.

Crappie will be getting even stronger on the drops and under the causeways and bridges. Big Bite Bait has developed an awesome line of ammunition for these fine eaters also. The jigs are the trick for the most fun when trolled or casting on ultra lite equipment. When you are working an area and find a couple of strikes, slow down and work the area out before moving on. Crappie are schooling fish and remember, if you locate them on your fish finder, notice the depth and fish above them. Crappie will not look or go down for food, they are always looking overhead. White or white and chartreuse are good starters and you can change to blues and greens until you find their desire for that particular trip. Watch your fish finder for blow downs and trash piles along the river drops. The temperature and sun will determine your location.

Lake Eufaula is a beautiful lake to visit anytime of year but spring is probably my favorite time to be on the water. The foliage is beginning to come back from winter and the young animals and their mamas are working the banks eating grass and drinking. It is not un-common to see deer and turkey working the banks and the birds are countless. You can always find a curious gator looking for their next meal, willing to pose for a picture. Whenever you visit Lake Eufaula, don't forget your camera. If you pay attention while on the water, you will always find a memory worth keeping to share with your grandchildren.

Jug fishing for catfish will begin to get hot in April also. This is a lot of fun and very satisfying for the impatient fisher person. It is action packed and the bigger cats seem to like the jug bait. If you choose to book a jug trip, bring plenty of ice chests, it is not un-common to bring in over 100 pounds on an average trip. It's a great way to fill the freezer for several family meals.

For the family looking for a trip, Eufaula offers a lot of land activities for the family from nature walks on the Wildlife Refuge to strolls along the sidewalks of our old Southern homes in old downtown Eufaula. There is plenty for the entire family.