Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report 3-17-15
The warming trend we’ve been experiencing the last week has had a positive influence on Bull Shoals. The surface temperature ...more in the mid lake area (point 24) has come up several degrees in the main lake from 40 to 47 degrees. The lake elevation is at 657.27 and is about three feet from just a week ago. White bass are starting to make their way up the larger creek arms in search of warmer water and can be found in depths of 2 to 5 feet. East Sugar Loaf Creek near Lead Hill has a few white bass starting to show, however it is running a little muddy since the last rain. With more rain in the forecast, I would assume it will stay that way for the next few days. Shoal Creek is running very clear and has white bass moving in during the afternoons when the water warms. Make sure to have the White River Border Lakes License (WRL $10.00) with you, as the lake crosses over to the MO side when you get into the upper reaches of this major creek arm. Red and white jigs and Road Runners are working well on these early fish.
Walleyes are also moving through the creek arms, some are spawning and others have already finished and will start moving onto secondary points and banks. Trolling Walleye Divers and deep running Smithwicks in 20 feet of water should start to produce fish.
Smallmouth Bass seem to be the most enthusiastic about the warmer water and are moving into the fingers of smaller bays which are not too far from the main lake. Nice catches of fish are coming from the 8 to 30 foot range in the evenings. Largemouth bass, spotted bass and smallmouths are also moving to very shallow water right before dark to feed on small crayfish. Look for them in 2 to 4 feet of water on gentle sloping secondary points with brush cover and water temperature over 55 degrees. However, they are moving out again during the night when the water cools off. The best morning locations are main lake points in the 8 to 15 foot range.
Cribs and brush piles located in bays and fingers near the main lake will also be holding spotted bass and crappies and should not be over looked. However, if you don’t see action after 15 or 20 minutes move on to other lake structure and return later.
The main thing to keep in mind this time of year is to keep moving and searching. Spots that are hot in the evening may produce nothing in the mornings. The fish are just starting to make their moves from the main lake and are quick to return to in when the water cools off.
