Lake Eufaula Fishing Report – January 2011

Eufaula: Level: 1.4 feet below 190 full pool. Temp: Mid to upper 50s. Clarity: Slight stain.

Bass: Guide Sam Williams reports, “Some good fish have come on lipped crankbaits and blade baits in the deeper cover on the first drops. The fish have begun to transition into their winter pattern. They are moving off the shallow-covered flats to the first drops seeking warmer water. The normal patterns are reversing. You begin the day working the deeper areas with crankbaits, lipped and lipless. Minnow-shaped jerkbaits are drawing attention. Carolina rigs pulled through the deeper cover are also getting attention. Spinnerbaits worked slower in the deeper water will get some action, especially when the sun is up to produce a better flash off the blade. As the sun warms the shallow-covered areas, watch for the shad and bird action. Work these areas with shaky heads, Texas rigs and blade baits. Soft bait colors are still watermelon candy, greens and black with chartreuse tails worked deep and shallow. Match the hard baits to the shad color and size of the shad in your areas. As the water cools, presentations need to be slower and deliberate.”

Misc.: Guide Sam Williams reports, “Crappie have moved from 12 feet to 17 feet or deeper in man-made and natural trashpiles and treetops. Use your electronics to locate these spots, drop anchors and place your minnows just above them. If the bite is slow, work the areas casting a jig or work a vertical jig to aggravate a hit while the minnows are working. Catfish are doing well on jugs again in the creeks. Cutbait is still the better bait, but hot dogs and chicken livers work, also. The same bait is also good for the bottom fishermen. Work the creek drops for the bottom fishing.”

Note: “Please visit www.alclassic.com and sign up for our newsletter for updates on the Alabama Classic benefit tournament,” said Sam Williams. “Keep up with the news as we progress toward an exciting June 2021 tournament. We thank Alfa Insurance for becoming our Title Sponsor guaranteeing our first place team a $5,000 payout with a total purse of $15,000 paid to 15 teams, plus the Big Fish side pot paid for first and second big fish. For more info or to sign up, call me at 334.355.5057.”