Lake Blackshear Fishing Report – February 2010

Blackshear: Level: 0.5 feet below full pool. Temp: 44-46 degrees. Clarity: Muddy.

Bass: Fair. Ernie Broughton said springs are key to his February bassing on Blackshear. They provide good flowing water that is normally warmer and clearer than the body of the lake. Also, with the abundant rains, good current in the creeks can make the fish move up and feed. A warming trend can really produce a good bite. Ernie’s go-to bait is a Carolina rig, and spinnerbaits and crankbaits will also be in his arsenal. See page 50 for an in-depth feature on his tactics for February bass on Blackshear, including GPS coordinates for some productive holes.

Crappie: Fair. Rusty Parker said Blackshear was fishing pretty well before the most recent rains. But at presstime the dam was running wide open, and Rusty said you’d probably need a 1-lb. weight to get a jig down to the fish. Once the lake settles down a little, Rusty predicted the bite would be back on. The fish are on the channel ledges suspended in 20 to 25 feet of water, and they are hanging tight to structure. Rusty said you can catch them pushing or tightlining minnows or minnow-tipped jigs. In the latter part of the month, a few fish should start coming up to spawn, Rusty said, and then it’ll be time to head to the creeks for some jig trolling. Rusty suggested Swift Creek and Collins Branch as good spots for early spawners.