Lake Blackshear Fishing Report May 2011

Blackshear: Level: Full pool. Temp: 78 degrees. Clarity: Stained.

Bass: Good, according to tournament pro Jim Murray Jr. “The shad spawn is in full swing, and the bass are feeding heavily in the mornings around these locations. Seawalls, grass and trees are the most common places for the shad spawn,” Jim said. “Lures such as CBT buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and swimming jigs have been producing winning stringers. Several 20-lb. limits have been caught doing this. As the day goes on, deeper cypress trees and flipping grass can get you a few key bites as well.”

Crappie: Good. “They had slowed down for a few weeks, but they’re biting better now,” said Rusty Parker. “There are still some up shallow around the trees, but I think most are spawned out. They’ve been catching them good out in front of the beach area in 13 to 14 feet of water, and they’re pushing — tightlining minnows. There’s a stump bed out there. This month look for more crappie to be out deeper and fewer fish to be around the trees. One of the best things this month is to shoot deep-water docks on the main lake where the channel swings in close. Wait until the sun is up and it’s good and hot. Look for docks with a pontoon boat in the water, not up on a hoist.”

Bream: Excellent. Rusty said the bluegills are just starting to bed, and the shellcrackers are on the beds good. “Go up in the creeks, and fish the banks until you find a good bed. You’ll smell them, or look for that wavey water of fish moving along the banks,” Rusty said. “If there’s a bed there, your cricket won’t last a second. Keep moving until you find them.”