Lake Eufaula Fishing Report March 2016

Eufaula: Level: 1.8 feet below 190 pool. Temp: Low 50s. Clarity: Muddy.

Bass: Tournament angler Les Bratcher reports, “If the results of the last BFL is any indication then we are in for a good spring here at Eufaula. There were three bags over 20 pounds weighed, with Scott Montgomery winning with a little more than 21 pounds. Bass are beginning to stage for the spawn. The water here is in the high 40s to low 50s. The water is very stained, which will make it warm quicker. We need just a few days of warm weather, and the fun will begin. Fish are being caught on ChatterBaits, spinnerbaits, rattle baits, pitching plastics and on Carolina rigs. It’s time to go check them out, so get out some Big Bite Baits—don’t let the muddy water scare you off.” Guide Sam Williams reports, “The river continues to be effected by the December and January rains, now the winds are figuring into the equation. Muddy water warms up faster, and the shad are getting active around the old cover areas when the sun comes out. The stems and roots from last years pad fields and cover areas are still under water. If you see shad movement or birds feeding in these shallow areas, noisy, vibrating baits are the trick. ChatterBaits, buzzbaits, plastics with rattles will work. Deeper fish are hanging around cover and trashpiles. They need a slower presentation. Carolina-rigged plastics and crankbaits are good choices. Choose a crankbait close to the size of the bait they are feeding on. A good way to find this info is to check your livewell after you catch a fish. Using a Carolina rig, you can get smaller, shallow-running baits down deep.”

Crappie: “Some are being caught  in the creeks around wood and underwater cover. Red or red/yellow tubes on jigs do well in dirty water,” Sam Williams said.

Note from Sam: “Please check our www.alabamachildrensclassic.org, and see our opportunities for you to help the families at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. The 5K walk is April 16 at Lakepoint State Park.”