Lake Eufaula Fishing Report – May 2006

Eufaula: Level: 1.8 below full pool. Temp: High 60s to mid 70s. Clarity: Stain up the lake from recent rains, it’s fairly clear on the lower lake.

Bass: Professional angler Jay Chambless said bass fishing has been tough lately. Jay said there are still a few fish trying to spawn, but trying to catch them is unreliable because of water-level fluctuations. “The most reliable pattern right now is to key on postspawn bass that have moved out a little from spawning areas,” Jay said. “The first depth change out from spawning areas is your best bet.” Jay said most bass seem to be holding in five to 10 feet of water. If cover such as grass is present, your chances are much improved. Jay said a variety of lures will work right now including topwater plugs, spinnerbaits and soft plastics. For the topwater bite, Jay prefers to throw a Spro Chug Minnow. For a spinnerbait, Jay will tie on something with plenty of flash. “I like a shad-colored skirt with double willowleaf blades this time of year,” Jay said. When Jay switches over to soft plastics, he likes a Carolina-rigged Trick Worm, or a Zoom Z-Nail fished on a weightless Texas rig. Jay said the crankbait bite will pick up again soon. Until the fish move back to deep water, he will be throwing two Stanford Lures selections, the Razor Shad, and the Medium Wide Wobble. Jay said good places to fish right now are Cowikee, Wylaunee and Grass creeks on the north end of the lake. Down south, check out Pataula, Hardridge and Thomas Mill.

Bream: The bream are starting to bed all over the lake, and this month’s full moon should make the bream fishing great. Look for beds in the pockets and on the shallow flats.

Catfish: The catfish are biting very well according to Jay. He suggests loading up the kids and taking them to the lake for a fun day of catching cats.