Lake Eufaula Fishing Report – September 2008

Eufaula: Level: 3 feet above full pool. Temp: Mid 80s. Clarity: Muddy. At presstime, Eufaula was getting hammered with rain, and there were tornado warnings in the area. Guide Billy Darby said it’s tough to predict what the fish will do under flood conditions, but there are couple of bites that could happen as the waters recede.

Bass: When high waters flood grass that is normally submerged, then recede, it leaves behind all sorts of goodies that bass love, Billy said. The fish will be shallow. Look for areas where the water is just a little clearer than the rest of the lake. Also, look for emerging grass in the backs of sloughs, creeks and other drains. These types of areas may produce a topwater bite that could last all day. Throw noisy baits that will attract attention in muddy water. Billy said a big buzzbait, a Big Bite Top Toad, spinnerbaits with No. 5 or No. 7 blades or double-prop topwater baits are good choices. As the water continues to recede, follow this pattern out until the lake begins to stabilize, then you can go back to the regular ledge pattern throwing Texas-rigged worms or crankbaits.

Linesides: Under high-water conditions, hybrid bass will also move shallow following the shad, which are looking for cleaner water. Billy said they will concentrate around rip-rap and in shallow areas near the shore that are adjacent to deep water. The rip-rap at the dam is a good location. Troll Mann’s 10+ Stretches in chrome or chartreuse. Also, look for surface activity, and throw lipless crankbaits or casting spoons.

Catfish: As the water recedes, catfish can be found around the mix lines or mudlines, and they can be caught using normal catfish baits.