Lake Russell Fishing Report – January 2010

Russell: Level: 1.2 feet above full pool. Temp: Upper 40s. Clarity: Moderately stained in the larger creeks. From Bond Creek south is pretty clear on the main lake.

Bass: Guide Wendell Wilson will be looking for bass stacked up along the timber edges this month. “Shad are the key,” Wendell said. “If you find the bait, you will find the bass.” Shad and the bass, especially spotted bass, stay right on the edge of the timber in 30 to 35 feet of water this time of year. They seem to like a clean bottom near the timber, not in it. You can find schools of bass under the shad on the edges of the timber by riding the 30- to 35-foot contour and watching your depthfinder. Use a small jigging spoon just off the bottom. When your spoon hits the bottom, let it sit for a few seconds before popping it up a foot. A drop-shot rig also works well on these fish. Pumpkinseed or green-pumpkin worms are good choices. Watch for gulls, and cast a Fish Head Spin with a small fluke on it where the gulls are diving. For more on Wendell’s January bass-fishing tactics, turn to page 26.