Lake Russell Fishing Report June 2014

Russell: Level: Full pool. Temp: Mid 70s to 80. Clarity: Mostly clear.

Bass: Very good. Guide Bill Speers reports, “Fishing is rapidly moving into a summer pattern after a longer-than-average spring. Bass have finished spawning and are moving out to the main-lake points, and depending on the weather, moving into their summer haunts. I will start my day before dawn on points near deep water throwing topwater baits. My favorites are a Lucky Craft Gunfish 95 in an American shad color and a Zara Spook in just about any color. Keep in mind that the fish cannot see the top of the bait, it doesn’t matter one bit. Once the sun is up, I will switch to crankbaits that dive 10 to 12 feet. I use Rapala DTs and Strike King XD baits in lighter colors on sunny days and colors with some chartreuse on cloudy days. After that I will be going to a light Carolina-rigged Trick Worm and a shaky head with a floating Robo worm. If the water gets well into the 80s, I will be fishing a drop shot in about 30 feet (at normal pool). Why 30 feet? Because, when the lake was built most timber was removed down to 30 feet. In many cases, it was piled up in 35-plus feet. The fish will stage for the summer in those 30-plus trees and fire out to hammer a drop shot. A swimbait can also produce as well around the edges of the deep trees. Be sure to use sturdy line. When they figure out they are hooked, they will be running into the timber.”