Lake Russell Fishing Report – March 2010

Russell: Level: 1.6 feet below full pool. Temp: 39 to 44 degrees. Clarity: Stained in the creeks.

Bass: Slow. Wendell Wilson was out during the first warm weekend (Feb. 20-21), but the fish hadn’t started to bite. “I think it will turn on pretty quick after a string of nice afternoons,” Wendell said. “Fish crankbaits and spinnerbaits in the muddy water.”

Crappie: Fair. Wendell said, “The crappie were down 35 feet deep in 40 feet of water, but they wouldn’t bite. The problem is all the fish have to do is open their mouths and eat a dying threadfin. It’s just hopeless to fish in 39-degree, muddy water. I tried some clear water — there’s some clear water in the main channel, and it’s clear down below the golf course all the way to the dam. The stage is set for muddy water to warm very quickly, and a lot can happen in a couple of days. You will be able to catch a few at night under the bridges, and you will also be able to catch them trolling in 20 to 25 feet of water with jigs down about 12 to 15 feet. Try a 1/16-oz. jig head with a curly tail.”