Twas the week ‘round Christmas and all thru the lake the fish seemed sluggish too sluggish to take. The level was low some 17 feet I’m told and the temp in the low 50’s now that’s very cold! Yet some looked for Largemouth which is no small task. The fish are sure biting but don’t fish too fast! A jig by Spanky, the “mini” will do, green pumpkin in color and a matching trailer to chew. The main lake is waiting for jigs ten feet deep. Try points and bluff walls and just make it creep. The rain this week won’t hurt one wit, try shallow pockets and you may get bit. The Dugout carries a wide selection of Spanky’s stuff, so hurry on in while there’s still enough. The hot colors have been the Green Pumpkin, Watermelon, and Watermelon Gold, but sometimes its best to try something bold.

Now Spotted bass fishing has been great for sure, as long as you show them the right kind of lure! The jig can hardly be beat at this time of year, throw it shallow, throw it deep and throw it without fear! Stay in the main lake and look for brush or stumps. Pitch in a jig and wait for the thump. Grab some Mini-Me Spinner baits and burn it along the steep bluff walls. If the water warms from the rain they will answer the call. Now, about that jig, the Green Pumpkin color is probably best. Fish it slow like it needs a long winter’s rest. 3/8’s in large and ¼ in mini look for wood in 5-10 and something that’s finny.

The linesides and have been peculiar for most of the year but now its safe to say that the Stripers are here! Trout or Shad on down-lines and flat, hang on my friend cause they’re gettin’ fat! Search the points and humps near deep water ‘round the dam. Be patient but ready cause you may get slammed.

Hybrids are hungry, mostly early and late. A Flex-it spoon in 1/3 to ½ oz., silver/blue or pearl would be great. Vertical jigging the area works fine if you mark fish, otherwise cast it and reel back jigging horizontally and making a wish. The good news is Stripers are congregating with the Hybrids and that can be fun. The other good news is this Christmas rhyme is almost done!

Crappie fishing is fair tho’ most are suspended. Try Rosie Red minnows under marina docks and big trees that have been upended. Jigging curly tailed grubs and Hal-flys will also work. Color is ever changing – a bit of a quirk. Combinations of purple/chartreuse and green/white can get them a hoppin’ and once they start biting they won’t soon be stoppin’!

Bream are tough. They are deep, slow moving and not much fight when you hook ‘em, but if you find a few they are always good when you cook ‘em. Try deep rock walls from Victoria to Illinois Ceek, drop your cricket there if it’s Bream that you seek.

The End

“Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”

Merry Christmas from the Dugout!

Fish On!--KLAY SHORTHOUSE

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