It seems that the spring rains have returned to the lakes area. We have had about 4 "s in the last 3 days. With all the weather the COE has shut the dam down so we are on a good rise now. The lake has been rising about a foot a day I think this year we are destined to have high water through the spawn. On yesterdays lake forecast they had us going back to 715 msl. With the heavy rains it did murky the main lake up but some of the creeks are still in good shape. It hasn't affected the fishing that much. We have had the Nebraska Bass Federation here all week and these folks have fished through some nasty weather and still brought in lots of fish.
We would like to extend a big thank you to the NE. Bass Federation for coming to Osage Bluff this week.
LAKE LEVEL: 712.2
WATER TEMP: 62 deg
WATER CLARITY: Heavy Stain.
CRAPPIE: With the water temp at 62 deg. we have had a slow spawn this year. I have talked to several anglers this week that are still catching fish up shallow. With the rise we have now it looks like these fish will finish up spawning on the original bank line. 5' to 8' has been the area where most fish have come out of. Jigs and minnows have both been working. Tues.night I saw 3 limits of really nice crappie come in.. All the fish were above 11" and were taken out of 3' to 5' of water.
BASS: Spinner baits, jigs and do nothing worms have been the hot baits this week Most bass are coming out of the pockets in the creeks. 45 deg. banks seem the best with fish holding about 5' down. With the lake on the rise and the winds we are starting to see some saw dust build up in the pockets and when the sun comes out the fish are going to pull under this stuff and a jig and frog will be deadly.
WHITES & HYBRIDS: With the stained water and the dam shut down the good bite we had going on these fish has slowed down. The good side to the story is that with more water in the lake when they start running again the humps will come alive again. spoons and sassy shad will be the best baits. Fish the humps and the weir for some real fast action.
CATFISH: The cat fishing is going strong now on both jugs and lines. The shad are still hard to come by but I have started seeing perch coming up so bait should be a little easier to get. 15' of water seems to be the best depth with fish holding about 8'. Cut bait is the best. The bluff banks in the creeks have been holding some nice blues. With the perch starting to work I am looking for the flat heads to fire up. With some of the under cut banks with more water back on them Craig and I are going to run some flat head lined this week.
WALLEYE: With the lake conditions we have now the walleye fishing has slowed up. Last weekend there were several nice walleye caught around KK Island. Crawler harness rigs on bottom bouncers were working the best. Once the water cleans back up I look foe the walleye bite to come on strong.
We are still taking reservations for the holidays so if you need a stall you can call the marina at 660-438-2939 or for the Motel at 660-438-2891. We are starting to fill up so get you reservations in soon.
Till next week
Tommy
