Lake Level: 666.5 (and rising!)
Water Temp: 57 degrees
We have experienced a dramatic rise in the lake level since the heavy rains hit the Ozarks on Oct 8th! The lake has risen over 10 feet, with a heavy current of cold water still pouring in from Table Rock. We are rising an average of about 8 inches per day, which has made fishing a bit challenging. Big bass are still being caught with a slight change of tactics.
Walleye have been caught by dropping spoons, minnows and night crawlers on drop offs and channels. Early morning bite has been the best this week. Also having good results bottom bouncing Night Crawlers. Go heavy with your weights since there is a swift current do to the rising water. (Walleye on Bull Shoals must be 18″ in length to legally keep.)
Black Bass (Line Sides and Spotted) have been caught deep in the coves early morning until early afternoon. Look for schools of shad where fresh water is entering the cove. If the water is clear, try a white spinner bait or a chrome rattle trap. If the water is stained to muddy, throw a chartruse spinner with large blades. Also try a large crank bait off of bluffs and rocky points. Colors to try are “Sexy or Foxy Shad” as well as Citrus. Bass are also beeing cautht with a heavy football jig or plastic worm in 25 to 30 feet on drops. Once again, if you can find the shad, and there are millions right now, you will find the fish!
Crappie are hugging deep cover in the coves and bluffs with the rapid rise of Bull Shoals Lake. The majority have been caught on live Minnows. Vertical spooning has produced some good Crappie using a variety of spoons. Try different depths, some have been caught as deep as 25ft.
White Bass are excellent right now with the amount of shad found in the coves! Huge females up to 16 inches have been caught this week! Chrome rattle traps and white spinner baits should do the trick when you see them busting the shad. Try a white or pearl Vibric Rooster Tail as well.
