4/21 - Quick Lunchtime report

[BentRod]

Worked from the lake yesterday and got out on the water at lunchtime. Started off trying to catch Shad, which was loaded in one creek but flying around due to active stripers in the back of the creek pushing them around. Finally caught enough to fish with and put three boards out right where I was and immediately all three started getting boiled.

Caught this guy soon after..


Little while later I watched a stud come up and inhale a bait 15ft beside the boat. It then ripped line down into a tree never to be seen again except on the Lowrance. Tried to work it loose as I could feel the fish still bumping the line but no luck. Oh well, it happens..



Fished one other spot that is usually a decent transition area near the channel when they begin to move - there were fish there but they were of the 20” variety.

From what I could tell in a short trip, the fish were still in the creeks decent, but I would bet that changes this coming week. It likely already has changed to a degree, but will be in full effect soon.

Water temps were 57-59.

[bailout]

Helpful post! Thanks BentRod.

[R22]

Bentrod, I am curious to learn what changes you are seeing to help you understand that the stripers are transitioning. Thanks in advance for your reply.

[31Airborne]

Great fish, Tyler. Nice work. The man said, "worked from the lake yesterday." Hmmmmmm . . . Can we give the brother an amen?

[BentRod]

Apr 27, 2022 6:49:00 GMT -5 R22 said:

Bentrod, I am curious to learn what changes you are seeing to help you understand that the stripers are transitioning. Thanks in advance for your reply.

Historically, this is go time - the next 3-4 weeks will be the majority of the striper spawn. The water temps are little low this year, but given the last week’s warm spell and the time of year, the fish are going to move. I’d say water in the mid 60s and within 3 weeks of the May full moon, the fish are ready. Some will hang back and they’ll move down in waves, but the lower end is going to see a lot of fish very soon. The upper ends will get some smaller schools as well moving up the rivers to spawn.

[cftaylorjr]

Thanks so much for the report. Headed up tomorrow for 10 days and will be on the lower end. I'll report back with any worthwhile news.