by Capt.Preston Harden
Water temperatures are in the low to mid 50s and the lake is about a foot above full pool. Fish have been very active and feeding on the surface all over the lake. Just look for the seagulls. Fish are feeding on small threadfin shad less than an inch long. Small artificials work best. Alabama rigs with small jigs have been working. I have been putting a Zoom Tiny Fluke on a 1/8-ounce Scrounger jig head, and I’m working it very slowly. I use light braid with a fluorocarbon leader on a spinning rod. Small Clouser flies and full sinking fly lines have been working for fly fishermen. A medium shiner works better than a blueback herring now. If there’s no surface activity, try a jigging spoon bounced off the bottom 20 to 40 feet deep.
Think small and slow when the water gets cold. Remember to wear a PFD. Hypothermia can set in within a minute when the water is cold.
The surface activity should last until the water temperature gets below 48 degrees. Then it is time to chase crappie under deep docks in major creeks
Preston Harden
Bucktail Guide Service
(706) 255- 5622
www.bucktailguideservice.com