TRUTHS AND TAILS, TOO MANY CHOICES !!!

  The common phone call right now starts out with " How's the fishin?"  If there was ever a loaded question, that has to be it!  There are so many variables that effect fish movement and fish feeding at this time of year that it is a day by day, sometimes hour by hour senerio that would take a crystal ball to nail down.  That said, just a basic understanding of the species you pursue can narrow down the choices of when, where, and what in a hurry.  Add to that the history of a given fishery and you can start to build a game plan.  So what are some of the critical factors that govern the movements of most species?   Lets start with enviroment.  Factors that effect this topic are water temp, O2 levels, P.H., light penetration, tribidity, and current.  Sure, there are others, but I'm sticking with the majors.  All fish have a range of the above factors that are tolerable, and others that are considered ideal.  Considering that a lake is a body in constant motion, its understandable that it is rare that the stars align with perfect conditions for most any species.  The easiest factor to follow is water temp, and there are many "experts" that will tell you that fish "A" will spawn at temp "B" period.  Well that's just PUCKEY.  First, nature never puts all her eggs in one basket, and second, even on the same lake, conditions vary from local to local.  Face it, if fish had to wait for IDEAL conditions to spawn, most never would.  So, is the published temp. data worthless?  Heavens NO!  Just remember that there is a range, a plus and minus factor that allows you to predict fish movements.  If you know where your targeted species is wanting to be during the spawn, but the temps are to low for that to be likely, maybe you should be looking for those areas that offer the right factors for comfort and feeding opportunities near the spawing locations.  That may be a bit deeper, or perhaps over a different type of bottom habitat.

  OK, enough of that, so whats up on Banks?  Well, the walleye are getting much closer to their spawn, look for hard bottom areas that have a current factor, either natural currents, or primary wind currents.  Roadbeds, railroad beds, gravel points, or hard pan flats, all good choices.  Don't rule out very shallow fish during the twilight periods or at night. Reaction baits like blades, cranks, or rattle baits can pay big!  Still many fish out in 15 to 30ft. of water, but sooner than later they too will be moving in to spawn.

  Crappie are still holding in prespawn areas, try 8 to 18ft. with jigs or drop shot minnows.  Crappie generally spawn at about 48 to 53 degrees, so keep in mind, some pocket water will get ther sooner than others.

  Rainbow are in all stages of the spawn, depending on lake location they may be pre, post, or on the spawn.  Shallow hard pan bottoms with current or wave action can be key.  Minnow baits, small cranks, spinners, or bait, all good choices

  Yellow perch still in prespawn, but are on the verge of committing.  Some will overlap the walleye spawn, others not.  Dropshot minnows, small grubs, tubes, cranks or bait, all will work, try an assortment and cover water. Perch, like walleye, are broadcast spawners.  But unlike walleye, they may attach their eggs to reeds, brush, or even aquatic vegetation.  Hard bottoms not nearly as critical as for walleye and trout.

  Smallmouth bass will continue to get more aggresive as spring procedes, keep in mind that the spring signal craw spawn will begin around 48 degrees.  No smallie worth its salt would not take advantage of that.  Right now, cranks, jerks, and rattle baits a great bet!

  Now, did you notice that several spawn, prespawn events for multipul species overlap?  Did you also notice that some share similar locational preferences?  One can't help but think that proximity would create some choice feeding opporunities, eggs, exhusted spawners, egg preditors like sculpins and craws all in close proximity, sounds like too many choices to me.

  Not much has changed on Roosevelt or Rufas at this time.  Will have more on those bodies of water next week.  Get out, and FISH.  Just some truths and tails from Lou at playland, tight lines ya'all....

  P.S.   New regulations have opened the waters of Rufas Woods below the Grand Coulee Dam to the highway bridge to anglers.  Still have to sort out parking, access, restrooms, etc, but this is a great new opportunity.  Let us, as sportsman not leave room for anyone to point an accusing finger at us for being less than ethical or poor stewards of the area.