Spring in air brings annual fishing frenzy

That magical time I’ve been anticipating for 11 months is finally here. Recent reports of walleye running where the Ouachita River pours into the lake and photos of white bass caught in the mouth of the Caddo River surely indicate that fishes’ biological clocks are ticking.

With a few more warm showers and continued unseasonably nice weather, don’t be surprised if white bass are plentiful by the time this article goes to press.

Hybrids and stripers are headed upstream to begin their annual spawn, only adding excitement to the equation. We’re looking at a short window of time when many tributaries with little to offer at other times are capable of producing a lot of impressive fish.

Spawning fish are often eager to bite, and just about anyone stands a chance of coaxing a few from the water. With some planning, one’s chance of success increases exponentially.

More than once I’ve caught as many as 100 white bass on a single outing. I could only keep a limit, of course, but there’s something invigorating about catching that many fish.

At other times I’ve spent the entire morning casting fruitlessly. Such luck can prove discouraging in that fish were in a feeding frenzy the previous day.

It’s important then to understand that spawning fish move back and forth from deeper pools to the rapids on a virtually continuous basis. Persistence is essential.

One can load up during the daylight hours, but I’ve also noticed they are more active at night. I recall several outings that striped bass all but disappeared shortly after sunrise and also enjoying my greatest success fishing for walleye at night.

I also pay a great deal of attention to conditions. I prefer fishing on a full moon because of its illumination and fish seem most active during this phase.

One also will experience the greatest success following a significant rainfall. It might be a result of warmer water entering the lake or swift water carrying an excess of baitfish through the shoals and dumping them into pools below. Regardless of the science behind it, one should surely try fishing for the aforementioned species of spawning fish immediately following a significant rain.

And then we have the million-dollar question: What lure should I use? I guess all anglers have their staples, but one can’t go wrong fishing for white bass with a small, in-line spinner or hair-jig. Six- to eight–pound test line should suffice.

Anyone fishing for walleye or stripers and hybrids should consider up-sizing since these are larger fish and put up a fiercer fight. I have caught all three species on an array of presentations, but floating minnows are my staple.

At times, one’s technique distinguishes the difference in an action-packed or uneventful outing. The key is often nothing more than a slow retrieval speed. And if you catch one, be sure and cast to the exact same location again as they often congregate in huge schools.

Yes, we’re definitely entering one of the most action-packed times of the year. With a little luck and an awareness of the habits of the fish you are pursuing, this might be a spring you will relive time and again.