Big Bob's Fishing Report

By Bob Stickles-Big Bob’s Bait & Tackle

Heavy rains resulting in muddy conditions on parts of both lakes will have both a positive and negative effect. On Norfork the high water will get the stripers and hybrids moving north and make them catchable in the Tecumseh area. Bubblegum flukes, large rogues and big Bomber plugs will all work on these fish. Fishing for Crappie and Bass in the muddy waters will slow down until the water clears up.

As the water clears you can catch bass on just about anything. Lizards are working already as are spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits and the Bama Rig. As water temperature continues to rise the bass will move up and start staging for the spawn. Crappie should start moving to the spawning grounds also and can be caught on live minnows or swimming minnows. Walleye are being caught on worm harnesses and stickbaits.

Next time you go on the water take a top water lure as bass are now chasing bait on the surface.

While the lakes are discolored please be careful. We fished a tournament on Bull Shoals last Saturday and the muddy parts of the lake were full of debris, to include whole trees floating just under the service.