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Black Bass
Bass, primarily largemouth, can be caught year-round. In spring largemouth bass
head for the shallows to spawn. Target areas that have some type of cover
(flooded willows are great), and cast minnow-imitating stickbaits like
Bang-O-Lures and Rogues. Tease the bass with a slow, "walk-the-dog"
retrieve. When bass are spawning, a Git Zit, Salt Craw or short plastic worm
dragged through the nesting area will stimulate strikes. Crawdad, brown and
black are superior spring colors. Since water conditions can vary dramatically
this time of year, remember this rule of thumb -- the clearer the water, the
lighter the lure color.
In summer, either Texas or Carolina-rigged plastics are good bets. Work points
that extend into deep water with 10- and 11-inch Larew worms in plum and
fire/ice. Bubble gum colored lizards work, too. A slow presentation is required.
Early morning and evening anglers will catch bass by pitching top-water baits to
flooded willows, brush piles and other shallow areas. Spooks, Pop-Rs and Chug
Bugs are recommended. Docks and boathouses also harbor good numbers of summer
bass. Jig n' pigs are ideal for working around and under these structures.
Fall also provides great top-water action. Find a slow tapering point that runs
into deep water and cast all sides -- particularly the shady side -- with
surface baits. Buzzbaits take a good share of fall bass as well.
Although winter bass are deep, a local guide suggests 99% of the bass inhabit
water of 15 feet or less. The jig n' pig tipped with a No. 11 Uncle Josh pork
trailer is the lure of choice for coldwater bass. Blacks, blues and browns are
good jig and pork colors. The lake's many boat docks are also worth fishing
during daytime hours for winter bass action.
Much of the above information applies to spotted bass as well, except spots
inhabit rockier areas in deeper water than largemouth. Also scale your lure size
down a bit to appeal specifically to spotted bass.
Smallmouth bass are native to the area and are found primarily in the rocky
sections of feeder streams.
White Bass/Sand Bass & Hybrid Striped Bass
Anglers follow the spring white bass run up the rivers as far as the I-44
bridge. The annual migration begins as early as January and continues through
March. Small Shad Raps and 1/8-ounce gray marabou jigs are preferred white bass
selections.
Late spring finds whites and hybrids returning to the main lake and schooling
off humps and river channels where they remain throughout the summer. The fish
suspend 16 to 25 feet below the surface over depths of 50 feet. Trolling
deep-diving crankbaits is a good way to cover large areas of water efficiently.
For a more precise presentation, work a jigging spoon such as a Hopkins Shorty
or Kastmaster. Occasionally, white bass and their hybrid cousins chase schools
of shad up to the surface. If you detect one of these visible feeding sprees,
cast surface lures into the melee. Tiny Chuggers, Pop-Rs, Mann's Loudmouth and
small Spooks fit neatly into the bass's top-water menu.
Shoreline action develops in fall as white bass and hybrids pin shad against the
bank to feast. Rooster Tail spinners and jigs work well in autumn. White,
white/red and pink are good colors. When the bite is off, a tipped jig
out-fishes a plain one. If the fish are not tight to the bank, move to shallow
points.
In winter, go back to trolling or vertical jigging for suspended fish over deep
water. Locate a tree, brush pile or even an old stump on a submerged island or
hump, and chances are good a hybrid is nearby waiting to ambush a meal.
Crappie
Spring spawners run to shoreline brush and cover. Jigs (especially Road Runners)
suspended from a cork or bobber and minnows all work well on crappie.
After spawning, crappie disperse throughout the lake and can be caught by
working deep rock ledges and brush piles. Look for water 5 to 30 feet deep.
In winter, (December, January and February) for a modest fee, you can fish in
heated crappie houses. Brush piles are baited and anglers can stand or sit in
comfort and catch crappie. Call ahead for the best areas, times and baits.
Crappie are prone to hit white, white and yellow, black, blue and pink lures.
Often you will have to experiment to find the right color for a particular day.
Catfish
In May, as the fish spawn in the rocks, a simple bobber rig set about 2 feet
deep is all you need to catch a limit of catfish. Best baits are shrimp, worms
and the ever abundant shad. Try different size shad until you happen on the
length preferred. In summer, drift fish flats or flooded grassy fields, for
Mississippi Whites fish deep channels with shad..
The largest population of paddlefish in the world swims in this lake and attracts people from all over the globe. The fishing regulations are complex and vary from season to season. Please consult the current Oklahoma Fishing Regulations for complete and accurate information or call 1-800-ASK-FISH.
FORAGE -- Gizzard shad, sunfish and brook silverside.
WATER -- Extremely fertile and productive, with clarity usually ranging from 2 to 3 feet. The upper ends of major creek arms are more turbid, especially after heavy rains. The lake stratifies in summer with the thermocline developing between 35 and 45 feet; turn-over occurs in late October.
SHORELINE -- Grand Lake is bordered by 1,300 miles of winding shoreline, most of which are privately owned and highly developed (resorts, condos, marinas and summer homes are numerous). Upper portions have shallow, slow-tapering banks, while the lower reaches are steep and graveled.
COVER -- Little standing timber remains from pre-impoundment days. There is an ample supply of brush piles that are replenished at regular intervals by local residents. In addition, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has placed 13 brush fish attractors around the lake, 11 of which are marked. Numerous boathouses and docks line the lake and offer prime cover, particularly if brush piles are located underneath or nearby. Willow brush provides excellent cover when high water inundates shoreline areas.
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Last Updated 1/13/2000 Janene McGuire Janene McGuire, Webmaster
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