Help for Lake Ouchita Sept 20th trip.

[OkieBob]

Brand new to this forum but, not to crappie fishing!
Have a housboat reserved for the week of Sept 20th. This is the third year we've done this but, the first time in the fall of the year. Previous visits were totally unsuccessful fishing for crappie and I'm hoping this year will be different.
Anyone have any suggestions? I might be interested in a good guide if they can put me on fish. Frankly, I don't even know where to start!
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Okie Bob
Okie Born, Okie Bred and when I die I'll be Okie Dead.

[Fetmo]

Welcome Okie,

where do you have the boat reserved at? we fish out of Crystal springs. so if you are goin there i may be able to help a lil. i Mainly spider rig for crappie we have lots fun with it. i know a couple good submerged islands in the area.

Fetmo

[OkieBob]

We will be out of Crystal Springs also!!! Wake Zone I believe is the name
of the house boat rental company. We arrive Monday around noon Sept 20. Be on the house boat till Friday morning Sept 25th.
I know what you mean by spyder rigging and I've seen it done but, never tried it myself. I have a Lund 16 foot boat and it's not set up for all the rods.
I do have the Lowrance side scan and the new Minn Kota trolling motor with GPS built in with Spot Lock. So, I've got a lot of the goodies but, no crappie knowledge of Ouachita.
Based on the dates we'll be there, is that a good time for crappie? Or would we do better on stippers or sandies? Much prefer crappie for sure.
Would really appreciate any help you can provide.
Regards,
Okie Bob

[DRPEPPER]

Give Darryl Morris a call 1-501-844-5418. He guides Hamilton which is down river from Ouachita. Last time I talked to him, he mentioned he could possably start on Ouachita. I think he has a buddy he could hook you up with. Tell I sent ya.
DP

[OkieBob]

Thanks DP, I'll give him a call.
Is he mostly crappie or what? We might need a guide for several guys to go for some stripper too. But, my main goal is finding someone to put me on some crappie.
Okie Bob

[Fetmo]

This is where i have my best luck. Keep in mind that this google Map picture was taken during extreme low water conditions, so thing will look lil different on the water.

Way point #1-this island is now submerged and is marked with a shallow water buoy.

Way Point #2-in the opening to this cove there is a good hump. you will see a single stob stickin out of the water.

Way Point #3-there is a lil ridge that keeps extending out into the main lake has a couple brush piles and structures.

Way Point #4-there is some timber here on the north side of the island...catch lota fish.

The Hydrilla grass grows from about 8 fow to 20 fow. and can be a great guide of where to fish. i perfer just outside of the grass.

Hope this helps a lil

Fetmo

[Charlie K.]

The grass is almost all gone. No more inside outside fishing.

[OkieBob]

Wow Fetmo, more than I expected!! Really appreciate you sharing your way points with me. I definately will be giving them a try as soon as I get down there. Four weeks from tomorrow, can't wait. Can't tell you how much I appreciate everyones help.
Great forum.
Okie Bob

[DRPEPPER]

Good job Fetmo!!!
I have camped out due north of #4 on island #10 many times. I have watched fishermen around there before. I have never fished there before.
DP

[DRPEPPER]

Thanks DP, I'll give him a call.
Is he mostly crappie or what? We might need a guide for several guys to go for some stripper too. But, my main goal is finding someone to put me on some crappie.
Okie Bob

Crappie is Darryl's fortay (SP). Bu, he will go after what ever is biting.
DP