Thread: If Weatherman is right, how would you approach Friday???

Bigtex, there is a few things I will throw out there as food for thought, Dardanelle is a river lake, if there was to be a great deal of rain to fall in that area the rate to which it falls will be a contributing factor. A fast rain will create run off and the creeks will rise and get muddy, if the Coe are not drawing a lot of water through the river the rate to which the muddy water infiltrates the entire lake will be slower, however if the Coe is drawing/ releasing a lot of water at the dam it will pull the mud through the lake a lot quicker. Creeks have a tendency to run themselves clear with big rains especially if there is plenty of room for the muddy water to go, so the backs of pockets/coves with creeks could possibly start clearing out quicker than the main lake body. As far as what approach to take, the crappie are almost past the point of no return,they are wanting to spawn. They will not move far from their current location if they move at all, fish know that what ever changes they experience is just temporary at this stage in the game. They may get a touch of lockjaw. The fish in brush will remain in the brush. I ain't been to Dardanelle in a few weeks, but if the water temp has broken the 60 degree mark it is only at the surface unless you are in 3' of water or less. The crappie are probably staged in the 8 to 15 foot range, some may be shallower than that but they are fully committed to spawning already, in 8 to 15 foot water depth the water temperature is still in the 50's. I ain't for sure the crappie in those staging depths will experience much of a cool down in water temp from a cold rain. Muddy water will be your worst enemy over water temp. If muddy water is all there is to fish I would use bright color jigs and possibly tip with minnows to increase the profile size of your bait. This is just my 2 cents.

If it gets muddy, look for the clearest water you can find. Usually away from the major creeks and river inflow in the backs of coves, bays, and smaller creeks. I agree that the fish are committed, and won't move far. Different type of lake there than where I fish tho. I think the local guys have given you the best answers.

Thanks guys for your thoughts. I guess the main thing will be how much rain there is.

If it muddy's up i will be looking for coves with clearer water. Two inches is enuff to muddy the lake up and hurt the bite. Not worried about the cool weather but I may change my fishing plans to Piney bay or Shoal bays.

I'm gona just follow CP around the lake!!!

I think there may be a long line behind CP!!! lol.