Hefner: Cold weather = Hot fishing?

[Bigskyfisherman]

The crappie have turned on at Hefner. Mornings have been particularly good. Size is problematic, but some have been 12 inches. Sand bass and walleye are also hitting the jigs. So far, everyone is throwing jigs from the riprap, but tube fishing should be great right now. Time to get out the fleece-lined pants and thinsulates.

[DrNip]

Yeah the rip rap at Hefner can be productive. Just watch out for when the winds are strong out of the south. Easily get you up into the rip rap.

[lazylakedog]

The crappie have turned on at Hefner. Mornings have been particularly good. Size is problematic, but some have been 12 inches. Sand bass and walleye are also hitting the jigs. So far, everyone is throwing jigs from the riprap, but tube fishing should be great right now. Time to get out the fleece-lined pants and thinsulates.

I used to tube there a lot in the winter loads of fun. Don't forget they call tubes watercraft now and require the same permits as boats

[Crappie Reaper]

Don't forget they call tubes watercraft now and require the same permits as boats

Get out of town! Seriously?

[lazylakedog]

QpgUOTE=Crappie Reaper;2833171]Get out of town! Seriously?[/QUOTE]

I was wrong you do not need a permit for a fishing tube on the city lakes. When they changed the rules around five years ago everything not considered a toy required a permit. Since then the wording now reflects that fishing tubes do not require a permit! I should get out and fish those city lakes more lol.

[Bigskyfisherman]

Hey, Lazy.

That second post saved me a trip to see Sergeant Jones at the lake patrol. When the officers from the station on Hefner were writing tickets several years ago, we checked with the sergeant and found that tubes were classified as "fisherman floats" and were not considered to be watercraft. He said that they COULD require inspections and permits for the tubes, but "At this time we are not doing so." You can check the applicable statutes in the 1992 city codes.

[cricket george]

The water temperature at noon today was 38 degs F on the dam. I enjoyed visiting with you today Bigskyfisherman.

[Bigskyfisherman]

Likewise, George. Also look forward to fishing with you.

[gentryj]

Hey guys, anything happening on Hefner lately? Looks like we'll be up that way for part of the week and unfortunately the inlaws idea of a good time is staying in the house watching football all day. . Thinking I may drag the boat with me.

[Bigskyfisherman]

They're biting pretty well off the dam. Crappie and sandies both. Most guys are fishing from the bank, and either slip corking or doing the cast/countdown/slow retrieve. In a boat, though, they're double dipping. The crappie have been pretty deep, but with electronics you should be able to find them. My son finds them in his float tube with electronics, but has a tough time catching them. Bigfishmama then comes over and catches them for him.
ps The size varies quite a bit, but you should catch enough for supper.
You can always call the guys at Lucky Lure for an up to the minute update.