Originally Posted by
Millwood Lip Ripper
The crappie are biting but slow. Look for them in planted brushpiles or natural log/stump collections around 23 foot on the edges of the river. The drawdown has the current in the river just at the point where the crappie don't want to bite much. Current elevation today is 256.1 which is 3' down from normal. They have one more foot to go. If you are planning a trip to Millwood, wait until the 2nd week of October. Fish the river banks. You can tell when they are biting cause you can walk up and down the river just by stepping from one boat to the other. As for the gators, I promise you there are some 17'+ in there. I have seen them many, many times. They stay in Horseshoe, McGuire, back side of Mud lake (locally called "Gator Alley"), and in the several creeks along the river system. In the spring and early summer, you can see upwards of 100 a night with a spotlight. Look for the red eyes.
Yarbouough Landing will be the only place to launch your boat when they hit the 4' down level. You have got to be careful about dropping your trailer off the end of the ramp. Stay on the left side (as your looking at the lake) because the right side will most likely be trecherous and short. You will have to be patient too. Being the only ramp to launch at, it will be crowded. There may be a possibility to get a boat in at the Hwy 71 river bridge ramp or White Cliffs. I never launch there so if you go, it may be blocked off.
LB