Spring River, Oklahoma, May 3rd, 2010: White Bass and hybrids on Brown Rooster Tails

I got a chance to fish Oklahoma for the first time in my life today....what a kick! I was working in Neosho, MO. during the afternoon and had a couple of hours to get the "Bossy Flossy" out on the water. I originally went to the state park by where Grand Lake starts, but after taking a look at a map, decided to head north of the lake to the Spring River (which empties into Grand Lake).

This is the perfect river for me....it has somewhat of a sporty current, but not too much to overwhelm. Launched off around 3:30 p.m and started to paddle up stream. Got a quick bite on a roadrunner w/ a small white grub, but was not able to land it. This river has a TON of small shad running about all over.

Stopped at some wood structure and started to cast on the west bank as I was letting the current take the kayak down river. Got up on some white bass...what a kick!! They fight like trout! I forgot how much fun they were to catch. Caught 7 or so (released all of them). The biggest one was about 13", but you would not know it with the fight they provided...had a sensitive rod w/ 6# test, so that added even more to the excitement!

Left around 6:00 p.m. or so.....will be back!

Fish ON!

MLT

Dresser Island, Brickhouse Slough, Mississippi River, August 30th: Water real, real low- found pool and has some success!

This has been the most unusual August weather I think I have ever seen. Usually it is around 100 degrees and all the grass is dead. Was very cool most of the day. Towards the end I went ahead and put my sweater on (glad I had it in the boat bag!) Felt like I was living up in Wisconsin again! Got out around 11:30 and kayaked until about 4:00 pm. A couple of the places I had considered putting in were so low, I decided against due to the mud. They must have all the gates open at Melvin Price Lock and Dam.

Most of this slough is very shallow. My depth finder said it was around 1-3 ft. deep in most places. Was able to find a nice pool with another slough draining into it (due to the low water). This spot looked to be around 5-6 ft. deep. The minute I cast a black Rooster Tail (murky waters + overcast sky= black rooster tail) boom! instant hit on the white bass. Caught a smaller largemouth right after. Also caught several very, very small Channel Catfish on slip bobbers and nightcrawlers as well as a small drum.

Lots of white Egrets and Blue Herons as well.....great day to be out on the kayak!

Fish ON!

MLT