16 or 17 yesterday with Surfrider & 14 or 15 today with Doc Love, not bad for the "winter Belews"! Today's launch was at 1:30pm from Piney Bluff. Water at the ramp was mid 50's and had the look of Campbell's tomato soup! Rip-rap at the 65 bridge serves as the perfect filter and the water was nice and clear just on the north side.
All fish today were caught in back half of creeks, deep or suspended over the channel in 20-35fow. 2nd day in a row for a freshwater grandslam- LMB, Crappie & the beloved White Perch! Our fish today were caught on lipless cranks & spinnerbaits in shad patterns. Water temp in our fishing area was 62, normal water clarity for Belews and all species were in same areas, apparently focusing on abundant shad.
After a great time with Sam on the boat yesterday, it was nice to have Doc on board today. After a looong week at the JOB, he was ready to get on the water and I'm glad we were able to get on the fish. We caught our first fish on the first cast and left them biting at dark!
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For those unfamiliar, Belews Creek is home to the largest coal-fired hydro-electric facility in the Duke Power system. The hot water discharge is close to the mid-point of the lake and the warmer water is dispersed throughout the lower half. Much to the surprise of many, winter water temps will average in the upper 50's to low 60's in the lower part and normally, 5-10 degrees cooler in the upper end. It's known as a DEEP, CLEAR lake that produces some challenging fishing conditions. Despite this not-so-welcoming reputation, when it's good, it can be really good!
Jim
All fish today were caught in back half of creeks, deep or suspended over the channel in 20-35fow. 2nd day in a row for a freshwater grandslam- LMB, Crappie & the beloved White Perch! Our fish today were caught on lipless cranks & spinnerbaits in shad patterns. Water temp in our fishing area was 62, normal water clarity for Belews and all species were in same areas, apparently focusing on abundant shad.
After a great time with Sam on the boat yesterday, it was nice to have Doc on board today. After a looong week at the JOB, he was ready to get on the water and I'm glad we were able to get on the fish. We caught our first fish on the first cast and left them biting at dark!
For those unfamiliar, Belews Creek is home to the largest coal-fired hydro-electric facility in the Duke Power system. The hot water discharge is close to the mid-point of the lake and the warmer water is dispersed throughout the lower half. Much to the surprise of many, winter water temps will average in the upper 50's to low 60's in the lower part and normally, 5-10 degrees cooler in the upper end. It's known as a DEEP, CLEAR lake that produces some challenging fishing conditions. Despite this not-so-welcoming reputation, when it's good, it can be really good!
Jim