Spring is Slow to Arrive in the South Too!

[ratsotail]

What a crazy Spring we are having! The water is finally up to around 65F, but the fish have been slow to respond and move to the shorelines and bays with the barrage of cold fronts that continue to knock the temps down. I fished Kinkaid Lake yesterday, in southern Illinois, and had a pretty decent day, but all of the fish have not made the migration from dropoffs to shallower bays. I was, however, impressed with the tank White Crappie we caught on the day throwing Gulp minnows on the drops and deep weed lines. Here's a few pics from the day!

This lake is really beautiful and full of multiple species; from Musky to three species of Bass, to Walleye and White Bass, to a full assortment of panfish. Here is a few pics of the bluff-like terrain. There are actually rattlesnake roundups that occur in this region!


Even the Bass are still hanging deeper and we had to work hard for the small ones we caught.

Big fish on the day was a Flathead Catfish caught on a crappie jig on 2 lb. test line.

But the bonus today was catching some beautiful White Crappie. We caught only eight on the day, but the ones we caught were tanks!

Here is a better pic that I took with my buddy for perspective!

This lake has served up Crappie over 4 lbs last year and I plan on making this lake my home field advantage this year.

Tight Lines and I'm hoping Spring does arrive for you guys North of the Border soon!

ratsotail

[jona38]

Nice to see someone getting out. What do you mean by rattlesnake roundups?

[ShawnD]

Great Report! Can't wait to get on the water here!

[ratsotail]

Jona,

I've never been on a rattlesnake roundup, nor do I plan on it, but I gather some think it is sport and a way to cull the snake population down here. I just thought you'd get a kick out of what some do south of the border !

Tight Lines,

ratsotail

[jona38]

Jona,

I've never been on a rattlesnake roundup, nor do I plan on it, but I gather some think it is sport and a way to cull the snake population down here. I just thought you'd get a kick out of what some do south of the border !

Tight Lines,

ratsotail

Interesting, sounds like a good way to get bit by a rattlesnake.

[slop]

Nice little outing buddy, Cool to see a mixed bag of cats, bass, white and black crappie.