Edward Medard Reservoir

Despite the onset of fall, water temperatures on the reservoir will likely remain high until the holiday season. However, these warmer temperatures will provide excellent fishing for panfish species like Bluegill and Redear Sunfish. These species are plentiful on Edward Medard and live bait has always been the most successful presentation. Anglers using crickets, grass shrimp, and red wigglers under a cork around shoreline structure and Kissimmee grass will find success during warmer months. As water temperatures begin to cool Black Crappie fishing should begin to pick back up on the reservoir. Beginning in late October – early November, Crappie anglers can expect to find success along drop offs, woody lay-downs and the edge of vegetated points. These are common congregation areas for schools of hungry specks looking to fatten up after a slow summer. These fish will be looking to feed on small fish like Golden Shiners and Threadfin Shad, so be sure to “match the hatch” with small jigs, spinners and swimbaits. Live minnows fished under a cork will always produce a strike as well. Using live bait may also yield hard-fighting catfish, which can be found throughout the reservoir. Anglers looking to target catfish should fish chicken livers, frozen shrimp, night crawlers, or any commercial stink baits on the bottom in any of the coves found around the waterbody. Sunshine bass are stocked annually in Medard Reservoir and offer anglers with a unique fishing experience. These feisty fish will become more active as the water temperatures drop and often strike the same lures and baits used by crappie and bass anglers. Sunshine’s can be caught drifting live Missouri minnows in open water over the humps and rock piles. Anglers using a rattle-trap, small swimbait, or jerkbait around the dam can find similar success for this open-water-loving species. Anglers looking to target Florida Bass can find their targets fishing drop offs and rock piles with worms in bright red, Junebug, or black and blue colors. Don’t be afraid to pick up your cranking stick and fire a shad-colored crankbait along these same areas to activate the schools relating to the underwater structure. Fall and wintertime fishing for Bass can be exciting if you’re willing to adapt to the day on the water. Trying multiple techniques to get a bite can be your best friend during this “transition” time of year. Let the Bass tell you what they want, and you can have a memorable day on the water! Good fishing!