Walk-in-Water

As we head into our fourth summer since fisheries biologist upgraded the seven fish attractor sites on Lake Walk-in-Water, we are optimistic that the bite will be good around them. Mossback artificial trees of varying sizes were deployed to provide “off-shore” structure for fish to congregate and anglers to target. The seven fish attractor locations are strategically placed around the lake and are marked with buoys. Each location has a total of 40 trees scattered around the centrally located buoy. Recent electrofishing surveys of the refurbished fish attractors revealed that multiple sportfish (bluegill, specks, and bass) of all sizes along with catfish and shad are using these areas and their numbers are expected to increase as the summer continues to heat up. For more information on the location of fish attractors visit the interactive fish attractor map found on our website or check out the kiosk located at the public boat ramp were the GPS points are also posted. Bluegill (bream) and redear sunfish (shellcracker) fishing will improve with the warmer water temperatures. Target the vegetation near shore or try your luck near the fish attractors for the best chance. Speck (Black Crappie) fishing will slow with the rising water temperatures, but live Missouri minnows, Hal flies, and small spinners in the open water should still be productive once the schools are located. Largemouth bass fishing will slow as we move into summer, but quality-sized fish can still be caught. Using live, wild shiners always produce, and plastic worms, jerkworms, and suspending stickbaits are the artificial baits of choice for the warmer months. Try fishing very slowly around the fish attractors to find some big summer bass. The heat of the summer months is also a valuable time to rely on your electronics for finding fish offshore. Small “wolf packs” of larger bass tend to relate to contour changes and brush piles in deeper water as ambush points during the summer. Once you find them, throw a buoy overboard or mark a waypoint (or both) on your fish finder as you drive over them. Make a few casts at the spot with “dragging” type presentations (i.e., Carolina rig, Texas rig, Ned rig, jig) and then move to some “reaction” type presentations (i.e., crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits). Be sure to make multiple casts from all directions before giving up on your spot. If they won’t bite, move on to the next spot, but don’t be afraid to try the same spot multiple times throughout your day on the water as the school may turn on at any moment. Building confidence in using your electronics can make for memorable days on the water during the summer months. With increasing water temperature in the lake, try throwing a black and blue bladed jig or a speed-worm around the shallow vegetation to get the attention of bass that are there to feed during the dawn and dusk hours of the day. There are plenty of TrophyCatch quality bass swimming here. During recent electrofishing surveys, bass larger than 8 pounds were tagged and released, with a few over 10 pounds. Be on the lookout for tagged bass. Tags are yellow and located on the back (dorsal) of the fish. If you catch a tagged fish, remember to carefully cut off the tag. You will need it to collect your $100 reward. Tight lines!