Walk-in-Water

Bluegill (bream) and Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) fishing is slow, with many anglers targeting Black Crappie (specks) when temperatures drop. Although the number of fish reportedly caught by anglers seem to be lower this year compared to years prior, electrofishing has proven an abundance of fish are still thriving in the lake. Our seasonal creel clerk claims “The lake isn’t producing like the 90’s or the 2000’s, but its still a thriving fishery and a great lake to fish”. We expect sunfish fishing to pick up over the next month. Fish bulrush and cattail strands nearshore for the best chance to catch some bream or shellcracker. Fishing for specks should be excellent, we have documented some larger individuals in our electrofishing samples, sure to excite our speck anglers if they get a hot bite. Live Missouri minnows, Hal flies, and small spinners in the open water should all be productive.

There are seven fish attractors marked with buoys scattered around the lake, and they are holding baitfish and some quality fish. For more information on the location of fish attractors visit the Interactive Fish Attractor Map and the fish attractor page found on our website. Shoreline vegetation (bulrush, cattails, and Kissimmee grass) should hold Bass, especially as they begin to spawn. Live wild shiners are producing, and plastic worms, weightless jerkworms, and suspending jerkbaits are the artificial baits of choice for the spring months. The north end of the lake (around Walk-In-Water Creek) seems to hold a lot of fish of all stages during this time of year. Some are spawning tucked back in the thick bulrush, while others are in their pre- and post-spawning stages feeding heavily in the sparse bulrush just offshore. Try using plastic lizards, crawfish, tube baits, and worms to catch these fish. As the water starts to warm, try throwing a black and blue bladed jig or a speed-worm around the shallow vegetation to get the attention of Bass. There are plenty of TrophyCatch quality Bass swimming in Lake Walk-in-Water, in fact biologists have tagged 7 fish >8lbs, in the past two months! 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 remove the tag. You will need it to collect your $100 reward! Tight lines!