Weekend Advice

[travis23]

We have our first tournament of the year on Saturday. I attached the current weather hopefully it shows up. I live in Huntington, WV and will be fishing East Lynn Lake. We have had some warm days (50-65) the last couple weeks, but nights have gotten down between 30-40 degrees. Saturday is supposed to be 54 and raining 80% chance with 12mph SW winds. I just wanted to see if I can get some advice or opinions on lure selection. Never been to the lake before, but all the boaters beat the bank. I will be in the back of the boat.

[travis23]

Ok I guess the image didn't show up but the weather is 62 today, 64 Friday with rain, and like I said 54 on Saturday. Would These next 2 days be warm rains?

[FishinCop646]

If the rain is warmer than the lake temp, beating the banks should produce, especially if the water is stained. The fish should be shallow because of the warmer water.

[smalljaw67]

The water temps should be in the upper 50s, maybe close to 60 if you get a warm rain that means the fish will be looking to move up in a big way. Since you are in the back of the boat you have to depend on the boater for location but if you have clear water a jerkbait would be a good selection as would a flat side crankbait, Rapala DT Flat 7 and flat 3 are perfect for those conditions. The flat 7 is excellent if the move out to the first break, with the temps you reported they may only move out to 6 feet or so but if you have dirty water they will move pretty shallow so the 3 will work there. The other baits I think you should have is a spinnerbait, 1/2oz with either a double Colorado or an Indiana/Colorado tandem like is used on the Manns classic spinnerbait, a chatterbait and trailer is also good as is a hollow body swim bait, any of those can score. If your boater is "back boating" you, meaning he isn't letting you get any casts in at cover or where the fish are at, then grab a lipless crank and fan cast away from the bank, that is the best search bait at this time of year, good luck.

[paul25]

X2 TO what small jaw said. I live close by to that lake never fished it but know ppl that have and they all have sucess with what smalljaw mentioned the typical early spring baits, you being in the back of the boat casting that lipless bait or a spinnerbait out into open water away from the bank is a good way to connect on those big females that haven't moved up yet hanging on that first break, it's worked for me. Good luck

[frogflogger]

A lot depends on how your boater runs the boat - I've won a few from the back - "strolling" cranks, grubs, jigs behind the boat - not trolling just covering used water with a different approach - shad rap should catch you a few at that lake. Watch your boater and fish where he doesn't. 

[Siebert Outdoors]

I'm with the other guys.  Cranks/Lipless cranks for a start.  A lot does depend on the boater though.

[WIGuide]

that lipless bait or a spinnerbait out into open water away from the bank is a good way to connect on those big females that haven't moved up yet hanging on that first break

x2

[joshc23]

The water level was down to critical levels about a week ago. They are working on replacing the bridge by the campground and it was the lowest I have seen in years. Last week you couldn't get a boat in the water. I imagine the fishing will be restricted to deeper main lake fishing unless they have raised it in the past week.

[joshc23]

Travis, I just checked the WVDNR website and it's saying they are keeping the lake at 5 feet below winter pool and the lake is inoperable until April 1.  Who is holding a tournament there on Saturday?   You may want to call the lake number for the lake to see if it is even accessible because they are showing it still 5 foot below normal winter pool as of this morning on the website.  The number is 304-849-9861.

[roadwarrior]

Troll a Rage Tail Eliminator C-rigged on the other side of the boat (lake side, deeper water).