Super User roadwarrior Posted January 18, 2015 Super User Posted January 18, 2015 Trying to get over there this week. We will probably fish for smallmouth below the dam. Does anyone know if the shad kill has been washed downstream? Any suggestions other than minnows? Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted January 18, 2015 Super User Posted January 18, 2015 Got an email report today saying a huge shad kill is still on going. Jeff Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted January 18, 2015 Super User Posted January 18, 2015 Pickwick February fishing forecast 1/18/2015 Water temp: low to mid 40’s Clarity: 2’-6’ depending where you are I have been catching up on things around Casa de Harlan and haven’t been on the water in a few weeks so I am relying on my trusted sources for the up to date information….As of today’s date: there is a major shad kill going on right now, the water temps are low and there is a major shad kill going on. But now is not the time to despair! Now is the time to catch some big ones providing you are willing to brave the cold. The Pickwick winter trail yesterday (1/17) had 2 sacks over and one near 26lb. There were 2 fish over 8lb weighed in. Alabama rigs, Big Swimbaits and Jigs are all you need right now. Big single swimbaits (like the 5.5 and 6.5 Shadalicious) fished deep and slow will put a gorilla in your boat. My favorite bait this time of year is the jig. I use a Denny Brauer Structure jig in ½ or ¾ oz weights and a Rage Craw or Denny Brauer Magnum Chunk as a trailer. I work these in and around current breaks and steep drops. Most of the time you never feel the bite, so you need to pay close attention and when you think you are fishing slow….Slow down some more and be very thorough when fishing structure or cover. I have heard from some sources at TVA (nothing official has been released) that they will bring the lake back up this year. This will start in mid to late March. There are more urgent issues further up the river that TVA is going to be focusing on. PTL! The Crappie are still biting, however with the shad kill I would wait a few weeks before trying them again. They like the bass will want a bait deep and slow. We are booking up fast for this spring /summer. If you want a specific day I would suggest you get in touch with us as soon as possible to reserve your date. We appreciate all the support in 2014. Be safe out there cold water kills! Quote
Pete-K Posted January 18, 2015 Posted January 18, 2015 Have a feeling that the fish are in trouble Tuesday am. There's going to be a pair of fisherman putting a hurting on the SmallMouth below the dam. Thinking pics will be posting of big fish, yes BIG fish will be caught for sure. Fishing with a Guy I have only had the pleasure to fish with one time. But it was a unreal trip. If you ever get the chance to fish with RoadWarrior do it. He's a great guy and a better fisherman. Pete Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted January 18, 2015 Super User Posted January 18, 2015 Let us know how you guys do! I will be VERY interested! Jeff 1 Quote
lazeebum Posted January 19, 2015 Posted January 19, 2015 When y'all are taking about below the dam, do you mean Pickwick or Wilson dam? I am launching at McFarland in a little while and just wondering. 1 Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 19, 2015 Author Super User Posted January 19, 2015 We're fishing below Pickwick Dam. Please post a report after you are done today. We are panning on drifting minnows, but we are always open to suggestions! Quote
lazeebum Posted January 20, 2015 Posted January 20, 2015 I did fish from McFarland today. I threw grubs and jigs. I managed one keeper bass and a small striper of about four pounds. As usual with the way I fish, I caught several healthy drum. Disclaimer- My lack of ability to put quality fish in the boat is in no way an indication of fishing conditions on Pickwick lake. 2 Quote
Pete-K Posted January 20, 2015 Posted January 20, 2015 Well again great day fishing with RoadWarrior. Enjoyed it for sure, fishing was good as fish were caught. Will let him fill you in on that. But just got done eating fresh catfish and hushpuppys. Pulled up near the dam and Kent caught me 2 blue cats. Came home and cleaned them and fresh fish in less then 2 hours later. Kent here is the pic was hunting on my phone. Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted January 20, 2015 Super User Posted January 20, 2015 Bunch of fish? How many smallies? Thinking of taking off tomorrow and going as they are about to cut current, but wanted to hear ya'lls report first? Any size? Were the gulls still diving? If you want Kent to tell his story, pm me and I will keep it private until he tells the story! Jeff Quote
lazeebum Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 I can promise you, if I could fish tomorrow, I would. If you have a chance to fish the Tennessee River tomorrow, just fish. You will not be disappointed. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 21, 2015 Author Super User Posted January 21, 2015 Pete and I had a LARGE time, but the fishing was slow. We started off with a couple of 2-3 lb brown fish, then a complimentary dumb-dumb. Next drift Pete picked up a nice smallie so we kicked that skunk out of the boat! We were fishing the shallow side for a few more drifts then moved down river to some of Pete's special spots. The structure was great, but we couldn't get the fish to cooperate. After an hour or so we motored back up river and fished the buoys. The bite was soft and the fish would not commit. We picked up a couple more brown fish including one that we initially thought was a MONSTER! When the fish came up we were both going crazy. I wish it had gotten off, I know it would have been at least 7 lbs. To finish the day Pete drove us up near the dam where we managed to catch a couple of cats, but no smallmouth. The last fish of the day was one heck of a workout, a 10+ blue on spinning tackle spooled with #4 Yo-Zuri Hybrid. So, all and all a very enjoyable day with my gracious host, Pete-K. Thanks buddy! p.s. The fish are fat from the shad kill which is almost, but not quite over. 2 Quote
lazeebum Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 I wish I was fishing right now instead of going back to work. I may try again this weekend. Quote
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