Best Clear Water Angling Tips

[paparock]

Hi, everyone, I was wondering if some of those among us would share their favorite methods for fishing CLEAR water lakes and rivers. I know there are other newer anglers here and fishing very clear water is always challenging even for some pro-anglers fishing tournaments. As most know I moved to Bull Shoals with visibility down 20 to 40 feet on average. In the creek arms it is only 14 ft. right now. :-/ "I know those fish were around here a minute ago".

I grew up in south Arkansas where the water was so muddy, seeing a couple of feet was unusual. So, I thought those of wisdom on mastering the clear water challenges might help others of lesser experience (not that I need any help ever):. My only clear water experience before moving here is in cool bathwater clear small rivers. There, crawfish rule not only for the Smallmouth but also for Spots and Largemouth. Pumpkinseed was the best color for a hula grub, small white fluke type plastics worked sometimes, and white, chartreuse or white/chartreuse spinner baits, The orange beetle spin could catch most any fish in the river. The fish would be climbing over each other for anything they thought was a leech. Sometimes though like in late summer for some unknown reason to me you could slay them with a bubblegum colored worm. Well that didn't take long to cover all I know . Now I will take notes.... I mean those other less experienced fishermen will take notes. Please help your less fortunate fish challenged brethren. The box is now yours.

[Rattlinrogue]

Although I fish in Mississippi,the lakes that I fish are unusually clear(not Cali clear).I try to use the lightest line I can get by with(8,10,and at heaviest 12lb test).I also try to downsize my lures.Normally,the biggest spinnerbait I use is a 3/16.Many times,I'll use an H & H spinner which is essentially a crappie bait.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

clear water rule- Long cast gets the bass.

Get that lure as far away from the boat as possible.

use Natural colors- greens, blacks and browns.

[roadwarrior]

Low-Budget_Hooker said it all. I might add that for fish that seem to be line shy (smallmouth, walleye and brown trout) thin diameter line and maybe even a pure fluorocarbon will help, especially during the bright parts of the day.  

[Tom Bass]

In clear water I have had good luck with Rapala floaters in silver / black and with white / silver rooster tales in shallower water. Down deep I use natural colored plastic baits Carolina rigged. On cloudy days the bass seemed to prefer blue colors in the lures.

Oh yeah, and light weight lo-vis fishing line.

[FALCON]

I AGREE WITH LOW_BUDGET_HOOKERS, LONG CASTS AND NATURAL COLORS.

[Curado]

Long casts, light line, natural colors, with soft plastics I will try to match my color to the bottom color.

[Upnorth]

I agree with all the advice.  Natural colors, lighter line, fluorocarbon, etc.  I would add that reaction baits are another key.  Spinnerbaits, traps, etc any bait that you can burn.  Make sure to burn the bait to the boat, this prevents the fish from getting a clear look at the bait and forces them to react.  Try big, bright spinnerbaits and reel as fast as possible for some big smallmouth this spring.

[Raul]

My advice has nothing to do with line diameter or color, lure size or it 's color my advice has to do with you, in clear water fish CAN SEE YOU, so blend with the surroundings, do not wear bright colors, browns, greens or cammo is what you should wear, avoid sudden movements, do not cast your shadow towards your intented target and obviously do not cast your bait in your shadow, pass your intended target and fish it from the other side, it 's better if you sit down or kneel to cast than if you are standing up.

[tbird]

Flourocarbon 8 -10 test and natural colors are the trick. As Raul said don't let the fish see you .

[Captain Cali]

Long casts & be very quite. Pretty much what LBH and Raul both said.

[Nick_Barr]

Light sinkers, Light Line. Also use smaller Baits with brown or green colors.

For reaction baits, work faster because then the fish can only see it for a split second to make a decision, instead of letting it sit there having a 4 pound smallie counting the scales on your new lucky craft!

[Raul]

 instead of letting it sit there having a 4 pound smallie counting the scales on your new lucky craft!

That is so funny Nick !