Next week I'm fishing the BassCat Owners tournament on Beaver Lake in Arkansas. I've never been there. Anyone have any experience on the lake? What is the primary forage fish there? Any hazards I need to be aware of. I assume it is a clear water lake (looks like it in some of the pictures I have seen). I would assume the fish will be in a pre-spawn stage. Any particular colors work better than others?

Appreciate any help.

I fished up there last week for the entire week. They're on beds everywhere and you can see them from a mile away. I'd just take whatever you like to sight fish with.

There is standing timber all over the lake so just be cautious when running close to the bank. Very clear usually up to the War Eagle River, from there on it's stain. If you look back at FLW events, you can see the predominant patterns for this time of year, usually sight fishing as mentioned above. The river can be awesome but it's hero or zero and a pretty good run depending on where you launch from. Lots of smallmouth in the dam area that are probably on the tail end of spawn and would eat a topwater or somthing moved quickly over their heads. Towards Prairie Creek normal moving baits and soft plastics will work. Up river you can get away with heavier line and larger baits in the stained water. Can't go wrong in the Prairie Creek or Mid lake (big island) area usually. There are docks on the lake that hold fish too, especially those just coming up or coming out.

Been a while but if the water has some color to it suggest a Wiggle Wart or Stanley Spinner bait on windy banks both in Fire Tiger. Hope this helps good luck.

Been a while but if the water has some color to it suggest a Wiggle Wart or Stanley Spinner bait on windy banks both in Fire Tiger. Hope this helps good luck.