Channels typically spawn on the rip rap along dams in early spring, but it's been many years since I have chased them like this. I caught a few this weekend fishing the rocks, but I couldn't tell if it is still early for this activity or too late already (eggs were not fully developed, but this could have been the "second set"). I was fishing a small power plant lake, so it should be a few weeks ahead of the non-boiled lakes.

THANKS

Most of the channels I caught at squaw creek had eggs

Pineywoods, I suspect the channels you are catching on rip rap this time of year are there because the rocks hold the daylight heating longer than mud does. March and October have always been my favorite rip rap fishing times for both kitties and green lipped sucker mouth fish.

However, you are right about the power plant lake might in fact spawn a bit earlier than natural cold water lakes.

Even so it seems like it's a bit early for the spawn on most lakes.

they spawn in july water temp 80

I would target the rocks next month in April. By July the fish will be spawned out for the most part. However, you will still be able to catch them. April and May seem to be the best months for me. Typically your 70-80 degree water temps are found in Mid may thru late June. Last year we warmed up on April 18th - April 28th 10 degrees and it never changed. Kinda thru off fishing for me for while.

May and june is usely the best time on TWKI. Right now the blue cat a rapping up their spawn.

The last two weeks in May is what I go by.