How hard and where can you catch shad? Heading out there in a couple weeks and any information on catching big stripers would be appreciated.
Thanks

I've caught bait below Wright Patman spillway on the way up. If water is going over the spillway it's really easy throwing off the concrete. It's best to bring the biggest bait you can find. This time of year I'd pull planers on the West end. I had to cancel my trip up there this year. Good luck!

I fished Hamilton(below Ouchita) and the water temp there dropped from 80's to low 40's near the Ouchita dam. All they would hit there was small lures--but that was because there were tons of small shad near the temp shift. No big ones on my trip but they are there.

That is one lake that I am going to make it a point to fish. Hopefully next spring I can make it happen.

As for bait something you might consider is black salties.

Bait on Quchita has to be hauled from other sources. You will need a pretty serious truck tank. Take large baits with you. Fish the shad on down lines, planners and ballons.

Wake 7 inch redfins in chrome, bone, and trout from the bank back to the boat early and late. Make sure your heart is ready for the result.


Fish both arms of the Quchita. The fish hatchery, Striper point etc. You can also fish the bank and points up by the dam with bait and topwaters. The lake is marked by numbers. Get a good map.
Patience is the key. Your not fishing a lake that has lots of fish. When you do catch one it will be a nice one.

Shinners can be a good bait when shad are not available.

Randy is right--on my next trip I will take a 55 gallon drum I converted into a filtering bait tank with a design from antoehr fisherman--got less that $50 in it and it will keep shad alive for days unless the water gets too hot. I tried the redfins last time and didnt get a bump.

Why is bait so hard to catch on Quachita?

Thanks for all the responses. We are going to Stay at Brady mountain. How good would perch work? I know i could keep them alive a lot easier. I fished here once in june and caught a few about 15 pounds. Hopefully we can catch some nice fish

Well....uh.....nevermind..............

Brandon a. That lake is so f-ing clear you have to use 150lb mono on a jug line. I watched my sunglasses sink 15ft to the bottom of the cove I was in. Plus I hear its illegal to use a castnet in the dark on that lake.

I heard it was Gin Clear. Why would they outlaw cast nets at night? That doesn't make much since.

i've "heard" it's so the hillbillies don't take bass off their spawning beds "just a rumor" but either way everyone knows to bring gizzards because you can't get em there. lot's of shoreline bass on small baits like little chug bugs to pass the time.

So how many big gizzards would you bring for say 5 days of fishing?

As many as you can keep alive in excellent condition. I would pull 11 shad at a time. 3 planers on each side, 4 downlines, and a freeline out the back. It doesn't take long to go thru bait like that. For 5 days you probably should bring enough for 2 days, day 3 is a bait run, then finish out your last 2 days with fresh bait. In that clear water fresh bait can make all the difference. So bring 100 big gizzards(50 each day) then go back for more. River gizzards are heartier and do better on planers/balloon/freelines.

Trent,

Is the closest place to get bait at Wright Pitman?