How's About a Rainy Day Fishing Report

I stepped on my porch this morning, took a deep breath, felt the cold air run through me and my mind went straight to hunting. I shook off the daydream and remembered I still have a lot of fishing to do in the next few weeks before we start our guided hunts. Here is how we've been catching our fish:



Water temp: 70ish
Water clarity: lightly stained
Best depth: 6-14ft
Best Jigs: White Hot and Pearl Necklace Thump Chubbies from www.constantpursuitoutfitters.com
Jig Heads: 1/16 or 1/8 ounce unpainted heads depending on wind. If dock shooting, I use 1/16 ounce only. #4 or #2 hooks.
Favorite Rods: 8ft Pro Mag GRod for brush and 6ft Grod for shooting docks
Favorite Reels: Pflueger President or Shimano Sieanna spooled with 8lb Mr. Crappie hi-vis mono


The fish are in a couple different places right now, and with the water temps dropping as we speak, I wouldn't be surprised if more move shallow. Typically speaking, when the water is in the mid to upper 60s/low 70s, crappie will hang out fairly shallow, just like they do in the spring. Another trend that I'm seeing is fish moving further back into coves and creek arms, making their new homes around docks and brush. The strength of the wind and the customer's skill level/attitude are the two main factors that I'm basing my target areas on right now. If I get someone who is new to crappie fishing and just wants to catch some fish, we are going to look at brush that is out of the wind, where I can help them learn how to vertically jig or pitch out and let the jig fall back to them. On the other hand, if I have someone who is more experienced, or just has a great attitude to learn more about fishing, we go shoot docks.

In terms of brush piles, my best spots right now are those in 10-15ft. I'm throwing my buoy upwind of the pile, getting the boat in position, and having everyone pitch towards the marker buoy in order to pull off the more aggressive and normally bigger fish first. After that, I'll ease up to the pile and pick through it, catching the more tight-lipped fish. As for the dock fishing, I'm getting out of the wind, and finding docks that are easier to fish based on what time of day it is. If it's morning, I'll stick to the east shoreline, as the sun will be behind the dock, bringing the shade and ultimately the fish closer to us. In the afternoon, I'm more apt to fish the western shoreline. In both cases, I'm trying to get my jig in the darkest possible water I can find. If you go dock shooting right now, make sure to let your jig free fall all the way down to the bottom before reeling in; I'm getting a lot of my bites right before my bait hits the bottom.


I hope this helps someone out there. I know it's not always easy, but if you're having fun, you're doing it right. Take a kid outside and let them learn a new tradition; I promise you it's worth it! If you want to have some fun stocking the freezer with venison or crappie, I can be reached at 817-266-9811.



These are pictures from 10/17-1023

Great pics and report!

Thanks for the detailed report and tips! I've never tried shooting docks but have always loved the idea of it. I think i'd feel more comfortable with most of the docks vacant this time of year and not as many people "watching" me!

And good luck to your Frogs this weekend!

Good reflective report !

Great Post as always Lane!

Awesome post Lane.

My wife & I are in the last two photos. Lane took us out for a windy 1/2 day on the 23rd. Gayle had never fished with a guide or on brush piles before, and Lane worked his tail off to help her. We had to work in areas behind some cover to stay on the brush since there were white caps rolling all across the main lake. Lane took great care of us, and I can't say enough about how hard he works for his clients.

Keep up the good work, my friend!

Oh, I almost forgot. Gayle also caught the biggest fish! Got her some bragging rights!

Solid post and solid fish. Good job.

Thank you guys for all of your support. It's been a great fall so far and the quality of fish this year has been outstanding. As of today the water temp was still 69 so I don't see our bite slowing down anytime soon.

Fergy, I had a great time with you and Mrs Ferguson. I appreciate y'all having a great attitude on a tough day. I sure had fun watching her catch some fish!

Nice Bass! Better report, as always!