NWA FISHING REPORT

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Beaver Lake: Winter weather has fishing activity at a stand still, but good weather this weekend may bring anglers back to the water.

Aaron Jolliff at Hook, Line and Sinker in Rogers said jerk baits and Alabama rigs will be the top two lures for catching black bass this weekend.

However, the water will still be very cold so anglers should fish slowly.

Garland Villines at Hickory Creek Marina said the south end of the lake is frozen.

Jason Piper with J.T. Crappie Guide Services said anglers venturing out for crappie this weekend should expect to find crappie suspended from a few feet deep to 10 feet over water that is 20 to 50 feet deep. Try fishing under docks, along bluff lines and timber with a jig tipped with a minnow, or a minnow under a float.

Horseshoe Bend may be a good area to try, he said. Ice may be a problem south of Horseshoe Bend.

White River below Beaver Dam: Lisa Mullins at the Beaver Dam Store said trout are biting white or yellow Power Bait.

The top lures are small spoons and micro jigs. Gray or black midges are the best flies.

Lake Fayetteville: The lake has been frozen for quite some time, said Dolly Black at Lake Fayetteville boat dock.

Lake Sequoyah: Mike McBride at Lake Sequoyah bait shop said there is a small area of open water near the old bridge by the dam. Anglers have been vertically jigging off the bridge and catching crappie 5 to 10 feet deep.

The lake could thaw by the weekend and McBride said crappie are the best bet. Fish with jigs or minnows 5 to 10 feet deep.

Bella Vista: All lakes are frozen, said Nick Gann at Hook, Line and Sinker in Bella Vista.

Trout at Lake Brittany will be the best bet if thawing occurs.

Use Power Bait or small spoons.

Swepco Lake: Kenny Stroud in Siloam Springs said black bass fishing is good with plastic worms or other soft plastics 2 to 20 feet deep.

Shallow-diving crank baits worked parallel to the bank are worth a try.

Eastern Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation said crappie fishing at Lake Eucha is fair with minnows or jigs worked 15 feet deep around docks.

No report from Grand Lake.

Outdoor, Pages 6 on 02/13/2014