Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 661.58 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 654 msl).

Ken Minsky of Ken Minksy’s Loch Leven Guide Service said fish are hitting fairly well on Bull Shoals. The main lake temperature in the mid-lake area is up several degrees from last week, and is now averaging 81 degrees. With warmer surface temperatures, the fish are relating more and more to the thermocline, which is at approximately 30 feet. Mornings and evenings are going to produce the most consistent catches, as the fish will move deeper when the sun gets overhead. Look for both spotted and largemouth bass schooling on shad in the evenings near main lake points. Cast just past the surface swirls with a shad imitation, and retrieve it fast, expect hard fast hits as these fish mean business. Smallmouths are coming from both the inside, and main lake side, of primary points in 8 to 12 feet of water in the evenings. Crankbaits and jigs worked close to the bottom will produce the most strikes. Crappies are coming from main lake brush piles in 25 to 40 feet of water. Walleyes have been a bit harder to find this week, as I expect they are moving to deeper water. Trolling crankbaits in the evening and after dark along main lake points and deeper flats should do the trick. Trotlines set along the main lake are doing well for flatheads and channel cats, as well as largemouth bass, although keeping the gar off them is a full time job. Bluegills in the two to three inch range are, as usual, the best bait.