SMITH LAKE MARCH 2008

Bass: Smith Lake water levels have been on the rise and are approaching full pool, said tournament angler Rex Chambers. Warmer weather has both the largemouth and spotted bass on the move to the shallows for the spring spawn. The early morning bass bite is excellent on small crankbaits fished in the mouths of the small pockets and creek channels. Largemouths are being taken on 3/8-oz. brown-and-green jigs fished in shallow brush in the Simpson Creek area. Spotted bass are being taken throughout the day on shaky-head finesse worms in the Rock Creek area. The warmer water in the moving creeks is producing nice catches. No. 5 Shad Raps in crawfish colors are the baits of choice for the shallow creeks.

Stripers: Stripe are on the move with some great topwater action being reported. Big Red Fins and Zara Spooks are taking huge catches of stripe daily on top. The stripe will be making their way to the shallows soon and can be taken on just about any lure put in front of them. The Wal-Mart Children’s Miracle Network tournament is March 29 from Smith Lake Park.