How To Catch Bass In A Flooded Lake - Oklahoma Edition

We're in Oklahoma to fish but the lakes are flooded! Instead of leaving we headed out on Tenkiller Lake to show you how to break down a lake with unstable water conditions and to hopefully catch a few bass along the way. The day ends with CC catching her new personal best! Come along for a fun day of bass fishing in the MidWest.

We started the day targeting fish offshore. In Summer most lakes have two groups of fish, those that stay shallow after they spawned and those that moved offshore. When lakes begin to rise the shallow fish are most impacted by the rising water. They will typically push up along the new shoreline and can be incredibly difficult to target. By staying offshore and targeting fish on structure (humps, ledges, and long tapering points) we're able to get on a much more consistent pattern without having to bury ourselves in cover.

High rising water is much more difficult in early Spring when bass are moving up in the prespawn. After the spawn its much easier to simply target the off shore bass. Whether the water stays clear or turns to mud, the fish will typically stay positioned the same way they were before the flooding began. Below is a breakdown of the baits and gear that we were using to catch fish on Tenkiller Lake.

Baits...

Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Keitech 4.3" Swimbait (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Keitech 3.8" Swimbait (Crystal Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Heads...

Matt Allen Swimbait Head 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Stefan Guppy Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Matt's Keitech Combo...

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- 15 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Ten 5-2.jpg

Cold Muddy Water: 5 Baits That Still Work!

Muddy Water Bass Fishing can be a real challenge! Many of our lakes are full or flooding but Bass still need to eat. Fish these 5 baits with confidence and you'll begin catching fish again!

Bass will be in all stages as the water rises but focus on the bass that are moving up in the shallow water and flooded cover for your best chance at success. These fish will be actively feeding in cover and incoming water throughout the lake. Using our 2-pronged approach of agressive fast moving baits followed by a methodical approach to maximize your time on the water. 

Baits Shown In This Video...

1/2 oz Chatterbait: http://bit.ly/2b9oqRs
1/2 oz Bling Spinnerbait: http://bit.ly/2diSwqq
Keitech Swimbait (Size 4.3) as a Trailer: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v
1/2 Oz. Pitchin' Jig (Black/blue or Black/Blue/Purple): http://bit.ly/2amL3of
Sweat Beaver Jig Trailer (Black/Blue): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW
Jig Rattles: http://bit.ly/2kIQ0dH
1/2 Oz. Tungsten Weight: http://bit.ly/2a2XTZ3
Rattle Bead: http://bit.ly/2iOiqSD
5/0 EWG Superline Hook: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG
Zoom Brush Hog (Black/Blue or Junebug): http://bit.ly/2bnpCRx
California Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

Fishing muddy water is second nature to many anglers but if you're a Western fisherman these recent storms have completely changed the way you fish. Don't be afraid of the rising muddy water as our lakes hit flood stage. The bass are adapting to their new home and will continue to feed.