Hey yall

 

Ive got a high school fishing tournement next week on lake Ouachita....Never been there before so im basically blind as to what to do where to fish and how to fish it

Any advice on lure choice and color and maybe a spot to fish???

Online research is your friend. Since you've never been there, a good way to start narrowing down is to get a map of the lake. This time of year, warm water is key. Since north banks warm fastest, draw a line through the center of the map from W-E. You've just eliminated 50% of the lake (the bottom half).

Since you don't know the lake very well, I'd suggest staying close to the launch to increase your fishing time. The area will depend on your ability to run somewhere fast, but keeping a smaller area in mind also removes a lot of water, leaving you a much smaller chunk of lake to figure out.

Next, consider water temperature versus fish activity. A quick look shows the water temp on Ouachita right now to be upper 40's-50 degrees. At that point, I'd be looking at main lake and secondary points. You've just eliminated a significant portion of the water in your already small area. From there, a good contour map can help narrow down even further.

As for colors, Ouachita is fairly clear, so I'd stick with natural colors unless you're in an area that has had some runoff/rain. Jigs and jerkbaits are good options this time of year. If you get a warming trend, consider throwing a crankbait (and also looking farther back in the coves). Good luck.

right now ive got a shallow bluegill live target crank bait, a swimbait with the top half being blue and the bottom being white and a small worm jigged on...would any one suggest any thing different?

Most recent report shows temps 50-54. Jigs, A-rigs and large spinnerbaits around brush, moss and timber.

I must've looked at an olde report. With those water temps, your crankbait might be the ticket, or dragging that worm. Is that all your tackle or just what you have tied on?

just what i have tied on...i have rattle traps all the way to and 8 inch curlly tailed worm

I told you my buddy said throw a spinnerbait today if the wind is blowing, if not go to a Zoom Speed Craw or 4" lizard. Haven't heard back to see if he had any luck. Should know tomorrow.

Hopefully he listened to the local.

 

Make sure you let us know how you did.