Had a crisis last year and didn't make it to Table Rock, but I have a chance again this year. I've been reading around the forum for answers but I figure I'll post up for some new info too. 

I'm there the first or second week of April. What weather should I be expecting, it's been a pretty wet winter thus far. And what do the bass tend to do around this time of year? 

You could have 20's and snow or 80's that time of year, I've been there for both. Most likely, you'll be looking highs in the 60's with lows in the 40's with at least a slight chance of rain almost every day, but that's a good thing since they bite so much better with cloud cover there. 

Last time I was there was during the first week of April. All we really needed was jerkbaits and warts, but we caught fish on 3XDs, shakyheads, and football jigs also. First day we spent around Shell Knob and did really well about everywhere we fished. The second day we launched at Baxter and fished Little Indian. Anywhere with about a 45* bank with timber was producing fish steadily all day. The last day we launched in Schooner Creek and never did figure anything out, but we only had a couple hours to fish and the water was much clearer than we had been fishing. 

Depending on how fast it warms up, you'll be looking at either prespawn or maybe even some bedding fish most likely. I'd have plenty of jerkbaits and warts on hand. A-rigs could still be a factor then. I'd never go to The Rock without football jigs and shakyheads. Dropshots, and jigging spoons can be a factor. The swinging football heads with some kind of beaver/creature has been a big factor there that time of year the last couple years. I'd make sure to have some Ned Rigs in case the fishing is tough. You can't ever count out the chance of some topwater fish either. 

I love fishing Table Rock regardless of how tough it is. 

Thanks BlueBasser. I was planning on using A-Rigs, warts, jerkbaits, wobbleheads and shakeyheads. Looks like I was on the right path haha!

My advice is to find a little dirtier water.  The clean water holds plenty of fish, but they are a little more spooky IMO.  Run up the creeks and fish 45* banks and you should do fine.  

I'm getting a few of the Spro RkCrawlers monday, what colors would you recommend? I've heard that the earlier in the season, the greener you want. 

4 hours ago, Robert Riley said:

I'm getting a few of the Spro RkCrawlers monday, what colors would you recommend? I've heard that the earlier in the season, the greener you want. 

Any of the phantom colors are good. Green craw and Molting craw are good also. I agree with finding the dirtier water (which is a relative term on Table Rock). Something with a nice greenish tint to it and visibility less than 10' usually makes for a much better bite for me. 

20 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Any of the phantom colors are good. Green craw and Molting craw are good also. I agree with finding the dirtier water (which is a relative term on Table Rock). Something with a nice greenish tint to it and visibility less than 10' usually makes for a much better bite for me. 

I can't imagine water with 10' of visibility, but that's Illinois for you. 

We're usually dealing with 1-3 feet at best in NE KS, so it's a bit of an adjustment at first.

A football jig is always a good idea here.. April may still have a RK crawler and wart bite. .I wouldn't be in the boat without a shakey head and a ned tied on..