We just got a big slug of rain in the Midwest and many of the highland reservoirs I fish are getting dirty quick <1' visibility. I have a small club tournament this weekend at Lake of the Ozarks and the weather looks post front clear and calm. Water temps will likely be in the mid to upper forties. These conditions are difficult but seem to kick my but more than any others.

 

My gut says flat sided cranks and maybe spinnerbaits... Maybe get a bite or two early in the morning but things will pick up as the sun gets higher. I have a mental block when it

comes to high skies and mud on highland lakes.

 

Water color says spinnerbait, but can the spinnerbait deal hold up through a very non-spinnerbait-y day?

Swim a bulky jig with a bunch of thump as a spinnerbait surrogate?

Is it better to just cover turf grinding a crank?

 

What are your thoughts?

 

thanks!

-Jared

If there's still muddy water where there usually isn't muddy water I'd toss a spinnerbait through that for sure....close to cover. 

 

Only baits I have any confidence in for those conditions are spinnerbaits and jigs! I've caught a few on other baits, chatterbaits and even jerkbaits in a lot dirtier water than you're supposed to fish a jerkbait in. 

I'd throw a spinnerbait all day unless you find some clearer water. I did really well at LOZ once early after a big rain with a white spinnerbait with double copper Colorado blades, only bait we could get them to bite but it was like flipping a light switch when we went to that thing.

19 hours ago, KCFinesse said:

Cold muddy water

When I see those three words together, I'm either riding my bike or working on my tennis game.

less about WHAT to throw, more about WHERE to throw.  Warmest water, tight to cover and slowly.

 

oe