December Lake Forecast

            Fishing has been a little slow so for this month. With the lake levels dropping so rapidly, it’s changed many of the fishing patterns. Bass are still holding between the Wilson dam and Pride Landing in good numbers. When moderate current is running concentrate on gravel bottoms along the main channel. Rock piles ands dikes in 4 to 10 feet of water are holding fish.

For crappie Second Creek and Coffee slough has been the go to’s lately. Look for stumps or submerged logs in 4 to 7 feet of water. Best presentation is a minnow or no action lure fished vertical right in their face.

Catfish are biting good in the mid to upper lake region. Blue cats are hanging out in deep holes or depressions in the main channel, while channel cats are numerous in the shallow rocks beow the dam.

Striper bite is slow so for but it should turn on anytime in the tailrace. Big live shad and hair jigs are always your best choice.

Sauger bite is getting better everyday. Good reports from bank fisherman in Cypress Creek, McFarland Park beach area, and Riverfront Park in Sheffield.

November Lake Forecast

            Just wrapped up one of the best October fishing months I’ve ever had. Clients averaged 39 fish on 4 hour excursions with our top day at 61 fish. I expect November to just get better. The size of the bass have steadily been increasing the last two weeks while numbers of stripe, catfish, and other species have remained steady. This month focus on the upper 1/3 of the lake. The best bass action will be from Wilson dam to Cane Creek area. When the current is strongest look for eddy pools and fish rock structure close to the shorelines. If current is absent or light then concentrate on open water in the middle of lake. Sauger are beginning to show up near the base of the dam. A few crappie are being caught in Little Bear, Spring, and Cypress Creeks, but that action is still pretty slow. For catfish just drop a live shad near the bottom and drift. They are everywhere. If you want to target channel catfish, fish from the dam to McFarland Park. If blue catfish is your choice, fish the pipe lines at Pride Landing and Cane Creek.

October 2021 Wilson / Pickwick Lake Forecast

Both lakes should fire up this month. Drifting live minnows below both dams should bring plenty of rod bending from trophy smallmouth to plenty of catfish and white bass for the cooler. Drifting current seams and eddy pockets just off the main current flow will be your best options.

For crappie search out Bear and Second Creeks on lower Pickwick Lake. trolling in 15 to 20 feet of water over ledges should be good. On Wilson lake McKernian and Shoals Creek will be the hottest crappie action. Sauger should start schooling on gravel bars from Second Creek to Natchez Trace bridge. These fish are starting to make a small comeback on Pickwick.

For trophy catfish your best options are the deep water bluffs on Wilson Lake. Slow troll 70-80 feet of water from Shoals Creek to Wilson Dam for the chance at the fish of a lifetime.