Pickwick Lake Lodge - Fishing Report 4/7/25

Bass - Many of the fish last week were starting to stage and moving shallow to spawn. Shakey heads, Smaller Finesse Jigs, and Carolina Rigs fished on secondary points or on banks in coves off the river or off major creeks were getting lots of bites. Pick your bait depending on the cover you are fishing. The larger fish seemed to be mixed with lots of buck bass, so just cull thru them. As the water rises this week look for other patterns to work on top of the above patterns. With rising water could come current. When there is current in the river, there is always groups of fish that will bite a crankbait, Jenko Booty Shaker Swimbait, or the Jenko Tremor Shad. You may fish 10 points with no bites, then hit one and catch 20 pounds. Also, as the water rises over 415, it creates its own awesome opportunity. Get your favorite flipping rod and bait with some heavy line and find the bullrushes or flooded trees on the lake. As the water and temps warm later in the week, there could be a lot of fun had flipping.

Mike Mazerac with some nice crappie!

Crappie - Were wide open last week spawning. The Jenko Tickle Fry and Fry Baby caught many limits. As the water rises this week, those crappie spawning will stay on the gravel points and structure but will become harder to catch. Normally these fish don't follow the water, so think where the bank line was last week and position your boat.

Catfish - Its gonna be a crazy week for catfish. With fresh water and current comes the catfish feed. Fish mouths of creeks on the lake or especially below the dams. Its not uncommon to catch 100 catfish in a day, many of the good eating size in eddies downstream.

White Bass - On fire on the river with hundreds being caught. Depending on the water levels and current amounts, those could still be fantastic, or it may wash out. I would say be very careful if below the dam has more than 100k running or levels are above 374. I would suggest if you are not experienced, pay an experienced guide like Donald Hedge or Hunter Nanney and have them show you the river at those levels. Some excellent fishing can be had, but safety first.