Lake Arthur Bass

Any bass action yet at lake Arthur? Water temp should be getting close to 40. I would think things should start heating up in the muddy creek area.

Wow I would think with temps of 45 they should start heating up. Maybe he didn't have any bait at the end of his line (just kidding). I won't be long.

went out this evening and threw everything I had at them. no bites. what are you guys using this time of year?

Where are you targeting the panfish? I am looking to find some crappie but I can only fish from shore. Thanks!
 

B -
I mostly target crappie in the brush piles (downed trees).  Although, it didn't appear that they are on them heavy yet, although I didn't just focus on them this last time out.  Should be soon enough, although dropping back to normal temps might cause a shock in the water system?  There are a bunch of brush piles accessable by foot, but much easier to see and get to by boat.  I'd guess that 75% of all brush piles on the lake are either extremely hard or impossible to get to by foot (without swimming or hiking through a mile + of heavy brush).  Also a good bit less pressure on the ones that aren't easily accessable.  I have had some success from shore with the brush piles, when they are on them though.  They seem to move from one pile to another and in between, so don't be scared to cast right next to the pile (usually where they are) or 10-20 ft away.  Also, a bit strange casting from shore, but many times they are only a foot or two away from the shore.  Using waders helps you get to the edges of them a little better, but as noted, many times they are right on shore so try not to spook them.  They will also be on the edges of weed beds at times.  Most of the weed beds now are submerged and half dead from the ice cover, so not as easy to spot as in the summer/fall.  If there are baitfish in them, and hungry crappie around, they will be right there with them.  Sunken attractors or sunken creek channels are great too, if you can find them (holding active fish).   Arthur definitely has some crappie, but as mentioned, much easier/better lakes if crappie are your primary focus.  I'll usually "pan fish" when on Arthur.  If the perch want to bite, good.  If the crappie want to bite, fine.  If some larger gills want to join in, I am fine with that too.  There are times when you can't get away from the large mouth, which are fun, no doubt, but if meat hunting, kind of get in the way... 
I find the fishing hotspot maps to be very handy.  Google maps helps a lot too, but doesn't really show paths from shore.  Also, the hiking trail map of the lake will show some "official" trails, that put you close to the water.  The bike trail also has many relatively easy to access brush piles.  Although, when the park starts to "green", those become more and more difficult to access.  Also, beware of the ticks!  I've found more brush piles on my boat, and noticed someone fishing relatively close by, so went and checked it out on foot after.  So, renting a kayak or motor boat can also help you find some hidden gems, but more likely put you on ones that you wouldn't be able to access from land.
Good luck!

Thanks for the great info! Can't wait to get out!

 
 
We don't start the NightByrd  fishin' 'till early May.
 
 
Good Luck,
crappy

  Yesterday 60*
 Today 54*
 
crappy

I found the same conditions as Pork. 2nd boat in @ 528 launch - 26 degree air temp and 50 degree water temp. Docks were covered in frost.
 
Did find a few crappies by late morning. Nice size to most.
 

Anyone have a recent water temp at Authur?

Too soon yet.  A couple more weeks.