Phil Strader
Muddy Water Myths
 

LATE winter and early spring runoffs mean big bass throughout the country. It never ceases to amaze me how every year, muddy water deters many fishermen from the local lakes and reservoirs. In fact, this is some of the most productive and predictable water for me all year fishing for northern strain and big smallmouth bass. Fishing pressure is at its lowest, both weather and water temperatures are on the rise, and the fish are rapidly becoming more active. With a few easy tips you can crack the myths of muddy water.

The first conditions I look for are involved with the weather. After the first few days of warm weather in January or February, water temperatures will begin to rise. Typically it will only take about three days of 60-degree weather to get muddy water warmed up to at least 50 degrees on the surface. Once this happens, many of the bigger bass will move up into the shallow, warmer water and begin feeding on crawdads, and baitfish. A simple arsenal of jigs, a few plastics, and a couple of spinner baits is all you need to target these fish.

Bass will begin to move to the banks adjacent to typical spawning areas early in the year. Locate an area with a southern exposure, because it will receive more sunlight during the day, and you have found a perfect place to start. I prefer to target areas that have some sparse wood and or rock, because off colored water will position fish tighter to structure, almost to the point where you can call your shots. “There will be a 3 pounder there,” or “ that stump will hold a 6.” When fishing isolated structure I will pick it apart with a jig, the dirtier the water the darker the jig. A black 3/8 oz Gann’s hummer jig with a super pork trailer rigged on 50 lb super-pro braid and a 765 Dobyns Rod flippin’ stick is ideal. Coat the whole thing in Smelly Jelly, and you have a perfect match for these conditions.

The biggest mistake bass anglers make early in the year is failing to slow down. It's critical to slow down and pick the cover apart… the fish are eating, but they are still slow in the colder water. Pick a brush pile apart…. starting from the outside, continue to probe every branch and opening right through the middle. Fish every stump: front, top and back…work your jig all the way down through the root structure, and every rock on all sides. Lay down logs with one end on the bank, and the other end in four or five feet of water are perfect. Start on the deep end and work your way up. After a few bites, the fish will tell you how and where they are positioned in the structure, and then the rest is easy.

On open, sloping banks I will switch to a pitching rod, a 734 with 14 lb fluorocarbon is ideal. (Fluorocarbon isn’t necessary for visibility, but for sensitivity) Rig up with a ¼ oz black or black and red Gann’s jig matched with a Yamamoto twin tail, a Texas rigged brush hog, or a 6” red crawler Roboworm pinned to a shaky head for these conditions. Again, a slow presentation is critical. Pitch the bait right on the bank, and then slowly drag the bait back. Pay close attention to the bottom contour when you are working your bait back to the boat; high, muddy water will conceal slight drop offs and ledges that bass will use for cover.

Typically I will drag the bait only a few inches at a time, let it rest, then shake it…often times when I pick it back up to drag it again, I will feel the pressure of the fish. The sensitivity of a good quality rod will help in detecting these subtle, cold-season bites.

I always have a spinner bait tied on and ready to fish in these conditions as well. A ½ oz or 5/8 oz chartreuse or chartreuse and white spinner bait with tandem gold blades serves me well, especially if there is flooded grass, or emerging vegetation hidden in the murky water. Pitching the bait tight to the bank, and slow rolling it just off the bottom or over the structure will produce well on given days. Remember, the muddy water is warming from the sun, so more often than not; the most productive fishing hours will be in the middle of the day, and usually under full sun.

Try not to let the dirty water shake your confidence. With these tips, and a little patience, you can get out and enjoy winter sunshine, and learn to catch more fish early in the year.