DeGray Lake Fishing Report: Early warming of surface water making fish less aggressive

From the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

For the most updated lake level at DeGray Lake, click here.

As of Thursday, June 11, John Duncan of YoYo Guide Service (870-942-6291 or yoyoguideservice@gmail.com) at Iron Mountain Marina says, “Hello fisher people. Summer is here for sure. Summer showers break up a good day of fishing. Do not let them unless they are electrical. Rain aerates the water. Had some great days in summer showers.

“Here’s the latest on DeGray: Water temperature (depending on the location) is around 86 degrees. My experience says that when the temperature reaches 86 degrees on the water’s surface, it raises the scale of nonaggressive bite. By that I mean the fish you find are more lethargic. This is normally around the Fourth of July. Hot weather moved the date up considerably. 

“There are some roamers around the lake, also. So, the methods that are producing best are by dialing in your minnow depth as exact as you can on these “slow biters.” Smaller minnows the better. Be patient! 

“Long poling is also a method for picking crappie off of structure or even chasing roamers. If you are a jig caster, downsize your bait to a one-sixteenth-ounce if you can handle it.

“Now to find the fish. Determine the thermocline using your electronics. That gives you the maximum depth to look for fish at. Now look for structure just above the thermocline. And bingo, there you are.

“There is some surface activity going on early and late. Areas with fish from Arlie Moore and upriver are producing well.”

As of May 28, Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) reports that black bass can be caught on Texas-rigged worms from 3-15 feet of water, as well as on some topwater baits and bream-colored crankbaits. Some bass have been schooling. In the evening into night, try using Texas-rigged worms on points and slow roll a black spinnerbait. Some bass at night can also be caught on a black bladed jig. 

Bluegills and bream can be caught up shallow on crickets as well as worms. Look for bream beds. 

Crappie can be caught on brush using minnows. 

No reports on hybrids.