The current Lake level is 704.66 with the water temperature in the high 40’s.  The lake is dangerously low while the Dam is being worked on and could possibly reach lower levels.

It’s been a crappie fishing bonanza, as they have reached the winter pattern along the bare bank bluffs. Casting an 1/8th ounce jig near the bank and working it SLOWLY back to the boat has produced several fast limits of nice crappie.  This pattern should continue until March when they head to the spawning coves.

Mike Edwards from Shelbyville, Illinois came down for the annual Thanksgiving Crappie-thon.  Mike and I have been doing this for about 9 years and this had to be the best ever.  Two limits (30) each day in about 3 hours.  We started at 9 and were back at the dock by 12:30.  It was  a real blast.  A few days we had to hide from the wind, but still caught our fish in the 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

I’ll be cutting back this winter, beginning in November to catch up on the lure making.  My old bones are getting to the point they need a vacation, so this winter I’m going to try and sit on the sidelines and let  the younger guides brave the cold.  I will still be taking a trip or two if it isn’t too cold with wind…I really hate to admit age is catching up….It’s still just a number and I still haven’t decided what I want to be when I grow up….BUT….I’m going to wait until Spring this go around.

As many of you know, Sterett Creek Marina and Resort sold and the new owners, BeYonder Campgrounds has taken over and is busy getting ready to make some changes in the facility I think we will all like… Winter will be extremely busy with changes to the Camp sites and the motel areas. Not sure what lies ahead for the Marina yet, but another dock is in the plans.

That’s it for now, be careful and watch out for the other guy…..