How to Fish C J Strike Reservoir

C J Strike Reservoir fishing FAQ

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on C J Strike Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Pre-spawn smallmouth are transitioning from winter areas to staging areas, becoming more active with warming temperatures. Recent reports show afternoon activity in 62°F water, indicating increasing metabolism and feeding windows. Fish are relating to both shallow cover (floating vegetation) during sunny periods and deeper structure (rock piles, ledges) as transition areas, showing typical pre-spawn pattern of moving between depths based on conditions. Key locations: Rock piles and ledges - confirmed productive in recent reports and typical pre-spawn staging areas; Shallow areas with floating vegetation during sunny periods - recently productive; Transition areas between deep winter haunts and spawning flats - supported by lake profile. Best techniques: Drop Shot - recent success reported and effective for suspended pre-spawn fish, Finesse Jigs - proven effective in recent reports, especially around rock structure, Ned Rigs - matches the finesse presentation pattern showing success. Primary forage: Crawfish - primary forage confirmed in recent reports and supported by rocky habitat, Yellow Perch - indicated by lake profile as key forage base. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on C J Strike Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-65°F. Crappie are transitioning from deep winter areas (20ft) to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding during this warming trend Fish are suspended and moving in schools, following baitfish while gradually shifting toward spawning areas Key locations: Deep water adjacent to shallow spawning bays (15-20ft depth); Rock piles and structure in 12-15ft transition zones; Suspended over deeper water near emerging vegetation. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling), Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Spider Rigging. Primary forage: Yellow Perch, Shad. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on C J Strike Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Smallmouth bass transitioning to spawning behavior, with increased activity during dusk periods as noted in recent reports Fish utilizing rocky areas and ledges for spawning sites and staging areas, showing aggressive territorial behavior Key locations: Ledges adjacent to spawning flats, as confirmed by recent fishing success; Rock piles and boulder fields in 4-8 foot depth range; Shallow protected coves with firm bottom composition. Best techniques: Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') - proven effective in recent reports during dusk periods, Tubes worked around rocky structures, Ned Rigs for pressured fish and clear water conditions. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging as primary forage, evidenced by recent success with crawdad-colored baits, Yellow Perch in transitional areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Crappie on C J Strike Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 62-65°F. Transitioning from deep pre-spawn staging areas (20ft) to shallow spawning areas, with some fish already moving to shorelines Fish are scattered rather than schooled, suggesting a mixed pattern of pre-spawn and early spawning behavior Key locations: Deep water humps and structure in 18-22 foot range for pre-spawn staging fish; Shallow protected bays and coves with 5-8 foot depths for early spawning activity; Transition areas between deep staging and shallow spawning zones, particularly along points and breaks. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) at 1.0-1.2 mph to cover water and find scattered fish, Crappie Spider Rigging to effectively present baits at precise depths around structure, Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for shallow fish moving up to spawning areas. Primary forage: Yellow Perch (confirmed by successful bait colors and fishing reports), Small Baitfish (indicated by success of Shad Raps). Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on C J Strike Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 68-75°F. Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding, particularly during low light periods, with reports showing increased activity near sunset Fish are utilizing shallow flats and boulder areas, showing aggressive surface feeding behavior in warmer water (74°F reported) Key locations: Shallow flats with access to deeper water, especially during evening hours; Boulder fields and rock piles in 5-15 foot depth range; Points and irregular shoreline features with mixed rock/vegetation. Best techniques: Hard Topwater (Prop) - especially effective during evening hours as confirmed by recent reports, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') - proven effective for actively feeding fish per recent reports, Tubes - effective around boulder fields and rock structure. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging in rocky areas, Young of year baitfish in shallow flats. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on C J Strike Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-72°F. Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, typically suspending near structure in 8-15 foot depths Fish are actively feeding to recover energy after spawning, with most aggressive feeding during early morning and evening periods Key locations: Suspended fish near deep-water access points adjacent to spawning bays; Rock piles and floating vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range; Deeper brush piles and structure near primary points. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling), Crappie Spider Rigging, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'). Primary forage: Yellow Perch, Small Shad, Small Bluegill. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on C J Strike Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 68-78°F. Active feeding on rocky structures during summer, primarily targeting crawfish with periodic shifts to perch as forage Most aggressive during dawn/dusk periods due to moderate water clarity, with feeding windows extending into day around rock piles Key locations: Rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range, particularly those near depth changes; Main lake points with boulder and rock structure; Ledges and shelf areas adjacent to deeper water. Best techniques: Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along rock piles, Drop Shot with finesse baits for pressured fish, Tubes dragged through rocky areas mimicking crawfish, Ned Rigs worked slowly around structure. Primary forage: Crawfish - primary forage around rock structures, Yellow Perch - secondary forage particularly during low light periods, Small baitfish around rock/boulder areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Crappie on C J Strike Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 68-78°F. Crappie are settling into their summer patterns, suspending near deep structure and relating to the thermocline, typically in 12-18 foot depths given the lake's clarity and structure Feeding activity peaks during early morning and evening hours, with fish moving shallower to feed around vegetation and rock piles Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 12-15 foot range; Suspended fish near floating vegetation in 8-12 foot depths; Main lake points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) with small crankbaits at varying depths to locate active fish, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around identified structure, Crappie Spider Rigging along weed edges and suspended fish. Primary forage: Young-of-year yellow perch, Small shad and minnows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on C J Strike Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 55-65°F. Moving deeper during midday to 25-30ft depths, following typical fall pattern Actively feeding on rock piles and shelf areas during low light periods Key locations: Rock piles and boulder fields in 20-30ft depth range; Shelf areas adjacent to deep water; Main lake points with good depth transitions. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom in deeper water, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) parallel to structure, Drop Shot for suspended fish over deeper structure. Primary forage: Crawfish on rocky structure, Yellow Perch in deeper water, Small baitfish schools. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Crappie on C J Strike Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Crappie are actively feeding in preparation for winter, following baitfish schools and suspending near deep structure Fish are transitioning from shallow summer patterns to deeper fall locations, showing increased schooling behavior Key locations: Deep creek channel bends adjacent to shallow flats (15-20 feet); Suspended over submerged rock piles in 12-18 foot range; Deep edges of floating vegetation in 8-12 feet of water. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling), Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium). Primary forage: Yellow Perch, Shad, Small Bluegill. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on C J Strike Reservoir in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. During open water winter, crappie are typically suspended in deeper water (18-25ft) near main lake structure, often schooling tightly in predictable locations Fish become more lethargic and feed less aggressively, with peak activity periods during early morning and late afternoon when light penetration is optimal Key locations: Deep main lake points and channel bends adjacent to shallow flats, particularly in 20-25 foot range; Suspended schools near deep rock piles and submerged timber; Deep creek channel intersections where multiple depth changes meet. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with slow, subtle movements to trigger reactive strikes, Ice Fishing Jigs worked vertically with long pauses between movements, Damiki Rig presented directly to suspended fish marked on electronics. Primary forage: Yellow Perch (targeting smaller, juvenile specimens), Shad schooling in deeper water, Small bluegills also suspended in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on C J Strike Reservoir in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Crappie will be suspended in deeper water, typically 15-25 feet, relating to basin areas near structure during ice season Most active feeding periods occur during dawn and dusk, with a secondary bite during stable weather mid-day Fish tend to school tightly in winter, often suspending slightly above the bottom or relating to suspended bait balls Key locations: Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like points or steep breaks; Areas where rock piles transition to deeper water; Suspended locations near floating vegetation that has died back for winter. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the school, Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive action to trigger reaction strikes, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate suspended fish. Primary forage: Yellow Perch (particularly small juveniles), Small minnows suspended in schools, Micro invertebrates. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Purple Colors.