The recent rain raised the water on our area lakes to above normal levels. We need the fresh water in the land-locked lakes. Lakes Concordia, St. John and Bruin were about two feet below normal but not any more.

It may take a few days for the fish to adjust and the water clarity to improve but the higher water levels will improve the fishing conditions in the weeks to come.

Water temperatures remain in the mid to low 60s. I thought this last cold front would drop the temps below 60 but so far it hasn’t. This means a variety of lures will catch the bass. The crappie fishers may be in for a tough bite for the next few days.

The Black River/Horseshoe Lake Complex is high, rising and muddy. The clearest water is on the upper end of Black River Lake. Cocodrie Bayou and Horseshoe Lake are real muddy so you may want to try else where until the water settles and clears up a bit.

Expect some of the bass on land-locked lakes to stay in the newly flooded cover less than three feet deep. They won’t be there for long if we get another cold front.

As long as water temps stay above 60, the majority of bass will be shallow and you can catch them on spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and soft plastics. The jig bite is improving and it will continue to improve as water temps cool off.

If you can’t locate any water with reasonably clarity, try dark colored lures with a trailer of a contrasting color. If you’re jig fishing for bass, try brown and orange jigs with either a black or blue trailer.

Dark colored lures will catch more fish in muddy water. The same holds true when choosing spinnerbaits or crankbaits for muddy water fishing. You’re better off using dark colored lures than the bright, light colors like white and chartreuse.

Normally during the summer months after a heavy rain we would concentrate on the ditches and drains. When the water is cooler you need to do the opposite unless the run-off is clear.

If the run-off is muddy, fish as far away from the drains as you can get. Locate the water with the best clarity and you’ll improve you’re success during your next fishing trip.

Fishing for bass in muddy water does has advantages. You can get closer to fish without spooking them. This is when flipping and/or making short, underhanded pitch cast will put more fish in the boat.

These two popular methods allow a more precise presentation that is needed because the strike zone of the bass will be very narrow until the water clears up.

Eddie Roberts writes a weekly fishing column for The Natchez Democrat. Reach him at

fishingwitheddie@highstream.net

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