Fishing Report for Lake Murray - 2025-04-09

1. Current Conditions Overview

• Water Temperature: 63°F, suitable for active fish behavior, especially for species like bass and crappie.
• Ice Coverage: Minimal (0-1 inches), allowing access to most areas.
• Weather: Clear skies with high wind from the south at 34 mph, gusts up to 98.6 mph. This may affect water clarity and fishing comfort.
• Moon Phase: Waxing gibbous, favorable for feeding activity, though solunar rating is moderate (2/5).

2. Top Fishing Hotspots (Weighted Predictions)

1. Northern Bay Near Creek Inlet

• Location: North shore, near the creek inlet.
• Clarity: Stained due to wind stirring sediment.
• Temperature: Slightly cooler (61-63°F).
• Structure: Inlet with submerged logs and vegetation.
• Species: Largemouth bass, crappie.
• Score: 8/10. Wind stirs sediment, but structure provides ambush points.

2. Southern Shoreline with Rocky Drop-Offs

• Location: South shore, near rocky drop-offs.
• Clarity: Clear.
• Temperature: Warmer (63-65°F).
• Structure: Rocky drop-offs and boulders.
• Species: Smallmouth bass, walleye.
• Score: 9/10. Clear water and structure attract predators.

3. Western Shore Sunken Reefs

• Location: Western shore, submerged reefs.
• Clarity: Stained.
• Temperature: 62-64°F.
• Structure: Sunken reefs and weed beds.
• Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill.
• Score: 7.5/10. Structure is good, but clarity may reduce effectiveness.

4. Eastern Bay Near Creek Mouth

• Location: Eastern bay, creek mouth.
• Clarity: Muddy.
• Temperature: 62-63°F.
• Structure: Creek mouth with inflow.
• Species: Catfish, white bass.
• Score: 6.5/10. Muddy water but baitfish presence attracts predators.

5. Deep Channel Mid-Lake

• Location: Central deep channel.
• Clarity: Clear.
• Temperature: 62-64°F.
• Structure: Deep channel with drop-offs.
• Species: Striped bass, walleye.
• Score: 8.5/10. Clear water and depth attract larger species.

6. Southwestern Cove with Lilies

• Location: Southwestern cove, lily pads.
• Clarity: Clear.
• Temperature: 63-65°F.
• Structure: Lily pads, submerged vegetation.
• Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill.
• Score: 8/10. Clear water and cover make it ideal for ambush.

7. Northwestern Point

• Location: Northwestern point.
• Clarity: Stained.
• Temperature: 62-63°F.
• Structure: Rocky point with drop-offs.
• Species: Smallmouth bass, walleye.
• Score: 7/10. Structure is good, but clarity reduces effectiveness.

3. Water Clarity Analysis

URL

• Northern Bays: Stained to muddy from southern wind.
• Southern Shore: Clear water due to less sediment.
• Eastern Bay: Muddy near creek mouth.
• Central Lake: Clear in deeper areas.

4. Thermal Gradient Analysis

• Northern Bays: 61-63°F, cooler from wind.
• Southern Shore: 63-65°F, warmer.
• Eastern Bay: 62-63°F, consistent.
• Central Lake: 62-64°F, deeper areas slightly cooler.

5. Top Species to Target

1. Largemouth Bass: Active in shallower, structured areas.
2. Crappie: Moving to shallower waters.
3. Catfish: Near creek mouths and deeper structures.
4. Walleye: In deeper, cooler waters.
5. Smallmouth Bass: Near rocky structures.

6. Weather Impact Analysis

• Today: High wind affects clarity and access; seek sheltered spots.
• Forecast: Variable winds and clear skies; evening fishing favorable.

7. Time-of-Day Strategy

• Early Morning: Target shallower structures.
• Mid-Day: Focus on deeper areas.
• Evening: Return to shallower areas as water cools.

8. OK Regulations for Lake Murray

• Largemouth Bass: 14" minimum, 6 daily.
• Smallmouth Bass: 14" minimum, 6 daily.
• Crappie: 10" minimum, 15 daily.
• Catfish: No size limit, 10 daily.
• Walleye: 14" minimum, 4 daily.

9. Reasoning Appendix

• Thermal Gradients: High weight due to fish behavior influence.
• Water Clarity: High weight, affecting visibility and species location.
• Structure: Medium-High weight, providing habitat and ambush points.
• Weather: Medium weight, affecting fishing conditions.

This report integrates all data to provide actionable insights for a successful fishing experience on Lake Murray today.