Labor Day weekend
Thanks from the GRDA, KGVE, the area dealers carrying Luck E Strike, Patricia at VIP, Haydn with Williams Guide Service and Owen with Grand Glass Cleaning. Labor Day is the last big boating weekend of 2024, always a special occasion around Grand Lake for Jeff's whole life. Weather reports are mixed, but expect big crowds. Be safe.
Crappie turning on
The lake is falling slightly with intermittent generation. Haydn says the Crappie have gotten less picky this week and more aggressive as the lake stabilizes. Despite some hot days, the lake has cooled a little and the days are getting shorter. You'll notice it next time you jump in, and any rain will cool it more.
Late summer into fall: fish go shallow
Many people don't realize how many target species move really shallow in late summer and early fall: Bass, White Bass and Crappie on shallow brush.
Jim Wagner's popper rig
Into October, Jeff remembers going out with longtime guide Jim Wagner, catching White Bass right off the banks on poppers and jigs. Tie about 18 inches of 8-pound line from a white popper's hook to a jig with a Lucky Bug in white, clear (like USA) or a natural color (Thunderstorm is incredible too). Then hit the windy banks. You won't believe how many Sand Bass you can catch, and it's fun to watch them come up and hit.
White Bass / Bass
There's lots of topwater action, and trolling and jigging spoons are both catching fish. Some really nice Bass are coming out of jackpot tournaments at Serenity Point. One angler posted on the Grand Fishing Report Facebook group that it's almost time for his favorite big-Bass pattern, giant flutter spoons, with a picture of a nice Bass to prove it.
Catfish
Drift fishing is great. At night, fish shallow for Blue Cats from a stationary spot. For Flatheads, anchor in 5 to 10 feet near a big drop-off, river channel edge or ledge and surround the boat with live baits. You might catch a 20- or 30-pound Flathead.
Paddlefish
Haydn sent pictures of a Paddlefish trip yesterday, taking a break from Crappie. The guides keep getting better at snagging earlier in the year. Locals take Paddlefish for granted, but millions of people would love to catch one, and Grand Lake's guides do a great job getting visitors hooked up.
Dove opener
Dove season opens September 1. Jeff's boys are getting ready, and he's tempted to join them. It's hard to beat an Oklahoma opening-day dove hunt.
Luck E Strike
Check out the Toby Keith and Jimmy Houston Luck E Strike display at the Grove Walmart. Ask area dealers to call and get Luck E Strike products in their stores.