First responders
Thanks to GRDA and the Monkey Island Fire Department. The fire chief told Jeff they have the only boat on the water that can respond to accidents on the entire lake, so they get busy. If you see them, thank them.
Lake level
A hot, steamy Fourth of July weekend. The water is falling, and with little rain in the forecast, expect considerable drawdown by the end of next week toward the normal level of about 745 for this time of year.
White Bass
Haydn is catching a ton of fish on the same pattern. When they're generating, fish points and underwater islands, anywhere current moves over high spots: Goat Island, Sweetwater, the Shangri-La point and the points around Patricia Island. You can catch two at a time on swimming minnows. For trolling, Fish Lucke has the Dinner Spinner — heavy blade, fins and a marabou tail. Tie a Tie2 jig with a swimming minnow above the Dinner Spinner; it acts as a buffer and keeps most of the line twist in the leader below it. Don't be surprised to catch two at a time.
Crappie
Better in parts of the lake with clear water. Look in dark spots in docks and marinas with little light penetration. Pitch Lucky Bugs and let them fall really slowly, or use a 2-inch swimming minnow on a 1/16-ounce head. Lots of Crappie are in dock shade this time of year.
Paddlefish
Guides are catching Paddlefish up in the upper end of the lake.
Bridges
Fishing at Honey Creek Bridge should get pretty good, and Bernice Bridge should be really good for Crappie and White Bass through the holiday weekend.
Dealers
Jump down to Littlefield Sporting Goods on Monkey Island and pick up a Toby Keith Fish Lucke red-white-and-blue combo — perfect for the Fourth of July / 250th celebration.