Palaniuk, Pipkens upstream

What you see in this photo taken by Andy Crawford is occurring throughout the ledges of Pickwick Lake.

It’s Brandon Palaniuk and Chad Pipkens, both of their boats aimed upstream, lures presented to move down current in a natural look.

In some scenarios, this would be too close for comfort. Here, not so much. The sweet spots on the channel ledges are specific to individuals or schools of fish. Right now, it’s one part waiting game (for more current) and the other part to make do with the situation.

Andy described the area as topping out in 4 feet of water over a bar that gradually drops into the channel, thereby creating the ideal current break/ambush point for the bass and bait.

This group of Elite anglers knows how to manage their areas, recognizing they’ll be fishing in tight confines and sharing water. That sets a good example

When the current gets rolling later today, all this changes. The approach will change from finesse to power fishing, as the bass become more aggressive after they sense the increased flow of water. So the spinning rigs will get replaced by the casting outfits, bigger baits and more aggressive presentations.