Spring Time Flatheads

[chuckd67]

At what conditions and Water Temperatures does everyone start trying to target Flatheads again in the areas where flatheads shutdown and go dormant for the winter.

[Smoothkip]

I like to start hitting the water again when water temps start back into the 50s. Round here that's usually around the 1st part of april.

[Skyline1506]

last year we got our first flatheads on April 14th, was in the Muskingum. Water was about 10ft high and moving fast, good oxygen and warmed it up. I am 100% onboard with Kip we watch for 50, seems like in Ohio thats the magic number.

[chuckd67]

Thanks, The water is 38 on the main channel on the Coosa. It hasn't been that low since 2009. Matter of fact, That was prolly the last shad kill on the Coosa or The Tennessee River. We are stacked up with them. Maybe this will kill some of them off, It might kill the winter bite on Blues and Channels being they would gorge out. I think it would surely be a lot better catching after they degrade. I have recently read that a huge shad kill can also cause much to high levels of toxins that can poison other fish and cause a moderate or low fish kill. I don't want that to happen either. I just hope everything gets balanced back out. I can't wait to hang some flattys.

[Skyline1506]

we have shad kills here, it helps the fishing more than hurts

[Catfishrollo]

First of April is right.. Them shad kills do help the fishing for sure! Early food high in protein rollo

[luckeywade]

I caught on April first an now beloved me,cause of April fools

[barillms]

Ill prob start at the end of March, prob try deep holes below a dam first... until the weather warms up. Then ill be going to the big OH tributaries by mid April. They'll seek out the warmest water to boost their metabolism and start feeding heavily. The main rivers will be cold, while the sun heavy shallow slack waters and the feeder creeks will be warmed from spring rains.

[katfish]

With this Winter it may be a late start. Once the shallows have water over 50 degrees
I start hitting shallow bays. I have found some with extra heat holding structure
and others that stay out of the wind to try first.

This year my wife wants to start early and take the heater buddy on the pontoon
to stay cozy. The first few trips may just yield relaxing nights sleep aboard the boat.

[monsterkat]

Well out here in Az the water temps rarely drop below 50* but the bite does slow down immensely, our best bite is between 70-90*water temp.

[Skyline1506]

Yea I am with you Robby, this winter is definitely not doing us any favors.