SHELBYVILLE, Ill. — Rain has been an all-or-nothing proposition for many parts of the country this spring. Illinois has been more on the “all” side, with record flooding in certain areas.
Lake Shelbyville hasn’t seen quite that level of precipitation, but recent rains have pushed the water level from low to high in the last several weeks, providing a twist Illini Division anglers will have to navigate during the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine event on Shelbyville set for Saturday.
What to expect
Everything seems to be in flux around Shelbyville. In the past week, the lake’s levels have gone from 2 feet low to 2 feet high, and the temperatures have been an equal roller coaster.
“It’s been such a weird spring,” said local Jeremy Mull. “Everything was warming up, and the fishing had been really good. Then it cooled down, and we got a lot of rain. It’s definitely impacted the fish.”
Mulls says the lake’s bass were very much in spawning mode until the recent cold front. That pushed a giant “pause button” on that effort, which makes him feel there will be fish caught in all three phases during this derby.
So, picking the right pattern will be key – although maybe not as much as finding cleaner water.
More rain is forecast for this week, which could muddy up the lake even more. Mull says Shelbyville is deep enough that it never gets to be chocolate milk; but if current starts really getting generated, it could spread the dirty water throughout the majority of the fishery.
“Finding that cleaner water is going be a big thing for anglers in this event,” Mull said. “The dirty water could ruin some patterns.”
Fortunately, the higher water means more cover for bass – be it flooded bank grass, sneaky brush or water willows. And while it often doesn’t mix well with dirty water, forward-facing sonar could be key for targeting staging cover and structure, as could perspective mode for anyone searching shallow spawning areas.
“[Forward-facing sonar] will definitely play,” Mull said. “Maybe not as much as in the summer, but certainly when targeting those specific pieces of cover.”
Baits to bring
Given the fluctuations in water temperatures and levels, it’s hard to predict specific patterns. That said, Mull figures there should be a strong power fishing bite using spinnerbaits, vibrating jigs and flipping up in the shallows.
Meanwhile, a jig and a drop-shot should both be key players for those looking to maximize their three allotted hours with forward-facing sonar.
What will it take?
Two weeks ago, it took more than 20 pounds to win back-to-back tournaments on Shelbyville. So, the fishing has been quite solid this spring.
However, Mull says the higher water and bass being in all three phases should spread out the fish, versus the concentrated, prespawn patterns from before.
As a result, he’s expecting a winning weight more in the 16- or 17-pound range.
“There’s just more options for the fish, which will make it tougher for a pro to do one thing and catch all their weight,” Mull said.