Fishing with Kenny: Muddy Water Magic

article by Kenny Covington

I like muddy water. While most fishermen would prefer to look for the cleanest water they can find, I like to find the dirtiest water possible. I am a “mudder,” when it comes to most of my bass fishing. With the right mindset and the correct approach, muddy water can create some of the best fishing opportunities you can find. In this month’s “Fishing with Kenny” we are going to talk about some of the dos and don’ts of muddy water bass fishing.

First, let’s look at some general things to remember when targeting bass in muddy water. For one, bass in muddy water situations are usually cover oriented. They like to get right next to something or have something over the top of their heads. From a human aspect, it is similar to being in a dark room. The first thing we do is try to find a wall or something to give us an idea of where we are. This one simple thing gives us a sense of security, and a bass is no different.

The next thing to consider is that the bass will probably be shallow. This doesn’t mean they all will move to the bank. This simply means that if there is vertical cover like cypress trees, they will pull up to within a foot or two of the surface to do much of their feeding. Or if there are laying logs, they will position themselves directly underneath them, usually on the shallowest end of the log. Shallow is relative to the given body of water and the cover available.

The last thing to consider is the body of water you are fishing. While this may not seem important, it can be the most critical aspect when trying to determine how to catch these particular type of fish. For example, if I am on a lake like Caney or Claiborne, both very clear bodies of water, an influx of muddy water changes the dynamics of the lake.

Fish in these clear bodies of water are accustomed to feeding by sight and can be hard to catch. But if the water suddenly becomes highly stained or muddy, the fish often move to extremely shallow water to feed. I have always believed it’s because bigger bass look for the easiest way to get a quick meal.

If you are fishing the Ouachita River, which is almost always a stained water fishing situation, and it turns really muddy, the fish are used to this particular environment, so the bite seldom changes. They are used to living, feeding and reproducing in a fluctuating water levels and clarities, so they adapt quite quickly. It bothers the fishermen more than it effects the fish.

One thing to note about fishing shallow muddy water; if you have to choose between fishing grass or wood cover, as a rule I tend to always fish the wood cover first. It seems to be more consistent and the fish more reliable. Fish that relate to grass tend to roam more when the water color drastically changes, but a good thing to remember is to always fish the inside edge nearest to the bank.

So now that we have decided where to fish in our muddy water, what lures do we need to use? My first choice when fishing muddy water is a spinnerbait. The muddier the water, the more vibration I want from my lure, so a ½ ounce single #5 Colorado bladed spinnerabait would be my first choice. These fish are feeding by feel, so I want a lure that can be retrieved slower allowing the fish to track it better in the dingier water.

When choosing a spinnerbait color for muddy water, standbys such as chartreuse or chartreuse/white are good choices. Other good choices that very few people use are chartreuse/black and a solid purple. Muddy water is also a great time to use the old rubber banded spinnerbait skirts. Because of their water displacement, they seem to catch more fish than the newer silicone ones.

My next choice of lure would be a big bulky slow falling jig. I usually flip/pitch with a ½ model 75% of the time, but it seems I get more bites on a ¼ or 3/8 ounce version when the water turns off color. Another thing to remember is that you want bulk, so now is the time to use bigger creature or crawfish style trailers and if possible, I always try to use a jig that has rattles on it.

The color of your jig is open to debate, but I have found as long as I stick to darker color patterns, such as Black/blue, Black neon or Texas Craw, I tend to catch fish. Darker colors, a slower rate of fall and bulk up your jigs appearance and you have lure that will catch fish in muddy water.

My last choice of lure for all of you potential “mudders” out there would be a squarebilled crankbait. Squarebills come in all shapes and sizes, and the 1.5 version is easily the most popular. When I find a good squarebill bite, I like to experiment with the bigger and smaller sizes to see which lure gets a more consistent bite. Surprisingly, smaller squarebills like the 1.0 can be very effective, even when the water color is at its dirtiest.

Much like with my other two lure choices, I keep my colors simple when choosing my squarebills. As long as it has a base of chartreuse or white then you are on the right track. All fluorescent colors are effective, but a solid black lure is also a good choice, because it silhouettes very well in the darker water.

Well, it looks like we have run out of space again for another month. Hopefully, we were able to pass along some tips that will make your next fishing trip more productive should you find your favorite fishing hole has turned to mud. Be careful out on the water, and remember to catch one for me!
See you next month!