Hardy Dam Preview

Type: River system

Size: 4000 acres, about 18 miles from dam to dam

Water Clarity: Clear but with a tanic stain, murkier upriver

Cover: Rocks and some wood

Structure: Ledges, a few points and a few big flats

Fish: Mostly smallmouth

Phase: All three phases of the spawn

Baits: Lots of tubes and grubs for bedders, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits

Weather: Mid 60's for Sunday with possibility for rain, some sun.

Winning weight: Probably around 15-16 pounds

The club will once again travel to Hardy Dam this weekend after a couple of years off. This used to be a regular stop on our circuit but since the catch and release season was opened up, we have visited other destinations closer to home. But make no mistake about it, this is a great fishery if the timing is right and the smallmouth are spawning which could be the case this year. Warmer temps are forecasted for later in the week and if the sun comes out we could be in for a slugfest.

Hardy Dam is a river stystem but fishes a little more like a lake, at least in the lower portion. The current is present but this time of year does not really come into play. With the water temps where they are, lots of fish will be on beds but don't think you can launch your boat and just go around the corner and flip a tube on a 3 pounders bed. There is lots of dead water and by Sunday, the fish could be very skittish. The rain could also play a factor in this event with water clarity making it difficult to find beds.

Wild Cards: Although most of the river is big and sprawling, up-river from Brower Park takes on a different look. This section looks more like a river with murkier water and a faster current. Some believe the water here warms quicker and thus will hold more beds earlier. One contact who was on Hardy last week said there were lots of good fish on beds way up-river, 4 and 5 pounders. So club members will have to debate whether to fish up-stream with murkier water that is warmer or go towards the dam for the clearer, yet colder water.

Another factor could be the rain. Will the water visibility be good enough to even see beds or will a pre-spawn pattern work a little better? Hardy is known for lots of fish but 4 pounders on beds could be tough to come by. Will someone spend lots of time on that one good fish and risk not managing their time properly? And what baits will work most effectively? Tubes are a good option but would creature baits, glide baits or even drop-shot rigs come into play? These are all factors that each boat will consider when making their gameplans Sunday morning and will ultimately decide the champion.