Beaver Tailwaters & Beaver Lake Fishing Report
Week of August 6, 2026
Beaver Tailwaters
Trout fishing has improved slightly over the past week, although overall numbers are still below what we typically expect for this time of year. Anglers are finding success drifting Pautzke Fire Bait, Fire Worms, and nightcrawlers under a float during lower water conditions. Small spoons, inline spinners, and marabou jigs have also been producing fish, especially during slower generation periods. The most consistent bite has been during low, stable water.
Walleye continue to be caught throughout the tailwaters. Jigging soft plastics around current seams and rocky structure has been productive, while trolling crankbaits during periods of generation is also producing fish. Focus on deeper runs, current breaks, and transitions where fish can get out of the heavier current.
Spotted bass and bluegill continue to provide steady action between Beaver Town and Holiday Island. Medium-diving crankbaits are producing spotted bass around rock banks, while bluegill are being caught on Carolina rigs tipped with nightcrawlers in slower pools and deeper water.
Generation has generally been occurring during the afternoon, with lower water available during the mornings. As always, check the generation schedule before heading out, as water levels can change quickly. Recent releases have continued to keep water temperatures in the upper 40s to around 50°F, providing excellent trout habitat.
Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake continues to provide good multi-species fishing, but anglers are having the most success by staying mobile and locating baitfish. Walleye remain the top target, with crawler harnesses, bottom bouncers, and trolling presentations producing fish. Once bait is located, active walleye are usually close by.
Smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass continue to bite well around rocky points, humps, and brush piles. Early morning has been the best window before the summer heat pushes fish deeper.
Crappie fishing remains good, especially during the early morning hours while trolling. Once the sun gets higher, anglers should target brush piles and standing timber above the thermocline with minnows or jigs.
Catfish continue providing steady action on flats and around creek channel edges using cut bait, nightcrawlers, or stink bait.
Surface water temperatures remain in the upper 80s, and the thermocline is holding around 28-32 feet. With the hot weather, focus your efforts early in the day, fish above the thermocline when targeting suspended species, and don’t be afraid to cover water until bait is located.
Whether you’re chasing trout in the tailwaters or targeting walleye, bass, crappie, and catfish on Beaver Lake, anglers who adapt to changing conditions and stay on the move continue to put together solid days on the water. Fish early, watch the generation schedule, and let the baitfish tell you where the predators are.