Hodges reopened Feb 4, and the bass bite had been tough overall, which is pretty typical early in the season. But the recent warm weather has sparked some better action over the last week. Water temps are now in the low to mid 60s, though clarity still isn’t great. More fish are starting to show up shallow, holding near cover or along transition zones.

Shad-colored rattle traps and crankbaits are getting the occasional reaction bite, but dark colored crawdad soft plastics and small jigs seem to be producing more and better fish.

Crappie action has been very good on jigs and small crankbaits, with quite a few fish running 2 to 3 pounds. Look for Hodges to improve substantially over the next week or two.

Hodges is in full summer mode with surface temps around 82°F. The early bite has been key... bass are pushing tight to shore at first light to ambush shad, then pulling back once the sun climbs. Small jerkbaits like the Megabass 70 are scoring along the bank with a slow reel-pause cadence. Squarebills still draw reaction bites, but finesse rigs are doing most of the work, especially after sun up. Thin Senkos, and reapers on light Texas rigs are working well, typically fished near shallow cover. Most fish are in the 1–2 lb range.

A few better fish are showing on glide baits near deeper structure. Topwater’s hit or miss, but poppers are getting a few fish in the early mornings. Shore anglers are finding fish, too, flipping tight into brush pockets.

Catfish are hitting cut bait and occasionally swiping bass gear. Carp are everywhere but more of a side note unless you’re targeting them.