Winter days on Lake Taneycomo in the Missouri Ozarks might seem uninviting to most anglers, but for seasoned guide Duane Doty, they present the perfect opportunity to target giant brown trout. With snowfall and strong currents creating ideal conditions, these elusive fish become more aggressive, striking at Doty’s custom-painted suspending jerkbaits.
Doty, the operator of Ozark Trout Runners out of Lilleys’ Landing Resort and Marina in Branson, Missouri, has spent over two decades refining his techniques on this nationally renowned trout lake. He challenges the conventional wisdom that smaller lures yield better results for trout, favoring larger jerkbaits traditionally associated with bass or walleye fishing.
Spinning Tactics and Custom Jerkbaits
While Doty began his career guiding fly fishermen, he soon realized the limited appeal of fly fishing. “Only about 10% of visitors here are fly anglers,” he explains. This insight led him to explore spinning tactics to broaden his client base and target larger trout more effectively. His experiments with suspending jerkbaits paid off, delivering impressive results and setting his services apart.
However, the high cost of losing commercially available jerkbaits to submerged obstacles spurred a new venture. Doty began buying blank jerkbaits and hand-painting them, drawing on his fly-fishing knowledge to replicate the prey trout favor. Initially, these custom lures were exclusive to his guide trips, but their success quickly attracted attention. Anglers soon offered up to $75 for a single bait, prompting Doty to sell his Signature Series jerkbaits through Lilleys’ Landing.
Why Lake Taneycomo is Ideal for Jerkbait Fishing
Lake Taneycomo’s unique structure makes it an exceptional location for jerkbait fishing. This 22-mile-long reservoir, formed by damming the White River, resembles a cold-water river more than a traditional lake. The influx of cold water from Table Rock Lake creates an environment perfect for sustaining large populations of rainbow and brown trout.
The lake’s reputation is well-earned; it holds the Missouri state record for brown trout—a 40-pound, 6-ounce giant caught in 2019. Suspended jerkbaits have been crucial for landing many of these trophy fish. According to Lilleys’ Landing records, 10 of the 29 trout in the Lake Taneycomo Hall of Fame, all measuring over 30 inches, were caught using these lures.
Perfecting the Jerkbait Technique
Success with jerkbaits relies heavily on the right retrieval method. While many anglers use the traditional “jerk-jerk-pause” approach, Doty advocates for a more aggressive strategy. “Giving the fish a split second to decide increases reaction strikes,” he advises.
His preferred technique involves a series of 7 to 10 loose-line “slaps,” likened to a subsurface version of “walking the dog.” This method simulates an injured baitfish, triggering predatory instincts in large trout. High water currents further enhance this tactic by concentrating trout near steep banks, boulders, and logs. Casting within six inches of these structures is essential.
The Right Gear for the Job
Doty relies on medium to medium-light spinning rods paired with 8- to 10-pound test line. This setup provides the sensitivity needed to handle the aggressive strikes of large trout while maintaining control in strong currents.
Jerkbaits can be effective year-round, including nighttime sessions. A slower retrieve during these hours can entice both brown and rainbow trout. Doty’s nighttime clients even earn the moniker “Dark Army” for braving the cold and dark to pursue trophy catches.
Challenging Trout Fishing Norms
Using jerkbaits up to 6 1/2 inches long may defy traditional trout-fishing principles, but the results speak for themselves. These larger lures mimic substantial prey, appealing to the apex predators in Lake Taneycomo. Doty’s success demonstrates that breaking from conventional methods can yield impressive outcomes.
In the challenging conditions of winter fishing, suspending jerkbaits have proven their worth, offering an effective and exciting way to target giant trout. With the right techniques and equipment, anglers can turn even the coldest days into opportunities for landing trophy fish.
Image/Source: Wired2Fish
