On the morning run to find Clifford Pirch, we passed several groups of anglers fishing the same spots, giving credence to the idea that while Lake Oahe is massive, it will fish small when it comes to smallmouth. Pirch finished 3rd here in 2018, and had the heaviest 5-bass limit of the tournament – 20 pounds, 11 ounces.
On his starting spot, Pirch landed one keeper when we were watching, as well as several smaller fish. He then moved down lake, past several more groups of anglers, to another area he has to himself. He currently has two fish in the livewell for 1 pound, 9 ounces according to BassTrakk.
“It’s a little concerning when they don’t bite right away,” Pirch said.
He appears to be using his forward facing sonar to locate bass he wants to pitch to.Pirch is one of 35 anglers who fished the 2018 Elite Series event, and he’s the top finisher from that group. He is looking to recapture some of that magic this week.
The wind will likely be a major factor this week and is already stirring up waves today. Wind speed is expected to increase throughout the day today and continue to blow through tomorrow.
