McClelland Feeling Confident About His Chances on Lake Dardanelle

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (May 12) — After having a remarkable string of tournaments over the past month, pro angler Mike McClelland is ready to continue his string of good luck when he heads to the Bassmaster Elite event, May 15-18, at Lake Dardanelle in Russellville.

The Cabela’s/GEICO For Your Boat Elite angler has had some experience on Lake Dardanelle from previous trips over the years, but even experience may not be enough for any of the Elite Series anglers with the conditions that are being forecast for the weekend.

“The biggest thing we’re up against this weekend is the fronts that they are talking about coming through here,” McClelland said. “The Arkansas River is most notorious for having a lot of water flow and this weekend, with the big rains that they say are potentially possible, that can really send a lot of guys scrambling. As long as we don’t get the big rain, I think fishing should be pretty good.

“The fish in Arkansas, based on the water temperature and conditions I’m seeing this week, are pretty much done spawning. That means the fish should be getting ready to put their weight back on after a successful spawning season. Hopefully, that means I will be bringing in some larger weights.”

McClelland will be hoping the weather holds off and allows him to bring in those big catches when he launches at 6:15 a.m. CT from Lake Dardanelle State Park and weighs in at 3:15 p.m.

“Last weekend I competed in the Toyota Texas Bass Classic and had a pretty stellar event,” McClelland said. “Even though I didn’t make the final cut, I ended the weekend 13th overall with nearly 56 pounds in only two days of fishing.

“I feel like I’m really rolling with the momentum right now, especially after last weekend. I’ve had three really good tournaments over the past month overall. I definitely think I’m moving in the right direction and I like where the momentum is taking me.”