by Eric Crowley
Water temperature: mid to low 60s, lake level: almost full pool, clarity: 6 feet.
Carters Lake in December can be a true test of willpower. For those that can brave the cold, the payoff can be great. Most mornings are frosty and a low fog lies on the water, but just below the surface lies fish that can make the trip worth it. Big stripers and big spotted bass are what Carters is all about, and December can be a great month to put your hands on some.
We typically start our days pulling planer boards with trout trailing behind them about 60-75 feet and always one downline about 25 feet down. I like mono leaders when the temps drop as the stretch in the cold water can be imperative. 20-pound is pretty much our go-to size. As far as areas to fish goes, look for life. Not just bait or fish marks on the screen, but life. Loons, fish popping on the surface, seagulls circling, any of these are sure signs of life in the area. Work the areas of interest thoroughly and don’t give up if the bite isn’t instant.
December is also a good month for topwater action from the striped fish here. They can be seen crushing 2 inch or smaller shad on the surface usually either first thing in the morning, but more often, last thing before sunset. Live shad, small spoons, small flukes and flies are the way to go.
Lastly, our other go-to technique in December is drop-shotting trout for big spots. It’s a simple technique as it’s more about marking the fish and dropping the bait on its head. Find key areas that hold spots by using the sonar. Look for small pockets of fish held up in 20-40 feet of water near ramps and points and try to fish as vertical as possible over them and send the baits down. You want them on the bottom.
The cooler water has the fish moving a little slower, but when they decide to eat, you will know it. Allow the fish to fully eat the trout, otherwise you will pull the hook out of its mouth. For this reason I use circle hooks. 2/0 to 4/0 inline circles are perfect for trout, and after they eat the bait you can pretty much guarantee a solid hook up. If you want to catch a 5-pound or bigger spot, December and January is the time to do it.
Stay warm and have a great holiday season from Lake and Stream Guide Service.