by Capt. Eric Crowley
Water Temperature is 71 degrees. The lake is full with visibility at 3 to 5 feet.
Stripers and hybrids: The lake started to turn over last week and by now is in full turnover mode with lots of bubbles and murky green water everywhere. This annual event is caused when the cooler surface temps press down on the warmer layer of water below and two will actually flip over. This means a few things for us anglers. First the fish are going to be on the move looking for better water quality and bait. Since the creeks seem to turn over first they will also stabilize first. Look for bait fish in the creeks and there should be bigger fish close by. Worly Creek and Harris Branch will usually stabilize first cause they are a little bigger and have good, fresh water flowing into them. Start in the backs and work forward. The stripers and hybrids will be more spread out then they have been, so don’t expect to see big schools of fish but rather small groups of fish, usually 4 to 6 fish. You can also try fishing up the river this month. Good numbers of stripers have been caught in the afternoon from Ridgeway up to the shoals. With the cooler temps bringing the fish up shallower and the fish spreading out, now is when I will use my planer boards to cover some more water. Flat lines or weighted lines can be used to get your baits away from the boat as not to spook the fish. The cooler temps also signal the beginning of trout season…well bait trout that is. When the water temps get in the 60s, catching bait and throwing a cast net can be downright miserable. Lucky for us, trout make great bait and love the cool temps brought on by fall. Bart’s Bait and Tackle in Talking Rock has multiple sizes ready for your next trip to Carters.
Spotted Bass: The hot fall bite has started and if you want to catch a bunch of spotted bass, now is time. They seem to be everywhere. I will fish deep points, rock and brush. We have been catching great numbers of fish on both live and artificial baits including some great topwater action on flukes. If you like to fish deep, a drop shot or 1/4 oz jigging spoon has also been deadly on these fish.
Look for these patterns to stay the same for the next few weeks while we have cold mornings and moderate afternoons.
Eric Crowley
Lake & Stream Guide Service
(706) 669-4973
lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail.com