By Darren Hughes
Hard winter has held off thus far, and we’ve seen some unseasonably warm days. This has led to some great winter fishing on Lake Chatuge this season. Remember to book your trips now for this spring, because we are booking up quick. We guarantee you’ll have the fishing trip of a lifetime with us, and spring is an excellent time to hit the water for some nice hybrids and spots.
Currently, water temps are in the mid 50s. Lake water levels are slowly on the rise due to the recent rains and are presently about 6 feet below full pool. Clarity is clear on the main lake and stained in the creeks.
The spotted bass bite has been really good for this time of year, and we’re seeing an awesome early morning to mid-day downline bite. We’re still averaging about 20 to 30 spots a morning out here. Fishing live blueback herring has been the key. Topwater has been decent and should pick up in the next few months.
Look for these fish to be holding off points and ledges off the main channel. We’ve also seen some nice schools of bass on shallow flats throughout the lake. Look for these spots to really fire up in the up-coming months. Last year we had several 50-plus-fish days. Remember while fishing in the spring, these bass are bedding, so try to get them back into the water quickly. Preserving the quality of the bass will ensure years of great fishing on this lake.
Our hybrid bass bite has also been fantastic, with early morning being the best time to target these fish. Pulling planer boards and free-lining live bluebacks and shad have been the best techniques. We have also been catching some nice fish in the 10- to 13-pound range in the backs of creeks and off some sloping points.
February fishing on Lake Chatuge is always exciting. Remember, live bait on this lake can be the difference between a successful day of fishing and a horrid one. For all of your bait and tackle needs, come visit us at Hughes General Store in Blairsville, Ga. It’s the best place around for quality live blueback herring. We also carry ethanol-free gas and have some of the best hot, made-from-scratch biscuits in North Georgia. For guided fishing trips on lakes Chatuge, Hiwassee or Nottely, or questions about the bait shop, call me, Darren Hughes, at Hughes General Store.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, give Chatuge a shot for some of the best spotted bass and hybrids in the area. Good luck, and get hooked!
Darren Hughes is the owner of Hughes General Store & Bait Shop, a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team and a guide for Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Look him up at www.bigolfish.com or give him a call at (706) 745-6569 or (828) 361-2021.