By Shane Goebel
Fall is for striper fishing, and November is a fantastic time to hit the water for some big, big stripers. November kicks off the start of monster trophy season in this area and Lake Hiwassee offers some fast pace striper action. If you want some huge 30 to 50 pounders, it’s definitely time to hit the water! So, after filling up on that yard bird, grab your favorite rod and book a trip with Murphy, NC’s #1 and only fulltime striper guide: Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. We’ve been striper fishing these mountain lakes longer than anyone and have what it takes to put you on some huge fish.
Currently, Lake Hiwassee is 19 feet below full pool. Water clarity is clear and water temps are in the low 70s.
Striper fishing has been great lately. We’re still catching tons of nice schooled up fish. However, the unseasonably cold temps and lake turnover has slowed the bite temporarily. This early turnover should only last a week or two, but this only means the big trophy stripers are going to start firing up. Mid-November is notorious for some big stripers and a bunch of them. For now, the early-morning and evening bites are your best times to see action. With the cooling water temps, continue to target creek mouths and points off the main lake channel but also look for schools to move back into the creeks. The majority of our fish have been caught from Point 6 to the dam. The top-water bite has picked up a bit, so keep a spook or a Red Fin at the ready to snag surface-busting fish. The fish will continue to be schooled up throughout the next month and will remain in deeper water before starting to spread out in their typical winter pattern. Just remember to keep an eye on your electronics and watch for schools of stripers when cruising the lake.
From smallmouth bass to hard fighting stripers, there are many great opportunities to catch a number of fish species on Hiwassee Lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1 rated guide service put you on some of Lake Hiwassee’s best trophy fish. We are Murphy, NC’s only full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lake Nottely, Chatuge and Blue Ridge. And for all your live blueback herring and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!
Shane Goebel owns Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service and is a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team. See the website at www.bigolfish.com or call (828) 361-2021.