West Point is basically at full pool. Belowaverage temperatures and steady rains have patterns running a little behind schedule. Most creeks mid-lake are clear, as is the main lake south of 109. The boat ramps at Yellow Jacket, Horace King Park and the new mega ramp at Pyne Road Park are all recommended, but most others are usable. Call (706) 645 -2929 for the daily lake level and generation schedule.
Bass: Fair. Largemouth fishing this summer has been pretty tough overall. The fish continue to be confused and scattered by the constant influx of fresh water. The typical deep-water bite has been nearly nonexistent. High water levels, abundant shallow baitfish, low water temps and lots of shallow cover, including grass beds upriver, have kept many largemouths in shallow water all summer. Hopefully as we transition into fall, the fishing will improve. There has not been much change, as some fish continue to bite on shallow-water baits such as Spro Poppin’ Frogs, Senkos, Zoom Super Flukes and topwater baits such as Zara Spooks and Pop Rs. A pig ’n jig or creature bait around shallow wood will also produce. Also, keep a Carolina rigged Trick Worm in green pumpkin handy to cover longer mid-depth points. The spotted bass are still the most predictable. Try a shaky head with a Zoom Shakey Tail Worm or a drop-shot rig around bridge pilings, brushpiles or rocky banks. A Zoom finesse worm on a Carolina rig will continue to produce spots as well. Try fishing just off the main river on gravel points and shoal markers in 6 to 15 feet of water anywhere north of the 109 bridge.
Linesides: Using downlined threadfin shad, I have still been catching a few nice stripers mixed with hybrids and white bass basically from the railroad trestle south. Most of the fish have been near the main-river channel, from the railroad trestle south to the dam, but this year some of them have remained in the ’Hooch north of the pumping stations on shallower humps. I even know of some that have been caught on cut bait upriver. Downlining with shad or bass shiners remains the best bet, but some fish are also being caught trolling with mid-depth crankbaits, swimbaits and Alabama rigs. Look for these fish to be in the 15- to 20-foot range on the edges of humps, roadbeds and creek channels. My prediction of some really good topwater action has yet to come true so far this year. The normally great schooling action has been sporadic at best. A popping-cork rig, a ½-ounce chrome Challenger spoon or a white ½-ounce Rooster Tail should be kept handy at all times in case a school does decide to pop up. Typically the area near the dam is best, especially in the early morning and late evening.
Crappie: Fair. Most signs point to a really good fall crappie season this year. They usually start to pick up after the first days of a little cooler weather. Try pitching small jigs around deeper blow-down trees. Concentrate on trees that are close to the old creek or river channel. Docks with brush also continue to hold fish. A small minnow under a float will also work. The fish seem to stack together tighter when the sun is out.
Provided By: Capt. Keith Hudson
Keith Hudson Guide Service
hudsonsprobass@gmail.com
(706) 884-1483 or (706)-882-1743
[easy-social-share]