Carters Lake Fishing Report – May 2025

Carters: Level: 1.8 feet above 1074. Temp: 70 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Guide Louie Bartenfield, with Carters Lake Guide Service, reports, “The spawn phase was in full swing in April. As May approaches, look for fish to start moving a lot more, especially with the herring spawn in full force.  Flukes, spinnerbaits and topwater all work on flat points with wind early in the morning. The threadfin shad will start spawning any day now with gizzard shad shortly thereafter. May is topwater time. Get out and throw baits that stay high in the water column that mimic the baitfish that everything is chasing.”

Walleye: Guide Eric Crowley, of Lake And Stream Guide Service, reports, “The spring walleye bite has been great with numbers and big fish. The fish are feeding pretty shallow at night and holding nearshore after sunrise. Targeting the 25- to 50-foot range has been most productive for daytime fishing. Slow trolling, jigging or live bait are all good options for success. We are fishing relatively slow as the water at those depths is still chilly. On sunny days, the fish will be tight to the bottom. On cloudy days, look for suspended fish holding slightly off the bottom. The areas around Woodring Branch boat ramp, Worley Creek and the dam have been holding lots of walleye. Our average fish remains around 22 inches, which is a great eating-size fish.”

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Striper: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “The striper bite last month was the best we’ve seen in recent years for big fish on both live and artificial baits. The best bite is still early in the day on big freshly caught alewives. Other baits just don’t get the attention of this natural forage. Start shallow and work your way deeper. Flatlines, planers and downlines will all be utilized this month. Look for fish in the creeks early, and then work the banks to deep water. If trolling for stripers is your preferred method, it’s time to get the u-rigs and bucktails out, as well. Depth control is key.”