West Point Lake Fishing Report July 2017

West Point: Level: 0.5 feet below full pool. Temp: Mid 80s. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Slow. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “It’s a typical summertime pattern. Some largemouth are starting to show up on deeper brushpiles and roadbeds as the water warms. Try deep-diving crankbaits or Texas-rigged Ol’ Monster worms. The best fishing is around brushpiles in these areas. Topwater baits such as Pop Rs, Zara Spooks and buzzbaits can still be effective for shallow bass, especially around bream beds. Some largemouth are still being weighed-in by guys who sight fish, targeting bass that are around these beds feeding on the bream. Some spotted bass are being caught by casting Spot Remover heads loaded with Zoom Shakey Tail worms or just dragging a Carolina-rigged Zoom Finesse Worm or Mini Lizard around sloping gravel banks. Also try a small Texas-rigged worm or a jig around blowdown trees. Try fishing around the bridges and bridge pilings with small crankbaits and shaky-head rigs, especially during   periods of water generation.”

Linesides: Fair. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Spawned out hybrids and stripes are down lake now in good numbers. Expect the downline bite on live bait to continue to be at least OK throughout the summer. Some linesides are starting surface schooling on the main lake and can be caught on Rooster Tails, topwaters, popping cork rigs and Storm Swim Shad lures. Trolling with crankbaits is also fairly effective and can help keep you cool on a hot day.”

Crappie: Fair. “Spawned-out fish will typically move out and hold on deeper brush and structure or under docks,” said guide Keith Hudson. “Try drop-shotting minnows or shooting docks near deep water for the best results. Night fishing is usually pretty good all summer. Try under the bridges with lights.”

Catfish: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Lots of channel catfish are being caught by the few anglers who target them. Live and cut baits—and worms of course—fished on bottom will catch cats all over the lake, as long as fairly deep water is nearby. Jug fishing is also fun and productive. To target flatheads, go to a larger bait like a 4- to 5-inch bream or large shiner, and fish the same areas. Be sure to increase the size of your rigs, as flathead catfish in the 20- to 30-lb. range are fairly common on West Point.”

Bream: Good. “Don’t forget about our bluegill on West Point,” said Keith Hudson. “Finding an active bed can take a little effort, but when you do, you can have a ball. Bedding usually takes place on the full moon cycles in the summer. Look for shallow cover in the backs of pockets. Sandy flats and stump beds tend to draw the fish like a magnet. Use pink worms, crickets and small jigs for these summertime bluegill.”