Lake Weiss Fishing Report – November 2007

Weiss: Level: 6.6 feet below full pool. Temp: 75 degrees. Clarity: The main lake is clear. The backs of the creeks are dingy.

Bass: Good. Lake Weiss fishing guide Mark Collins says the bass have moved shallow in the main lake due to the falling water and low oxygen levels in the deeper water. Work main-lake points, road beds, humps and flats near the main river channels with shallow-running crankbaits like the Gizz 4 in green or chartreuse back and the Bandit 100 series. Double willowleaf blade spinnerbaits in chartreuse and white are producing some good fish also. Work these baits on 12- or 14-lb. test line with a 6 1/2- or 7-foot medium-action crankbait rod. Look for flats with shad working the surface near the main river channels in the main lake from the Cedar Bluff bridge to the powerhouse lake. Spotted bass are being caught on the Coosa River channel ledges in 5 to 10 feet of water. Carolina rigs and crankbaits are working well.

Crappie: Great. The crappie fishing has turned on with the cooling trend over the past 2 weeks, said Mark. A lot of 60-fish limits have been coming into JR’s Marina. The crappie are on the main Coosa River and other creek-channel ledges. Bumping bottom in 10 to 12 feet of water with live minnows and Jiffy Jigs is producing awesome catches. To use the bumping-bottom technique, tie a 1/2- to 3/4-oz. bell sinker to your main line then come up 12 to 16 inches above the weight and tie an Eagle Claw snelled hook in size No. 1 or No. 2 style No. 127 to the main line, come up another 12 inches and tie on a Jiffy Jig in colors JJ13 and JJ17. Fish this rig 1 to 2 feet above the bottom on the edge of the old Coosa River channel in 10 to 12 feet of water in the Bay Springs and Yellow Creek areas. Shooting docks that are on the main Coosa River channel with a 1/24-oz. Jiffy Jig in color JJ13 is still producing some good catches.

Stripers: Poor. The white bass and smaller stripers in the 1- to 3-lb. range are working the shad on the surface early in the morning and late in the evening. When you see these active fish working the surface, any small spinner like a yellow Rooster Tail or Mepps spinner will catch them. A 3-inch Sassy Shad in white on a 1/4-oz. jig head will also work well.

Catfish: Good, according to Mark. Catfish are being caught all over the lake. Jug fishing in the flats of the main lake is a sure way to load the boats with some nice fish. Use live bream, cut bait, whole crappie heads or any kind of stink bait. Fishing the main Coosa River channel with cut bait, right below the Cedar Bluff bridge, is producing some big blue cats.