Lake Blue Ridge Fishing Report November 2012

Blue Ridge: Level: 13.6 feet below full pool. Temp: 68 degrees. Clarity: Clear at 5 to 7 feet.

Bass: Guide Eric Welch reports, “With all the weather changes, the fish have been scattered. At daybreak, there has been a little topwater action on the lower end of the lake. Throw a Sebile, Sammy and a Zoom Fluke around the swimming area and Star Creek. We’ve also been catching fish on Spro McStick and Lucky Craft Pointer 97 jerkbaits on points and wind-blown banks. The fish are also still biting the drop shot good. Use a 4.5 Roboworm new ayu and also a shaky head.”

Smallmouth: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “Topwater, topwater, topwater! If you are looking for a solid smallie, Blue Ridge is the place to be, and what better way to catch one than on topwater? There is a good bite that lasts about an hour to an hour and a half right at dawn. There are three main things to key on here, and that’s baitfish, lures and tackle. First is the baitfish. The fish are either going to key on threadfins or bluebacks. For this reason I always start with two lures, and they are a Smack Tackle Flitterbait and a Zara Spook. Both are relatively easy to work, and when tied to the right gear can be casted a mile. I tie them both to 7-foot spinning rods spooled with 10-lb. Power Pro with a 10-lb. fluorocarbon leader. This setup allows me to cast from long distances and get the bait within the strike zone of the fish without spooking them. Vary the retrieve, and see what is working best on that day. As far as location, it’s hard to tell day to day as the bait is on the move, and this dictates what the predator fish do.”