Lake Burton Fishing Report December 2013

Burton: Level: 7 feet below full pool. Temp: 56 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Guide Wes Carlton reports, “The spotted bass are feeding off of the main-lake points and humps. These fish are coming up chasing the herring and are really fast, so be prepared to cast a topwater plug. Most of the spots we are catching have been in the 20-foot depth on jerkbaits. A few have been biting the crawfish jigs. The average weight of the spots the last few weeks has been impressive. Look for these fish to move a little deeper over the next few weeks.”

Brown Trout: Wes reports, “The DNR has completed their annual stocking of the browns. They have stocked an estimated 30,000 trout. These fish are spread from the north end of Lake Burton to the south end. We have been catching these fish on flies, spinners and small crankbaits. Black seems to be the color of choice. The bigger trout have moved up in the creeks and are feeding on the blueback herring. Try using a white crankbait or jerkbait in the 3-inch range. Don’t be surprised if you catch a monster.”

Walleye: Wes reports, “The walleye bite has been a little slow. I look for these fish to start feeding shallow over the next few weeks as the water temperatures dive toward the 50-degree mark. The walleye love the cold weather and seem to always bite better during the winter months. Try targeting these fish in the 9- to 18-foot depths in and around rocks and brush. A Rapala Sr5 and Sr7 seems to be the best lure we have found for casting to these fish. Use a light 6- to 8-lb. flurocoated line. Working a Hopkins spoon over any long lake point works well. The spoon works good for walleye and spotted bass.”