Carters Lake Fishing Report – November 2021

Carters: Level: 2 feet above 1,074. Temp: 70 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Multiple Species: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “Fall fishing on Carters brings a few different bites into play. As I’m not a species-specific guy and typically chase the best bite, here’s what I look for this time of year. I really like the topwater bite on Carters for spots early in the month. Virtually anything topwater thrown at busting fish early will get attention. Look for the fish to get active right at dawn. I like to target the fish more offshore, as they tend to stay up versus going back into cover. Long casts on light braid are key. If they won’t hit a lure, try throwing a 1/2- or 3/4-oz. Crocodile spoon in chrome. Another key bite in the fall is the planer-board striper bite. The backs of the creeks and the upper reaches of the river will both be holding quality fish looking for a quality meal. Big baits will get the attention of these fish. Big gizzard shad or big alewives will both work, and as usual, the fresher, the better. Big baits, big hooks and light drag allows the fish to eat before coming tight on the circle hook. Fish the shorelines early and the open water as the sun rises. You want to be fishing in the early hours of the morning. The walleye have spread out and are holding suspended in the lower end of the lake. Look around points in the 30- to 50-foot range with the fish typically holding around 25 feet. We are fishing live threadfins, as well as crankbaits to catch the elusive walleye. Just before dawn and later in the day are always better for walleye, and that stays true this month. Anywhere from the marina to the dam can be holding fish, as the upper end of the lake experiences turnover. Look for bait balls from the surface to 30 feet deep around these areas, and you will find the walleye.”