Carters Lake Fishing Report – July 2022

Carters: Level: 0.1 feet above 1074. Temp: 84 degrees. Clarity: 3 feet at best.

Bass: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “I spent a few days catching spots last week on topwater. There’s a great bite early around the bait balls on the main lake. Spooks, Sammys, even buzzbaits are getting knocked out of the water by angry spots at sunrise. White baits seemed to get the most hits. This should last a few weeks.” 

Stripers: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “The stripers have been feeding good from 5 to 9 a.m. in 50 to 60 feet of water. Live fresh alewives are still the preferred bait but not the only option. Light lines and small hooks always outproduce heavy gear here. Move slow in the creek mouths targeting the bait balls early. After sunrise, I like to throw out the Captain Mack’s u-rigs and pull them in the same areas around 3 mph. Most all the creeks are holding fish right now, so location isn’t that important. Some fish are starting to show up in the river  looking to stay cool. Look for fish up here after big rains that attract the baitfish.”

Carters Lake Page: Archived Articles, News & Fishing Reports

Walleye: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “The fish are deep. This means start early or fish at dusk or at night even to beat the heat and boat traffic. The bait is super thick again after the spawn, so the fish are spread out as usual. The walleye are on the move from the creeks to the main-lake points and humps looking for bait balls. They like to eat in low-light situations where they have the advantage. Spoons, crankbaits, live alewives or threadfins are all great options for targeting eyes this month. Get the baits to the fish holding just below the bait balls but off the bottom. These are the actively feeding fish. After sunrise, look for them pinned to the bottom. These fish like a more vertical presentation where they don’t have to chase anything. Chrome, purple and orange seemed to be the hot colors in June.”