Lake Blue Ridge Fishing Report – April 2023

Blue Ridge: Level: 8.1 feet below 1686. Temp: 54-60 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Eric Welch, of Welch’s Guide Service reports, “Fishing has been good. The lake has been coming up pretty quickly, and the water temps were coming up, but the few days of cold temps dropped the temps back down some. I’m trying to target areas where I know bass will move up on first to spawn, like long, pebble-rock points, pockets and main-lake areas where the sun hits most of the day. I’ve been targeting these areas with a Ned rig, a 3.5-inch swimbait and a jerkbait. I’ve been seeing a lot of bait moving around on my Garmin LiveScope, and normally there are some fish not far behind them keeping them on the move. If we keep having these warm, sunny days, it won’t be long before the spotted bass will be locked down in these areas. Also, check the backs of pockets where you’ve seen largemouth spawn over the years, and try throwing a glide bait and a 4-inch swimbait. Good luck.”

Capt. Eric Crowley, of Lake And Stream Guide Service, reports, “The topwater bass bite has been getting better as the water warms up and the bait gets shallower. Fish a Zara Spook, Berkley HiJacker and a Rapala Skitter Walk. These topwater lures are all excellent options, especially in low-light conditions.”

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Walleye: Capt. Eric Crowley, of Lake And Stream Guide Service, reports, “The walleye are on the prowl looking for that postspawn meal. This is typically an evening bite at the start of the month, but by month’s end, they will be more willing to feed during daytime hours as the bait moves offshore. In the evenings or before sunrise, look for walleye cruising the shallows in 3 to 10 feet of water around rocky shorelines, points and the dam hunting schools of bluebacks. This is a perfect jerkbait fishing presentation scenario. Small jerkbaits like a Rapala RipStop or a Husky Jerk in size 10 in olive, white or firetiger patterns are great choices. This is also a good time to fish crankbaits in the same areas. Small noisy baits banging off the rocky bottom can be irresistible to a hungry walleye. We have boated some really nice fish in the last week on this pattern, and this should continue through spring. If live bait is your preference, you can fish live minnows or worms on a crawler harness in the same manner with great results. The good thing about this pattern is it’s just as effective for bass as it is walleye, and you will certainly see your share of spotted bass while fishing this way.”