Carters Lake Fishing Report April 2016

Carters: Level: 0.4 feet below full pool. Temp: Mid 60s. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “The big spotted bass will be setting up on shoreline structure and rocky edge lines near deep to shallow transition areas, as well as any long points on the main lake that have small humps on them. One area in particular is the multiple points around the marina.”

Linesides: Eric reports, “The stripers and hybrids are moving up from the depths in pursuit of the transitioning baitfish. Pulling flatlines and planer boards with big lively baits is your best bet to attract the attention of these fish. I like the Cast Away Planers with about 30 feet of line out in shallow water and 60 feet in deeper water. Big swivels, long 20-lb. fluorocarbon leaders and 1/0 circle hooks are all key components while rigging for these fish. Cover some water, and look for small groups of fish near schools of bait. Focus on the backs of the creeks, small main-lake coves and areas up the river with bottom depth changes where bait is holding.”

Walleye: Eric reports, “The walleye bite has been pretty consistent, and we have seen more fish this March than we have in past years. Our best day in March we had four walleye in the boat in a few hours. Medium-sized 3- to 4-inch live baits fished on 8-lb. mono with either a 1/4-oz. jig head or a small circle hook and a split-shot have been our best bet. The walleye are all over the lake. Postspawn fish should be in 30 feet or less of water coming up shallower in the evening.”