Carters Lake Fishing Report July 2017

Carters: Level: 0.9 feet below full pool. Temp: 82-83 degrees. Clarity: Clear; visibility of 6 feet.

Bass: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “The spotted bass bite has been insane. The spots are feeding on the schools of fry bait that are all over the lake right now. Topwater artificial, live baits and even baitfish streamers on a fly rod have all caught their fair share of Carters spotted bass in the last few weeks. A half day spent targeting spots can be lots of fun, especially with kids on the boat.”

Stripers: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “Carters has been the place to be for stripers. We have been on a great big-fish bite for the last few weeks, with stripers up to 30 pounds coming to the boat before being released. Big, fresh alewife caught under the Hydro Glow are still the go-to bait. I like a 15- to 17-inch leader and 2/0 circle hooks for catching these fish. The lighter line is small enough to get bit and still plenty strong enough to catch these fish, as long as you keep them out of the cover. We are pulling a combination of flatlines and downlines for the striped fish early, and almost strictly downlines after sun-up. The best bite has been in Worley Creek around the midway point to the back. The striper bite has been the best from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. Our night trips have been very productive in the last few weeks, with a mixed bag of fish from stripers to some really nice walleye. Night fishing has also been really good for the hybrids. Lots of fish in the 5- to 8-lb. class are being caught the last hour of darkness on live bait and artificials like small Rapalas and swimbaits.”

Walleye: “The walleye bite has been consistent at night,” guide Eric Crowley said. “An 8- to 10-lb. test leader and live bait is the way to go. We have had several five- and six-fish nights, with fish ranging from 4 to 8 pounds. Shallow points, the reef markers and any of the boat ramps are holding good walleye after dark.”