Carters Lake Fishing Report – July 2023

Carters: Level: 0.6 feet below 1074. Temp: 80 degrees. Clarity: 6 foot.

Bass: Guide Louie Bartenfield, of Carters Lake Guide Service, says the fishing has been slowing down with most of the fishing activity moving to night. “If you prefer daytime fishing, it can be productive, too, by fishing deep,” Louie said. “Spotted bass are in full summer pattern on brush and timber in 20 to 35 feet of water. Run walking- and popping-style topwater baits over the deep brush and timber first. Then move in and use a green-pumpkin Big Bite Baits Skinny Stick worm nose hooked on a drop-shot rig.”
Guide Eric Crowley reports, “The spotted bass finally spawned and are raining terror on crankbaits and jerkbaits while walleye fishing. I can’t remember seeing so many thick, healthy fish. We are catching most of them suspended 15 to 20 feet deep near surface bait balls of bait fry from this year’s spawn.”

Stripers: Eric Crowley, of Lake And Stream Guide Service, reports, “Cool temps and a late bait spawn have created some great days on the water in the last few weeks. With most of the cool weather behind us, we should see summer patterns set up fast over the next week or two. For now, the stripers are all over the place. First, you’ll need fresh baits, fluorocarbon leaders and some circle hooks to get things set up, then decide what you’re after. You’ve got smaller stripers and hybrids up shallow on brushpiles, points and shoals early. There’s bigger fish still cruising the 25- to 50-foot depths right before sunup looking for an easy meal. There’s also still fish feeding in the backs of creeks early in the morning. After sunrise, I’m pulling artificials, mainly Captain Mack’s u-rigs or Mini Macks.”

Carters Lake Page: Archived Articles, News & Fishing Reports

Walleye: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “The walleye are deep. The big ones were anywhere from 75 to 95 feet deep this week. We are catching them vertical jigging and with the downriggers. Green and white or threadfin shad colored lures or spoons have been pretty consistent, but don’t be afraid to fish some standard ‘weird walleye colors.’ We are really only targeting the bigger fish during summer, and so far we have seen some really nice-sized eyes. The 27- to 28-inch fish are becoming more and more common.”