Carters Lake Fishing Report – June 2008

Carters: Level: 1.5 feet above full pool. Temp: 67-70 degrees. Clarity: Fairly clear.

Bass: Slow. “I’m looking for June to be the best we’ve ever had, because it’s been so crummy the last two months,” said Buddy Callahan at Bart’s Bait & Tackle. “Everyone is saying we’re two weeks behind everyone else.” Some bloody tails are still showing up on spots, and a recent Monday night tournament was won with 12.94 pounds. The team was reportedly swimming jigs in 20 to 25 feet of water. “You’d think you could catch ’em shallow,” said Buddy. It’s believed the sudden jump in water level hurt the bite. In June, hope for a shallow fluke bite to begin. In the next few weeks the weighted flukes should work best. As fish begin to get more active, un-weighted flukes should be excellent for an early and late bite. “As the day goes on, switch to worms,” said Buddy. “Your lighter colors, limeade and natural green, work best. Downsize in the middle of the day; pinch off a finesse worm. Bass should be shallow, 10 feet or less.” Look on points.

Linesides: Poor. Buddy reports a few catches on long, main-lake points and humps. “It’s an early/late bite, nothing midday at all,” said Buddy. “We’ve been pulling gizzards. A few are fishing the cut at the dam when they’re back-pumping early in the morning.” Try flatlines and balloons there. The Red Fin bite should start in June, and the fish should concentrate out on the main-lake points.