Carters Lake Fishing Report March 2015

Carters: Level: 2.7 feet below full. Temp: 45-48 degrees. Clarity: About 6 feet visibility.

Linesides: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “March is a tricky month for a fishing prediction. Depending on how February plays out weather wise, March can be full-blown spring, or it can be a repeat of a cold, windy February. With the lake hovering at 47 degrees, it can go either way. If the temp climbs into the mid 50s, you can expect the bait to come up shallower, and this will bring the predator fish like stripers, hybrids and walleye up with them. If the temps fall into the low 40s, you can expect just the opposite. If you remember a few years back, the lake was 60 degrees on March 1. The bait spawn started early, the schooling of big fish started early, and the fishing was excellent by mid March. Last year we didn’t see those temps until May. We had a very cold March and April and a long winter, which in turn kept the fish activity to a minimum. With all this in mind, watch the temps, as they are the key to unlocking the spring bite on Carters. Look for the striped fish to move into the creeks and set up on the humps and points midway to all the way back. Flat and downlines with large baits will both catch fish when this happens. I also like throwing artificals at these fish either right before sun up or right after sunset. I like the Smack Tackle Gizz 3 or 4 or if they are hitting up shallow the Smack Jack is a killer. Areas of interest this time of year include Fisher and Worley Creek, Doll Mountain and the area around the marina. Look for large schools of bait and small hunting packs of fish on the sonar. Fishing the outside edges of the bait schools are key. Good luck, and let’s all wish for a fast warm up.”