Carters Lake Fishing Report September 2015

Carters: Level: Full pool. Temp: 82 degrees. Clarity: Fairly clear.

Bass: Guide Louie Bartenfield reports, “Fishing is average here at Carters for August. Most of our spotted bass are staying in the 25- to 30-foot depths like they have the majority of summer, but I’m finding them sliding off a bit deeper some days. I had a day last week when my guys caught numerous big fish in the 38- to 45-foot zone. These were the deepest fish I’ve caught this summer. My go-to baits have been unchanged this summer. SpotSticker jig heads, drop shots and underspins tipped with a variety of Big Bite Baits soft plastics—like Shaking Squirrels in bold gill, bold gill chartreuse—and BB Jerk Minnows in alewife for the underspins have been my arsenal this entire summer. This arsenal of baits will get me through September as well. There will be fish in all depth zones in September with fish chasing bait on timber edges in 40-plus feet of water. As we transition into September, look for more bait to work back into the creeks, especially the deeper creeks. The alewife herring like staying over deeper water in the fall than the threadfin do, so focus on the creeks that are deeper in the back half, as they will have more concentration of baitfish. Topwater will become a daily morning bite, so keep your eyes open for surface activity.”

Stripers: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “Dog days of summer have set in, and it’s hot. Carters is fishing like it always does this time of year. There are striped fish to be caught at night and early in the morning. By 9 a.m., it seems the fish are more concerned with water quality and temperature than they are about eating anything. Areas to focus on at night are the backs of the first or second pockets in the mouths of the major creeks. These locations allow for the fish to feed in shallower water and then slip back down to the depths. Worley, Doll and Fisher are all good places to start looking for fish. Cloudy, overcast days are going to extend that morning bite a little longer. If it’s a sunny day, target the shaded banks on the south end of the lake for both hybrids and spotted bass. We have been targeting fish that are willing to be in that 20- to 40-foot range and leaving the deep fish alone. Pulling fish up from deep, cool water into hot surface water all while fighting for their lives almost guarantees a certain death. If you are looking for a change of pace, head up the river, and fish the bottom changes as you head up. Cut and live bait will produce catfish, walleye and the occasional striper. If you have a Hydro Glow light, now is the time to trust it. Set up in 50 feet of water after dark, and play the waiting game. It won’t take long, and something will show up to see what all the commotion is about. Nights with less moon and more cloud cover seems to produce more interest in the lights. Stagger your baits from 10 to 40 feet, and change them often. Areas to focus on are main-lake points and areas near the boat ramps and around the marina.”