Lake Blue Ridge Fishing Report August 2014

Blue Ridge: Level: Full pool. Temp: 81-85 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Guide Eric Crowley reports, “Humid mornings and hot afternoons with pop-up thunderstorms have been the norm the last couple weeks. We decided to change things up and stay off the main lake and head upriver this past week. Glad we did, too. I believe we caught almost every species in the lake up in the headwaters. Trout, bass and walleye are holding in the deeper pockets near the farthermost set of shoals. Try drifting live minnows or nightcrawlers along the bottom with a small split shot on light line. Work each bolder or depression in the bottom several times, as the fish are holding right on the bottom. If you’re throwing artificial lures, a slow retrieve on a Rapala Count Down has been pretty consistent. Black-and-gold or rainbow-trout colors have been the go-to as usual in the clear water.” Guide Eric Welch reports, “We’re catching some fish on tubes and drop shots. The lake level has stayed full pool all summer, and the fishing has been kind of slow. The major pattern has been early morning and late afternoon. We’ve been trying to target fish around deep brush and deep rock. This time of year downsize on your line and your lures. On the drop shot I’m using 5-lb. Gamma Touch Fluorocarbon, and on Texas rig, shaky head and tubes I’m using 7-lb. Gamma Touch Fluorocarbon. With the water temps rising and lake levels staying full, you will feel more bites with the small line. This month you will start seeing a little topwater action. The shad have been about 2 to 3 inches. The baits I keep tied on are a Zoom Fluke Jr, Zara Spook Puppy and a Tiny Torpedo. The best way to catch more fish this time of year is make sure you know how to read your electronics, and don’t be afraid to fish in 45 feet of water.”