Lake Blue Ridge Fishing Report July 2014

Blue Ridge: Level: Full pool but fluctuating because of TVA. Temp: 80-82 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Good. Guide Eric Crowley reports, “Blue Ridge bass have moved into their summer homes and are trying to beat the heat like the rest of us. Spots and largemouth are going to spend the better part of the day in or around some sort of shade. Trees, docks, rocks—anything that casts a shadow in water from 8 to 30 feet will have bass on it. If not, they are near it. Soft plastics tossed into heavy shaded cover will work. I like dark colors like red, green or bluegill in the summer when fishing cover with soft plastics. If you’re looking for smallies, you better get out early and watch the water. If you see surface activity, it’s more then likely a school of bronzers chasing baitfish. Long casts, light line and stealth is key to getting hooked up with these topwater fish. I like to throw flukes with either no weight or a slightly weighted hook. White, pearl, silver and grey flukes are what we are throwing for smallies this summer. The areas around the dam, marina and Morganton Point are going to be your best bet at dawn. If the wind is blowing and putting a chop on the water, this is the time to throw a spinnerbait. Make long casts across the points fishing at different depths until you find where the fish are. Please release the smallmouth you catch.”