Lake Blue Ridge Fishing Report – October 2019

Blue Ridge: Level: 8.5 feet below full pool. Temp: 81-82 degrees. Clarity: Clear:

Bass: Guide Eric Welch reports, “TVA has been dropping the lake fast since Labor Day weekend. The fishing has been a little slow. We’ve not had much rain. The days are starting to get shorter. We’ve been having cooler nights, but we’ve still been having hot days, which keeps the fish scattered, and it’s also keeping the baitfish deep. When we start getting some rain and cooler days, the water temps will start dropping faster and will make everything more active. It’s just a matter of weeks, and it should turn on. The first couple of hours in the morning, I’m going to be looking for some fish breaking on top out on main-lake points, flats and pockets. I’m going to throw a Strike King Sexy Dawg Jr., a Whopper Plopper and a Pop-R. This time of year a Zoom Fluke in white or albino works well. You should be able to start catching fish on a drop shot, tube and a Ned rig on main-lake points and drops. Also try these lures on the steep, rocky, river banks. If you can find any laydowns or brush, try a shaky head or a 3/8-oz. jig. Once the bass start chasing baitfish, you will be able to catch some fish on small crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Another bait to try is a small Rage Swimmer on a 1/8-oz. swimbait head and a 1/2-oz. chrome spoon. Hang in there. We’re in the transition period of the year when we’re just waiting on the weather. Good luck.”