Lake Burton Fishing Report April 2015

Burton: Level: 2.8 feet below full pool. Temp: 52 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Guide Wes Carlton reports, “The bass bite has been a little slow up until this week. These fish are moving up shallow to feed. We have been catching some big largemouth on Creepy Crawls and Super Spins tipped with plastic swimbaits. We have caught some really nice spots on white jerkbaits over a 15-foot bottom. Look for these fish to pull up shallow in the next few weeks as we head toward the 60-degree water mark.”

Walleye: Wes reports, “The walleye are in full spawn. Trolling Crawler Harnesses and Shad Raps have been very productive lately. Try trolling at slower speeds (0.8 to 1.4 mph) close to banks with planer boards on the creek-channel side. The walleye are slow to eat the baits, so be patient. Make several passes in an area before leaving. Walleye are weather specific on biting, so try and fish before a front or a couple of days after. The next couple of weeks will be a little tricky. Try fishing for prespawn or postspawn fish by fishing several miles downstream of the spawning grounds. Most spawning walleye are not interested in feeding. The trolling bite will really pick up after the spawn is over.”

Brown Trout: Good. Wes reports, “The brown trout bite is hit or miss right now. The fish are not concentrated in any certain areas. The trolling bite seems to be the best way to catch these open-water trout right now. The trout will begin to group up in the next week or so with the warmer water temps. Look for these fish to be aggressive and hungry. Try fishing the middle to the backs of the creeks. The spinner bite will be the ticket.”