Lake Burton Fishing Report – February 2007

Burton: Level: 7.9 feet below full pool. Temp: Upper 40s. Clarity: Clear. Burton’s annual drawdown is nearly over. The lake is down nearly eight feet, but the level should begin to rise in February. The only usable boat ramp on the lake at the moment is at Murray Cove.

Bass: Think deep — unless you get a three- or four-day warm up in February. In cold water the fish will be in 20-plus feet of water, and spooning or a slow-moving finesse worm on a drop-shot rig will catch fish on brush or ledges. If you get a February thaw, the fish will move rapidly to the bank, and a crankbait or jerkbait on main-lake points and around humps should catch spots.

Trout: According to WRD Fisheries Biologist Anthony Rabern, there has been a lot of trout-fishing activity recently in two areas — around the Hwy 76 bridge and in Mocassin Creek. “There have been several boats bunched up in the narrow part of Mocassin Creek,” said Anthony. “The trout are probably in there chasing bluebacks. This time of year, the bluebacks are looking for warmer water either near the dam or back in the creeks.” The trout, which were stocked in November as 10-inch fish, are now in the 12-inch range, he said.

Yellow Perch: Anthony said he had heard of good catches of yellow perch by anglers fishing in the 40-foot range along channel ledges on the main lake. Jigs may work, but minnows usually work better for perch.