Lake Burton Fishing Report July 2011

Burton: Level: Full pool. Temp: Low 80s. Clarity: Clear.

Spotted Bass: Good. Guide Wes Carlton said the spots have moved deeper to 25 to 50 feet of water. “This weekend we saw them school on top several times after the welcomed rains came through. The deeper fish have been hitting a drop-shot rig tipped with a small albino fluke. We have also been catching a few bigger spots on Cast Master spoons. Blueback herring have produced the biggest fish. We had one last week that was an ounce shy of 7 pounds. Expect these fish to park in the 28- to 30-foot range in the next week or so. Try fishing over structure in that range with deep crankbaits, jerkbaits or worms.”

Largemouths: “The largemouth population seems to have rebounded,” Wes said. “We have been catching some giant football largemouths, and the schools are massive. Try finding them on the graph in 25 feet of water or so. Use the boat prop wash and create a circle over these fish. Pull away from the fish, and throw a fluke, Fish Head Spin or swimbait — fish on in less than 15 seconds!”

Trout: “We have been catching most of the trout by trolling,” Wes said. “Try using Loco Spoons or something similar in a gold color. Medium crappie minnows have been producing a few fish as well. This is an easy alternative to blueback herring.”

Hybrids: “There have been a few nice fish caught over deep water with live blueback herring and a 1/2-oz. Fish Head Spin threaded with a dark-colored fluke. We caught two over 11 pounds last week!”

White Bass: Very good. “The population seems to be getting bigger. Each week we are catching more and more of these,” Wes said. “Most of these fish have been caught on bluebacks or crappie minnows. Don’t be surprised if you catch a few nearing the 3 1/2-lb. range. I assume these fish would eat trolled crankbaits like Pointer 68. These fish are wonderful table fare.”