Lake Chatuge Fishing Report – April 2008

Chatuge: Level: 3.8 feet below full pool. Temp: Mid 50s. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: April is crankbait time on Chatuge, said guide Nathan Lewis. “The spots are up, and a Shad Rap is a good bait on main-lake points,” he said. “You might also try a small jerkbait like a Pointer 78, and I prefer to use light line. Most people are using 8- or 12-lb. line. I like to use 4- or 6-lb. test line. I think you get more bites because the fish can see the heavier line.” For largemouths, Nathan recommended a spinnerbait on blowdowns back in the creeks, especially if you can find dingy water from runoff or a wind-blown mudline. “I like to see a little wind to throw a crankbait,” said Nathan. “On slick days I might back off and throw a Carolina rig or jig ’n pig on deeper brush.”