Lake Chatuge Fishing Report – August 2019

Chatuge: Level: Full pool. Temp: 84-86 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Guide Eric Welch reports, “The bait has really been scattered and has been staying deep due to the lack of rain and water temps. There has been a small window of a topwater bite in the mornings. It’s mostly being at the right place at the right time. The bait has been small that they are breaking on, so I’m targeting the bite with a Zoom Fluke Jr., Whopper Plopper and a Pop-R. Be sure to keep a topwater lure tied on throughout the day because you never know when they will start blowing up. After running around targeting the morning bite, I’m going to start looking for fish off long points and deep banks. Baits of choice will be a Texas-rigged Zoom Trick Worm and drop shotting a 6-inch RoboWorm. If you know how to use your electronics, this time of year you can find these fish laying on the bottom and around breaks. The night  bite has been the same. Fish Texas-rigged worms, and if you have any wind, throw a crankbait or spinnerbait.”

Hybrids: Guide Jeremy Seabolt reports, “The hybrids at Lake Chatuge are still holding in 20 to 40 feet of water. We are starting to see some big schools of fish showing up over deep water. It takes some time to find them, but when you do get on them, it’s fast action and tons of fun. We are also doing good on umbrella rigs and trolling jigs on lead-core line. Going into August, we will be out over deeper water. A good place to start will be from Point 3 to the dam. Find the bait, and the fish will be close by.”