Lake Chatuge Fishing Report – November 2009

Chatuge: Level: 4.2 feet below full pool. Temp: Low to mid 60s. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: “Fishing’s not bad; leaves are pretty,” said Charlie Baldwin. After being at full pool with all the rains, the plug has been pulled at Chatuge, and the water has dropped significantly over the last couple of weeks. Charlie said there’s been a pretty good schooling bite for spots on long main-lake points down around the dam. It’s mostly a morning bite before the water gets choppy. “They won’t stay up long, but if you’re lucky enough to get on them, they’re good-sized spotted bass in the 2 1/2- to 3-lb. range.” Charlie likes either a Sammy or an unweighted, albino fluke for these schooling fish. If you can’t find the fish on top, deep brush and rocky points are your best best. For either bite, a green-pumpkin finesse worm threaded on a shaky head will get bit. Concentrate on brush in 12 to 14 feet of water, and just jig your worm over it. A rocky ledge nearby helps. On the points, the fish have been holding in about 7 to 12 feet. Charlie said to fish your worm really slow. These fish will also take a crankbait like a small Shad Rap. If you’re going for a kicker fish, there has been a decent bite for some pretty good largemouths in the very backs of the pockets wherever you find some trash. On into November, the deep-water bite should set up. Charlie likes to fish a hair jig or spoon on long points in 25 to 30 feet of water to catch these fish feeding up for the winter.