Lake Chatuge Fishing Report – September 2009

Chatuge: Level: 1.9 feet below full pool. Temp: High 70s to low 80s. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Slow. John Hembry said the catch has been 90 percent spotted bass, and they have been small. “Some fish have been suspended, and they’re hard to catch, or they’re buried right in the middle of the brush, and they’re hard to get out,” he said. Look for brush in the 20- to 30-foot range or brush on humps and points near deeper water. A Texas-rigged or drop-shot worm will work, and the best colors are any of the greens. Also, if you can find a few fish schooled up, a 6/10-oz. Flex-it spoon, white and chrome, can do some good. There is a decent topwater bite early, and John recommended a Sammy. On into September, John said the spots will stay deep, but schooling activity should pick up over open water. Also, the largemouths will move up onto the banks, and it’ll be time to throw a spinnerbait.