Lake Chatuge Fishing Report – September 2023

Chatuge: Level: 1.3 feet below 1925. Temp: 84-86 degrees. Clarity: Clear

Bass: Guide Eric Welch reports, “Fishing has been good. We’re in our summer patterns. There has been a little bit of topwater action going on, but I’m still marking a lot of bait deep. The bait has not been staying up in the water column for a real good topwater bite. I’ve been catching fish out in ditches and offshore structures while using my electronics and Garmin Livescope. To catch these fish, I’m throwing a shaky head, drop shot and a Yum Sonar Minnow on a 1/4-oz. swimbait head. This coming month, the baitfish should start moving up and feeding at night, so the topwater bite should start getting better. I always keep topwater baits tied on. I like a Berkley Cane Walker, Berkley Choppo and a Strike King Sexy Dawg Jr. Depending on the size of the baitfish, I will also have a Strike King Sexy Swimmer on a 1/4-oz. jig head to cast where the fish have blown up and won’t hit a topwater bait. Now if you like fishing banks, laydowns and points, try throwing a shaky head, Texas rig and a drop shot. I also have been pitching a 3/8-oz. jig around laydowns and brush. Good luck.” For more on fishing with Eric Welch, go to www.welchsguideservice.com.

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