Lake Chatuge Fishing Reports – April 2021

Chatuge: Level: 2.5 feet low. Temp: 55-57 degrees. Clarity: Stained.

Bass: Guide Eric Welch reports: “Fishing has been tough. It’s like all of our mountain lakes with all the rain the past 10 days has brought the lakes straight up. Once the lake gets back stable, the spotted bass should start pulling back up to spawn on the pebble rocky backs, points and flats, I usually drag a creature bait, 3.5-inch tube and a jig. Just fish it slow and feel them pick it up to move it away from their spawning areas. The largemouth bass will be cruising and moving up around in the backs of pockets and creek runs. I start out throwing swimbaits, flukes, spinnerbaits and glide baits, working my way into the backs of the pockets. Once in the back of pockets, I will look for fish on beds and then throw a 3.5-inch tube, jig and a creature bait. Fish are still scattered. Just remember this is the time of year that if you don’t have to put these spawning fish in the livewell, take a quick picture and turn them back. They’re the future of our fisheries. Good luck.”