Lake Eufaula Fishing Reports – July 2021

Eufaula: Level: 1 foot below 190 full pool. Temp: Mid 80s. Clarity: Moderate to heavy stain.

Bass: Guide Sam Williams reports, “Heavy rains have brought the water level closer to normal. If the level holds steady, we will again be able to access the areas along the flats and the shallow cover. The pads are trying to come back in some areas—if you can find them, the frog bite and surface blade bite are getting stronger every day. The bluegill were spawning, and the bass were feeding on them. That bite was strong while it lasted. We witnessed some mayfly action for a day or so, and then it disappeared as quickly as it started. Working a Texas rig or shaky head from the bank back to the first drop has been getting a lot of action. Junebug, watermelon red and watermelon candy soft plastics have been the trick. Now that the water is coming back up, look for the offshore grass patches and use a light Carolina rig with a short leader. Throw it beyond the cover and work it back through. The same color worms and creature baits are working here. ChatterBaits and Rat-L-Traps are doing well on the outside edges of the cover.” For the deep summertime ledge bite, try Carolina rigs and jigs on channel bends with structure, and when there’s good current work a big crankbait or slow-roll and 1-oz. spinnerbait. Also check the brushpiles on secondary ledges and on flats between the banks and river ledges.

Crappie: Guide Sam Williams reports, “The crappie are on the deeper structure. Minnows and jigs tipped with minnows are getting a good mess for the supper table. They are beginning to scatter some now, so you may need to hit several spots. Look for the man-made and natural cover on the ledges. Be sure and keep plenty of suntan lotion and water on these hot summer outings. Be sure and be aware of the weather forecast and watch for the pop-up summer afternoon storms. Fishing is the perfect summertime activity for families to make lifetime memories, whether you are fishing from the bank or a boat. Always be aware that this Lake Eufaula is really a river, and the currents can be tricky and dangerous. We have heard news reports of the lives lost on the river this summer. Be safe and keep life jackets on the youngsters.”

Catfish: “The catfish are eating well,” said guide Sam Williams. “Jugs are always fun, and you can cover a large area with them. Cut bait is the answer here, or you can catch fresh shad. The bottom cats are eating worms in the ledges. You can get into a good bed of squealers on the first drops in the creeks. These little rascals make the best meal with some corn bread and cheese grits.”

Note: Be sure and check out www.alclassic.com for the latest news on the Alabama Classic benefit tournament. It has been moved from June to Oct. 16, 2021, and it will remain on the third Saturday of October from now on.”