Lake Russell Fishing Report August 2013

Russell: Level: 1.2 feet above full pool. Temp: Low 80s. Clarity: Stained.

Bass: Slow. With all the rain and cloud cover, the water temperature has not yet reached summer norms, and that is a good thing. The bass are active, especially early and late. As the corps completes the drawdown, the water will likely warm up. In August, predominate patterns should be early and late topwater bites and deep-water fishing the rest of the day. I prefer looking for an early location that has a significant river or deep creek bend so the bass can come up and feed. The rest of the day, it is deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs and drop shots. Keep a rod hand for the schooling fish, which should pick up as the water warms. Your midday areas should be the deep coves with trees that are about 30 feet deep in the middle.