Lake Weiss Fishing Report May 2011

Weiss: Level: Full pool. Temp: Low 60s. Clarity: Stained.

Bass: Good. Guide Warren Barnes said both largemouths and spots have been in the very late stages of spawning. “I have been catching some quality largemouths around the whole lake using Jackall Susteki Craws along the banks back in the creeks, and also flipping Georgia Tackle jigs and soft creature baits in the wood and docks. Early in the day I have started catching largemouths in and around the grass using buzzbaits and Tackle Doctor spinnerbaits. This pattern should get even better as the water warms. Spotted bass are biting very good, as well. I have been catching these fish on a shaky-head Trick Worm. Try to key on areas in the main-lake pockets with hard-gravel bottoms,” Warren said. “As we get into June, I will look for the boat dock and ledge bite to start picking up. Flipping jigs and craw baits in and around the boat docks is always a good pattern to use that time of year. On the ledges, I recommend football jigs, Texas-rigged worms and big crankbaits to get those deep fish.” Guide Mark Collins reports, “The bass are shallow in the spawning bays. Some are being caught on secondary points, roadbeds, humps, ditches and shallow stump flats. A lot of bass are cruising the spawning banks, and a few are starting to bed. Rat-L-Traps and shallow-running crankbaits and spinnerbaits are catching these prespawn bass, while jigs and worms are also catching some good fish.”

Crappie: Fair, according to Mark. “The crappie are staged in the spawning bays in 5 to 8 feet of water, and they are being caught long-line trolling with Jiffy Jigs in 1/24-oz. in colors JJ13, JJ17 and JJ24. Shooting docks is also starting to produce a lot of crappie. Look for a lot of crappie to move shallow and start spawning over the next week or so.”

Catfish: Good. “Catfish are being caught in the flats and coves in 8 to 14 feet of water on cut shad,” Mark said.