Lake Weiss Fishing Report – October 2007

Weiss: Level: 6 feet below full pool. There are very few boat ramps that are usable on Weiss Lake. Most of the privately owned ramps are without water. The ramp at J.R.s Marina is still OK, and owner Jason Tucker said he would do what repairs are needed to keep a boat ramp in operation throughout the fall. The public ramp on Hwy 9 is still usable, and the public ramp in the canal in Leesburg is still usable. Riverside Campground has improved their ramp for use. Temp: 80 degrees. Clarity: Mostly clear.

Bass: Good. Guide Mark Collins said the bass have moved shallow in the main lake due to the falling water and low oxygen levels in the deeper water. Work main-lake points, humps and flats near the main river channels with shallow-running crankbaits like the Gizz 4 in green back and chartreuse back and the Bandit 100 series. Double willowleaf spinnerbaits in chartreuse and white are producing some good fish also. Work these baits on 12- or 14-lb. test line with a 6 1/2- or 7-foot medium-action crankbait rod. Look for flats with shad working the surface near the main river channels in the main lake from the Cedar Bluff bridge to the powerhouse lake. Guide Michael Carter said the spotted bass are feeding on rocky points next to deep water, and the largemouths are in the shallower flats following the shad into the backs of coves. Largemouths are hitting Rat-L-Traps and spinnerbaits. The spots are being taken on Shad Raps and Rat-L-Traps depending on the depth of water on the points, Michael said.

Crappie: Good. Guide Matthew Kelly said to bottom-bump the river channel ledges in 8 to 10 feet of water with live bait. “The crappie will really fire off when the water temp reaches 72-74 degrees. That’s when I will start spider-rigging the channel ledges from Bay Springs up to the Sand Valley area — targeting structure on the ledges in 8 to 12 feet of water. I will use 8-foot B’n’M rods all in the front of the boat slowly working these ledges with live-bait rigs. Tie on a No. 2 Eagle Claw snelled hook drop down 18 inches, and tie on a 1/2-oz. bell weight. Let this rig all the way to the bottom, crank your reel up one full turn and start working these ledges looking for structure.