Lake Weiss Fishing Report – October 2010

Weiss: Level: 3.1 feet below full pool. Temp: Mid 80s. Clarity: Lightly stained to clear.

Bass: Very good. Guide Warren Barnes reports, “As we move into October, I look for the bass to move into the creeks following the baitfish. Topwater baits should still produce early, but I would also throw a hard swimbait like the Bullshad around any structure. Crankbaits like the Jackall MC60 are also one of a preferred bait this time of year.” Guide Mark Collins reports, “A lot of largemouths are starting to show up in the backs of the bays and coves in shallow water 1 to 4 feet deep, following the shad as the water cools. Shallow-running, flat-sided crankbaits, like the Gizz 3 and Gizz 4 are working well on these fish. Rat-L-Traps and spinnerbaits are also catching some good fish.”

Crappie: Mark reports, “Spider rigging with live minnows and Jiffy Jigs is the way to catch these fall crappie. Look for structure on the edges of the old channel with schools of fish suspended around or above the structure. Fish your baits very slowly at or near the depth you are marking the schools of fish. Shooting docks with a 1/24-oz. Jiffy Jig in colors JJ13 and JJ17 is also producing some good crappie. Docks with 6 to 10 feet of water seem to be the most productive.”

Striper: Mark reports, “Striper fishing is poor. They have left the main lake and have moved back up in the rivers and creeks. The Cave Hole in Little River, in the lower Chattooga River and Little Spring Creek are all producing some fair stripers. Live shad downlined 8 to 10 feet deep and freelined is the way to catch these summer stripers. The Chattooga River from Cornwall Furnace up past the Gaylesville bridge is also producing some good stripers.”

Catfish: Mark reports, “Catfish are biting in the flats and coves in 10 to 20 feet on cut shad.”