West Point Fishing Report August 2013

West Point: Level: 0.2 feet above full pool. Temp: Mid 80s. Clarity: Most of the creeks in the mid lake are clear as well as the main lake south of 109.

Bass: Fair. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Largemouth fishing this summer has remained pretty tough. The fish seem to be confused and scattered by the constant influx of fresh water. So far there has been very little of the typical deep-water bite. High water levels, abundant shallow baitfish, low water temps and lots of shallow cover, including grassbeds up river, have kept many largemouth in shallow water all summer. Fish continue to bite on shallow-water baits such as Spro Poppin’ Frogs, Senkos, Zoom Super Flukes and topwater baits such as Zara Spooks and Pop Rs. A jig or creature bait around shallow wood will also produce. If the weather does change in August—all bets are off this year—I still expect the fish to show up on the deeper, more normal summer structures such as lake dams, roadbeds and deep brushpiles. Big crankbaits like the Model 7 or 8 Bomber Fat Free in citrus-shad color or a football jig are good choices for deeper fish. A Carolina-rigged Trick Worm in green pumpkin will also catch its share of fish. Night fishing for bass is gaining in popularity during the summer months. A black Zoom Ol Monster worm or a black jig fished in the Highland Marina area have been working well. As usual, the spotted bass are the most reliable. Try a shaky head with a Zoom Shakey Tail Worm or a drop-shot rig around bridge pilings, brushpiles or rocky banks. A Zoom green-pumpkin Finesse worm on a Carolina rig will continue to produce fish throughout the summer. Try fishing just off the main river on gravel points and shoal markers in 12 to 18 feet of water anywhere north of the 109 bridge.

Linesides: Fair. “During late July and throughout August, the downline bite usually goes downhill,” Keith said. “I have still been catching a few nice stripers mixed with hybrids and white bass, basically from the railroad trestle south. Most of the fish have been near the main river channel from the railroad trestle south to the dam, but this year some of them have remained in the Hooch north of the pumping stations on shallower humps. Downlining with shad or bass shiners remains the best bet, but some fish are also being caught trolling with mid-depth crankbaits, swimbaits and Alabama rigs. Look for these fish to be in the 15- to 20-foot range on the edge of humps, roadbeds and creek channels. There is also some decent topwater action, which should pick up as the month goes by. This year’s newly hatched shad continue to tempt the stripers, and that is usually one of the keys to the topwater frenzy. A popping cork rig a 1/2-oz. chrome Challenger spoon or a white 1/2-oz. Rooster Tail should be kept handy at all times in case a school pops up. Typically the area near the dam is best, especially early morning and late evening.”

Crappie: Fair. “Daytime fishing for crappie is somewhat forgotten this time of year, but you can still have some really good days with a little effort,” Keith said. “Successful crappie anglers sink brushpiles near the creek channels in creeks like Whitewater and Yellow Jacket. The crappie will stack up in these brushpiles. Downlining with a split shot or drop-shot rig with a small minnow produces some good catches. The key is to get directly in or over the brush. Another technique that works this time of year is shooting docks. A very small feather tail or tube jig on light line pitched or shot in the shade of covered docks will produce good numbers. The other option is night fishing. Tie up under one of the bridges or near the major creek channels, put out some lights and kick back. The crappie will usually show up within an hour or so after dark. Night fishing under the bridges with lights is good right now.”