West Point Fishing Report August 2014

West Point: Level: Full pool. Temp: 80-85 degrees. Clarity: Generally clear.

Bass: Guide Keith Hudson reports, “This summer we have seen a continued bite on shallow-water baits such as Spro Poppin Frogs, Zoom Super Flukes and topwater baits such as Zara Spooks and Pop-Rs. As the weather continues to get warmer and the lake level drops, expect more 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 Texas-rigged Ol Monster worm or a Carolina-rigged Trick Worm in green pumpkin will also catch fish around these same deep structures. For spotted bass, try a shaky head with a Zoom worm around bridge pilings, brushpiles or rocky banks with blowdowns. A green-pumpkin finesse worm on a Carolina rig will continue to produce fish throughout the summer. Try fishing the mouths of the larger creeks—gravel points and shoal markers are a good place to start.”

Linesides: Good. “I have been catching some schooling stripers mixed with hybrids and white bass between the railroad trestle south to the 109 bridge,” Keith said. “A popping cork rig or a white 1/2-oz. Rooster Tail should be kept handy in case a school pops up out of nowhere. Expect the fishing to be best on overcast days. There have also been some fish schooling in the main river channel around the dam. Trolling with mid-depth crankbaits and casting spoons has been producing in this area. Downlining with shad or bass shiners can still be effective. Look for these fish to be suspended in the 15- to 25-foot range on the edges of humps, roadbeds and creek channels between the trestle and the dam. The problem with downlining is that the fish seem to move around a lot more than earlier in the year.”

Crappie: Fair. “The most successful crappie anglers sink brushpiles near the creek channels in creeks like Whitewater and Yellow Jacket this time of year,” Keith said. “The crappie will stack up in these brushpiles during the summer months. 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 small feather tail or tube jig on light line pitched or shot in the shade of covered docks will produce some really 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. It’s a good way to fill your freezer. Night fishing under the bridges with lights is excellent right now.”