West Point Fishing Report August 2015

West Point: Level: 0.4 feet below full pool. Temp: 85-90 degrees. Clarity: Mostly clear down the lake; the river is slightly stained.

Bass: Fair. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Many of the largemouth have shown up on some of the deeper structure as the water temps heated up over the last few weeks. Zoom Ol’ Monster worms either Texas- or Carolina -rigged, or a Bomber Fat Free 7 or 8 crankbait in citrus shad are a couple of the favorite baits for exploring the offshore structures. Old roadbeds, pond dams, channel ledges, etc., especially those with fresh brushpiles, will hold some good bass. Most of the tournament-winning sacks come from private brushpiles. A few guys put in the work and usually reap the rewards. Over the last few years at least a few of our largemouth have decided to stay shallow all summer. Shallow-water baits such as unweighted Trick Worms, flukes, Senkos, buzzbaits and SPRO Poppin Frogs catch at least some bass all summer. The trick is to fish these baits in cover. It is usually an early bite. Concentrate on areas north of the 219 bridge. Another productive pattern is to fish jigs around trees. It won’t produce a lot of bites, and you are going to lose or break some off, but a kicker fish maybe your reward. The spotted bass will keep the day interesting for you. Carolina-rigged finesse worms or a Tommy Head rigged with a Zoom Shakey Head worm are good choices for them. Try fishing bridge pilings, blowdowns, gravel banks or shoal markers. Usually when you catch one, there are others in the same area.”

Linesides: Good. Keith Hudson reports, “Expect the topwater fishing to continue to be best very early and very late or on overcast or rainy days. A popping cork rig has been working well on these schooling 1- to 3-lb. fish. A 1/2-oz. white Rooster Tail, a chrome Challenger Spoon and a number of other small shad imitators have been producing. The mouths of most creeks south of the 109 bridge and the flats around Amity Park have been holding fish. Trolling with mid-depth crankbaits and Alabama Rigs has also been producing some linesides in these same areas. Downlining with shad or bass shiners should continue to be effective. Freelining a live bait will also work at times. Most of the fish seem to be holding 20 to 30 feet deep when they are not schooling on the surface.”

Crappie: Good. Keith reports, “Yellow Jacket, Wolf and Whitewater creeks are still producing crappie. Try fishing the smallest minnows you can find or a 1/16-oz. or smaller jig around brushpiles and blowdowns in 10 to 15 feet of water. Concentrate on trees and brush that are close to the old creek channels. Pitching or shooting docks with small tube or feather jigs around or under the docks is also a very good technique during the summer. As usual, crappie seem to love shade and cover. The night fishing has finally started to pick up a good bit. Tie up under a bridge, put out some lights, tightline some minnows, and relax.”

Catfish: Good. Keith reports, “Try using worms or cut bait fished on the bottom for good catches of channel cats. Bottle fishing is also a fun way to catch a good mess of cats. Channel cats bite well over most of the lake and are way under fished. For big flatheads, try using a big live bream. Most of the best flathead fishing is in the deeper holes north of 219 bridge in the main Chattahoochee River run. Fish the baits on bottom, and be prepared with some heavy gear if you expect to land a big one. Don’t be surprised if you hook in to a bonus striper in the same areas.”