West Point Fishing Report July 2014

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

Bass: Fair. “Fishing for largemouth has been slowly starting to improve over the last few weeks and hopefully will continue to get better,” said guide Keith Hudson. “High water levels, bream beds and the mayfly hatch continue to keep at least some of the largemouth pushed into shallow water. This year 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 water warms and the lake drops, expect the fish to show up on the deeper summer structures such as pond 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. Another fairly reliable pattern is to try a buzzbait or spinnerbait in shad patterns around patches of rip-rap rock near the bridges first thing in the morning. For spotted bass, try a shaky head with a Zoom Shakey Tail Worm 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 the mouths of the larger creeks. Gravel points and shoal markers are a good place to start on the south end.”

Linesides: Fair. “Over the last week or so, the downline bite on the main lake has really slowed down,” Keith said. “I attribute the slowdown to the influx of fresh water from recent rains. Hopefully the bite will pick back up as soon. I have still been catching some really nice stripers mixed with hybrids and white bass basically from the railroad trestle south. There have been some fish near the main river channel around the dam, but many still seem to be in the mouths of the creeks. Downlining with shad or bass shiners is best, but some fish are also being caught trolling with small crankbaits, jigs or Alabama rigs. Look for these fish to be suspended in the 15- to 25-foot range on the edge of humps, roadbeds and creek channels. There is also some topwater action which should pick up even more as the month goes by. This year’s newly hatched shad are almost big enough to tempt the stripers, and that is usually the key to the topwater frenzy. Topwater should be right around the corner. A popping-cork rig or a white, 1/2-oz. Rooster Tail should be kept handy in case a school pops up.”

Crappie: Keith reports, “Daytime fishing for crappie is somewhat forgotten this time of year, but you can still have some really good days with a little effort. Successful crappie anglers sink brushpiles near the creek channels in creeks like Whitewater and Yellow Jacket. The crappie will stack up in these brushpiles during the summer. 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 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.”