West Point Fishing Report July 2015

West Point: Level: 0.2 feet below full pool. Temp: Low to mid 80s. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Fair. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Expect some largemouth to begin to show up on some of the deeper structure as the water temps really start to heat up over the next few weeks. Zoom Ol Monster worms either Texas- or Carolina-rigged or a Bomber Fat Free 7 or 8 in citrus shad are a couple of the favorite baits for exploring the offshore structure. Old roadbeds, pond dams and channel ledges, especially those with fresh brushpiles, will hold some good bass. Over the last few years, at least some 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 fish all summer. The trick is to fish them in cover. Another good pattern is to fish jigs around trees. Not a lot of bites, and you are gonna 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: Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Large numbers of stripers and hybrids are back down on the main lake and act like they want to continue to bite for now. Downlining with shad or bass shiners is very effective. Freelining a live bait will also work at times. Most of the fish seem to be holding 20 to 30 feet deep. The mouths of Maple, Wehadkee and Whitewater creeks among other places should continue producing fish. Consistently catching enough shad has been tough this season, although there seems to have been a decent hatch. I am starting to see shad fry in good numbers. Although still pretty slow right now, expect the topwater fishing to be best very early and very late or on overcast days. Keep a popping-cork rig ready. Some years the best topwater schooling happens in July, who knows this year? Trolling with mid-depth crankbaits and Alabama Rigs has also been producing some in these same areas.”

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

Catfish: Good. Guide Keith Hudson 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 into a bonus striper in the same areas.”