West Point Fishing Report – November 2008

West Point: Level: Full pool. Temp: Low 70s and falling. Clarity: Clear on the main lake; stained in the backs of the creeks; muddy up the Chattahoochee.

Bass: Fair. Largemouths and spots are in their fall transition, said guide Paul Parsons. He said to try small crankbaits like a Shad Rap or a 1/4-oz. Rat-L-Trap. “We have also been catching a few big largemouths out of blowdowns on Texas-rigged worms,” Paul said. “There is a good topwater bite on the main lake right now. Lots of spotted bass are being caught early on a variety of topwater baits. After the surface action slows down, go to a lightweight Carolina-rigged finesse worm. The best colors have been watermelon seed with a chartreuse tail, green pumpkin, cotton candy and chartreuse pepper.”

Linesides: Good, said guide Bobby Wilson. “We have been catching fish on the flats at Maple Creek, Indian Creek and by the trees at the dam on live shad. We also have been catching fish trolling crankbaits in the middle of the creeks and on points on the river channel,” Bobby said. “The 200 Series Bandits in pearl or white are working best, and chrome/blue, 1/2-oz. Rat-L-Traps are a must for trolling. No. 7 Shad-Raps in black/silver and white, 1 1/4-oz. Rooster Tails are also good at catching fish trolling.” Paul also said the lineside bite is good. He suggested fishing live shad around humps, flats, roadbeds and areas of standing timber. Check for fish at the railroad trestle hump, the flats at the mouths of Wilson Creek, Wehadkee Creek, Alligator Creek, Indian Creek and the humps at the mouth of Maple Creek. “Stripers and hybrids have been feeding on shad on the surface down around the dam early in the morning. Popping corks are the best way to catch these surface-feeding fish. The best time to fish has been from daylight until about 11 a.m.,” said Paul.

Crappie: Good, said Bobby. “Fish are holding in the blowdowns and brushpiles in the backs of the creeks. Try dropping minnows in around the structure with corks on,” he said. “Fish are also still holding around the bridge pilings. Drop minnows 8 or 12 feet down, and watch your line real close or you want see the fish hit.”

Catfish: Good. Paul said channels and blues are biting at night on the main lake, and big flatheads up to 35 pounds have been caught up the Chattahoochee.