West Point Fishing Report October 2011

West Point: Level: 9.0 feet below full pool. Temp: 77 to 82 degrees. Clarity: Clear for the most part. When boat traffic is high or the wind is up, expect a very light stain in the backs of the pockets.

Bass: Good. David Lowery won the BFL Bulldog event on Sept. 16-17 with a two-day total that weighed 25-lbs., 6-ozs. David said he lost some fish that should have really improved his catch. His big fish on day two was caught on a buzzbait in sunny conditions at 2:30 p.m. “This will work all month (October),” said David. “The buzzbait has to make some noise, though. It’s got to be loud.” David was using a Buzzer buzzbait and keying on areas in 3 to 5 feet of water. This shallow bite will continue to get better. Search for areas of rock and wood. Work buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs and shaky heads, and expect to get bit all month as fish continue to push shallow chasing shad. David’s BFL fish came half way to all the way back in the pockets. “Just cover water, keep the trolling motor on high,” said David. Chris Bell reports, “Bass fishing has been better this week. We are finally experiencing some cooler temperatures which has caused some fish to pull up. The majority of the larger fish are positioned on humps and roadbeds lake-wide, but there are a few fish showing up on shallow points and pockets. For the offshore bite, use mid-depth crankbaits in a shad pattern as fish begin to reposition on the tops of humps with cooler water temperatures. Crankbaits that are producing are Strike King 5XD, Bomber Fat Free Shad and Spro Deep Little John in the cellmate color. These same baits can be used on the ends of shallow points to produce fish. When the sun comes up, use small finesse worms Texas rigged with a 1/8-oz. weight.”

Linesides: Good. Chris reports, “Fish are schooling on humps first thing in the morning. Use a 1/4-oz. Rat-L-Trap in the chrome/black back color and popping corks with a fly. Once the sun is up, downline fresh lively shad on these same areas on schools of fish.”

Crappie: Poor. Chris reports, “Crappie have not pulled up yet but should make a move soon. For now, continue to focus on fishing at the bridges and in standing timber with live bait.”