West Point Fishing Report – September 2006

West Point: Level: 5.1 feet below full. Temp: 86 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Good. James Scogin said he fished a tournament several weeks ago and caught three fish that went 12 pounds. “We cranked ledges and long points in Yellowjacket,” said James. “Hopefully the fish will start migrating back into the creeks, but with the water down, it’s going to be tough. I like the water temperature to get about 70 degrees when I look for the fish in those short pockets.” Fish blowdowns with an Ol-Nelle buzzbait. Jigs and Senkos are good choices, too. “When it rains, it’ll really cool the water in that area between Yellowjacket and Highland,” said James.

Hybrid: Great. Guide Paul Parsons said the fish are hitting on the surface real good between the 109 bridge and the dam. The best two areas in this stretch are from 109 to Wehadkee Creek and around Southern Harbor. “It’s been best early and late, but they’ll come up all day if it’s cloudy,” said Paul. “You can catch them on about everything, but popping corks are probably the best thing to throw right now. You can also catch them on Rooster Tails, bucktails and small Rat-L-Trap.” Expect the surface action to get even better this month. Guide Bobby Wilson will be downlining on flats and points down the lake — in areas where you’ll see schooling. Try gizzard shad and threadfins in depths of 25 to 50 feet. “Bait is what they’re keying on, and it’s about a four- or five-hour deal in the morning,” he said.

Crappie: Fair. “We’re fixing to start trolling again,” said Bobby. “Look for them in the middle of the creek in six to 20 feet of water,” said Bobby. “They’ll start moving into those creeks when those small shad move in there.” Bobby will troll double jigs, a 1/16-oz. and a 1/32-oz. jig. “I’ll go to a 1/8-oz. if I need to be trolling a little deeper,” said Bobby. “For colors I like chartreuse, white, black/chartreuse, blue, black/blue and bubblegum. Try Wolf Creek and from 219 bridge down to Wehadkee.”