West Point Fishing Report September 2013

West Point: Level: 1.2 feet above full pool. Temp: Low 80s. Clarity: Most of the creeks in the mid lake are clear as well as the main lake south of 109.

Bass: Fair. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Largemouth fishing this summer has been pretty tough overall. The fish continue to be confused and scattered by the constant influx of fresh water. The typical deep-water bite has been nearly nonexistent. High water levels, abundant shallow baitfish, low water temps and lots of shallow cover—including grassbeds upriver—have kept many largemouth in shallow water all summer. Hopefully as we transition into fall, the fishing will improve. Not much change lately as some fish continue to bite on shallow-water baits such as Spro Poppin Frogs, Senkos, Zoom Super Flukes and topwater baits such as Zara Spooks and Pop Rs. A pig ’n jig or creature bait around shallow wood will also produce. Also keep a Carolina-rigged Trick Worm in green pumpkin handy to cover longer mid-depth points. The spotted bass are still the most predictable. Try a shaky head with a Zoom Shaky Tail Worm or a drop-shot rig around bridge pilings, brushpiles or rocky banks. A Zoom Finesse Worm on a Carolina rig will continue to produce spots as well. Try fishing just off the main river on gravel points and shoal markers in 6 to 15 feet of water anywhere north of the 109 bridge.”

Linesides: Fair. “Using downlined threadfin shad, I have still been catching a few nice stripers mixed with hybrids and white bass, basically from the railroad trestle south,” Keith said. “Most of the fish have been near the main river channel, from the railroad trestle south to the dam, but this year some of them have remained in the Hooch north of the pumping stations on shallower humps. I even know of some that have been caught on cutbait back upriver. Downlining with shad or bass shiners remains the best bet, but some fish are also being caught trolling with mid-depth crankbaits, swimbaits and Alabama rigs. Look for these fish to be in the 15- to 20-foot range on the edge of humps, roadbeds and creek channels. My prediction of some really good topwater action has yet to come true so far this year. The normally great schooling action has been sporadic at best. A popping-cork rig, a 1/2-oz. chrome Challenger Spoon or a white 1/2-oz. Rooster Tail should be kept handy at all times in case a school does decide to pop up. Typically the area near the dam is best, especially early morning and late evening.”

Crappie: Fair. Keith reports, “Most signs point to a really good fall crappie season this year. They usually start to pick up after the first days of a little cooler weather. Try pitching small jigs around deeper blowdown trees. Concentrate on trees that are close to the old creek or river channel. Docks with brush also continue to hold fish. A small minnow under a float will also work. The fish seem to stack together tighter when the sun is out.”