West Point Lake Fishing Report – October 2019

West Point: Level: 2.2 feet below full pool. Temp: Mid 80s. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “October usually marks a big improvement in fishing in general. As the days start to get a little shorter and the temps cool, expect a marked improvement in the bass fishing. Some largemouth and spots will still be caught on deeper brushpiles, ledges and roadbeds in the main-lake area. Carolina-rigged Trick Worms and drop shotting finesse are techniques that can be effective in these areas. Best fishing is around or in brushpiles or other structure in these areas, if you can find them. Water generation normally improves this bite. Downsize baits in these same areas and improve your chances for spotted bass. We had a really good shad hatch this year, and the fish seem to key on these smaller baits this time of year. It can be aggravating trying to make them bite even when they are actively chasing bait. Actively schooling groups of fish will sometimes hit the Flash Mob Jr. rig, a personal favorite in the  fall. More fish will move shallow with cooler water temps, and this pattern should improve as the water cools and we move into fall. Topwater baits such as Rebel Pop Rs, Zara Spooks and Spro Poppin Frogs will become more effective for shallow fish, especially around grassbeds and weeds. Try targeting the mouths of feeder creeks north of the 219 bridge in the Chattahoochee. Also have a jig handy to pitch into wood cover in these same areas. Spotted bass are still your best bet on the south end of the lake. Spots are being caught by casting Spot Remover heads loaded with Zoom Shakey Head worms or just dragging a Carolina-rigged Zoom Finesse worm or Mini Lizard around  shoal markers. Also try a small Texas-rigged worm or a jig ’n pig around blowdown trees.”

Linesides: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “It has been a good summer in general for schooling topwater action  on the main lake. I  expect surface schooling on the main lake  to continue  this fall. These fish can generally be caught on Rooster Tails, topwaters, popping-cork rigs and Storm Swim Shad lures. Start early or stay late for the best results. Most linesides have been are 5 pounds or less, but the numbers have been good. Expect the downline bite on live bait to continue to improve  as we move toward  fall, with the best yet to come in late fall and early winter. Trolling with a crankbait/bucktail combo can also continue to be fairly effective. Try old faithful areas like the Railroad Trestle hump and the humps out from Amity Park for good results.”

Crappie: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “The West Point crappie will typically move shallower and hold on mid-depth brush and structure or under docks as the water temps drop into the 70s or below. Try drop-shotting minnows or shooting jigs under docks in 5 to 15 feet of water for the best results. You can really do well if you find one of these schools. Try the cuts and coves in Yellow Jacket Creek and from Highland Marina north to Wolf Creek in the Chattahoochee. Some fish will start to move even shallower as the water slowly cools, maybe by the end of the month. Minnows fished under a float will usually work on them, when you find them. Any blowdown near deep water is a good starting point. Night fishing is usually still pretty good. Try under the bridges with lights.”