West Point Lake Fishing Report April 2017

West Point: Level: 2.4 feet below full pool. Temp: Mid 60s. Clarity: Most clear.

Bass: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, April is usually my favorite month for all types of fishing in general. The weather is usually beautiful and fairly consistent. Bass can be caught on several different patterns. Topwater baits such as a Pop-R, Zara Spook and buzzbaits can be extremely effective for shallow and aggressive pre-spawn and spawning bass on West Point in April. The second pattern that works really well is to look for spawning shad first thing in the mornings. Try fishing rip-rap around bridges with spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and Zoom Super Flukes. Additionally, some big tournament sacks of largemouth are weighed-in each April by guys who sight fish, targeting bass that are locked on bed. This can be an aggravating way to fish but can pay off in a tournament win. Lots of spotted bass spawn in April and are caught by just dragging a Carolina-rigged Zoom Finesse worm or mini lizard around sloping gravel banks. This tactic normally works very well for numbers.”

Linesides: Excellent. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Expect a strong river run from the hybrids and white bass this year until at least mid April. The hybrids have made a nice comeback since the DNR has been stocking them again for the past several years. Many of these hybrids are mature enough this year to guarantee a big run. Try live or cut bait—even chicken livers will work at times. Fish in holes from Grayson’s Landing to Franklin. Spray your bait with a little garlic scent for even more bites. Some fish will, as usual, always remain down on the main lake and can be caught on small crankbaits, topwaters and Storm Swim Shad lures.”

Crappie: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “There should be a strong second wave of crappie coming up in early to mid April this year to spawn after the cold weather we had in mid March slowed them down. During April, crappie can be in all stages of the spawning process from prespawn, spawn, and postspawn. Crappie can be easier to catch in slightly stained water, especially if you have shallow brush, blowdowns or chunk-rock structure. Spawned-out crappie will typically move out and hold on deeper structure for a while to recover. Night fishing should also improve in late April.”

Bream: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Don’t forget about West Point’s bream and shellcracker. Finding an active bed can take a little effort, but when you do, you can have a ball! Bream bedding usually takes place on the full moon cycles in April and May. Look for shallow cover in the backs of pockets. Sandy flats and stump beds tend to draw the bream like a magnet. Use live pink worms, crickets and small jigs for the best results.”

Catfish: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Lots of channel catfish are caught every year by anglers who are targeting linesides. The same live and cut baits we recommend for hybrids will catch catfish in the river north of 219. To target flatheads, go to a larger bait like a 4- to 5-inch live bream, and fish the same areas. Be sure to increase the size of your rigs, as flathead catfish in the 20- to 30-lb. range are fairly common on West Point up the river in April.”