West Point Lake Fishing Report April 2018

West Point: Level: 3.7 feet below full pool. Temp: Low 60s. Clarity: Moderate stain.

Bass: Guide Keith Hudson reports, “April is probably my favorite overall month for almost all types of fishing in general. Bass can be caught on several different patterns. Topwater baits such as Pop-Rs, Zara Spooks and buzzbaits can be extremely effective for shallow and aggressive prespawn and spawning bass.  Have a Senko or weightless merthiolate Zoom Trick Worm ready to throw, as well, especially if you get a short strike on the topwater bait. The second pattern that works really well is to look for spawning shad. Try fishing rip-rap around bridges with spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and Zoom Super Flukes. Additionally, some big tournament-winning sacks of largemouth are weighed during April by guys who sight fish, targeting fish that are locked on bed. This can be an aggravating way to fish, but it 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 another 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 fish are mature enough this year to guarantee a big run. Try live or cut bait—even chicken livers will work at times fished 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, as well, 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—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 fish will typically move out and hold on deeper structure for a while to recover. Night fishing should also improve in late April.”

Bream: 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! 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 fish like a magnet. Use live pink worms, crickets and small jigs for the best results.”

Catfish: Good. “Lots of channel cat are caught every year by anglers targeting linesides,” said Keith. “The same live and cut baits used on stripers, as well as pink worms and liver, will catch cats, especially north of 219. To target flatheads, go to larger bait like 4- to 5-inch bream, and fish the same areas. Increase the size of your rigs as fish in the 20-lb. range are common.”