West Point Lake Fishing Report – August 2017

West Point: Level: 0.4 feet above full pool. Temp: Upper 80s, low 90s in some pockets. Clarity: Mostly clear.

Bass: Slow. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Some largemouth are being caught on deeper brushpiles, ledges and roadbeds as the water continues to warm. Try big deep-diving crankbaits or Texas-rigged Ol’ Monster worms. The best fishing is around brushpiles in these areas. Water generation always improves this bite. Downsize baits in these same areas to improve your chances for spotted bass. With the unusually high water from this summer’s rains, some fish remain shallow. Topwater baits such as Pop Rs, Zara Spooks and Spro Poppin frogs can still be effective for shallow fish, especially around grass and weedbeds. Try targeting areas north of the 219 bridge in the Chattahoochee. Also, have a jig handy to pitch into wood cover in these same areas. Slower than normal, but still fairly consistent, the spotted bass are still your best bet for summer bassing at West Point. Spots are being caught by casting Spot Remover jig heads loaded with Zoom Shakey Tail worms or just dragging a Carolina-rigged Zoom Finesse worm or mini lizard around sloping gravel banks. Also, try a small Texas-rigged worm or a jig around blowdowns. Try fishing around the bridges and bridge pilings with small crankbaits and shaky-head rigs, especially during periods of water generation.”

Linesides: Fair. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Hybrids and stripes are down lake in good numbers. Expect the downline bite on live bait to continue to be at least OK throughout the summer. Some fish are surface schooling on the main lake and can be caught on Rooster Tails, topwaters, popping-cork rigs and Storm Swim Shad lures. Trolling crankbaits is fairly effective and can help keep you cool on a hot day.”

Crappie: Fair. “Most fish have moved out and are holding on deeper brush and structure or under docks,” Keith Hudson said. “Try drop-shotting minnows or shooting docks near deep water for the best results. Night fishing is usually pretty good all summer. Try under the bridges with lights.”

Catfish: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Lots of channel cat are being caught by the few anglers who target them. Live bait, cut baits and worms fished on bottom will catch cats all over the lake, as long as fairly deep water is nearby. To target flatheads, go to a larger bait like a 4- to 5-inch bream or large shiner, and fish the same areas. Be sure to increase the size of your rigs as fish in the 20- to 30-lb. range are fairly common.”