West Point Lake Fishing Report – August 2018

West Point: Level: 0.4 feet above full pool. Temp: Mid 80s. Clarity: Moderate stain.

Bass: Fair. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Some largemouth are being caught on deeper brushpiles, ledges and roadbeds as the water continues to warm and the lake level slowly drops. Try big deep-diving crankbaits like a citrus-shad Fat Free Bomber, football jigs, and Carolina- 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 and improve your chances for spotted bass. With the unusually high water from this summer’s rains, some fish will choose to 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. Spotted bass are still your best bet in August, even though they’ve been slower than normal. West Point spots are being caught  by casting Spot Remover heads loaded with Zoom Shakey Tail worms or just dragging a Carolina-rigged Zoom finesse worm or Mini Lizard around sloping gravel banks and shoal markers. Also try a small Texas-rigged worm or a jig ’n pig 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 the lake in good numbers. Expect the downline bite on live bait to continue to be at least OK throughout the summer. Fish have been scattered more than normal with the high water this year. 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. The topwater schooling action could go from fair to excellent at any time, so stay ready. Trolling with crankbaits is also fairly effective by covering water. This technique can also help keep you cool.”

Crappie: Fair. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Spawned-out fish will typically move out and hold on deeper brush and structure  or under docks. The longer pockets and coves north in the Chattahoochee north of Highland Marina seem to be some of the most productive this time of year. Structure is definitely important. Try drop-shoting 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.”