West Point Lake Fishing Report July 2019

West Point: Level: 0.7 feet above full pool. Temp: Low 80s. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Fair. Guide Keith Hudson reports, With the lake still close to full pool so far this summer after the June rains, topwater baits such as Spro frogs, Chug Bugs, Whopper Ploppers, Senkos and buzzbaits can still be effective, especially around bream beds or shallow cover in the mornings. Some largemouth are still being weighed-in by guys who fish shallow, targeting bass that are around these beds feeding on the bream. Some of the grassbeds above 219 bridge in the Chattahoochee are also holding fish. Pitching jigs into mid-depth  blowdowns and wood cover also is a good pattern to try. Most bass are on deeper brushpiles and roadbeds in July. Try deep-running crankbaits like the Fat Free Shad or a Texas-rigged Zoom Ol’ Monster worm. Some spotted bass are still being caught  by casting topwaters early around shoal markers. Later in the day, try a Buckeye Spot Remover head loaded with Zoom Shakey Tail worm, or just drag a Carolina-rigged Zoom Finesse Worm or Mini Lizard around sloping gravel banks.”

Linesides: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “The hybrids, striped bass and white bass are down the lake in pretty good numbers. The downline bite on live bait should be fair on most days throughout July. Look for surface schooling  activity on the main lake. Breaking fish can be caught casting crankbaits, topwaters, popping-cork rigs and Storm Swim Shad lures. The best time for this schooling activity is early or late or on overcast days. Trolling for hybrids and stripers with big crankbaits like a Norman’s DD22 is good in July. As the water warms and the fish scatter a bit, trolling helps you find the some feeding fish, and the moving boat also helps to keep you more comfortable.”

Crappie: “Summer crappie at West Point are out on deeper brush and structure or under the deeper docks. Try drop-shotting minnows or shooting docks for the best results. Night fishing is usually good in July, and you can beat the heat! Lights under the bridges are standard, and there are some lighted boat docks that can be good.”