West Point Lake Fishing Report – July 2024

West Point: Level: 0.3 below 635. Temp: Mid to upper 80s. Clarity: The water is really clear over most of the lake.

Bass: Guide Keith Hudson reports, “It is looking like a typical hot and dry summer on the way for us this year. Bass fishing is usually pretty tough under these conditions, although you can still have a decent day mixed in. The lake is pretty much at full pool, and this has kept our largemouth still surprisingly shallow for the most part. Topwater baits, such as Whopper Ploppers, buzzbaits and Zoom Horny Toads, can be effective for shallow fish, especially around bream beds and shallow wood or grass. Try the mouths of the smaller feeder creeks north of the 219 bridge up the Chattahoochee for the best results on this pattern. There is normally still a little moving water and a little cooler surface temps up there. Another fairly productive pattern during hot weather is to concentrate on docks and blowdowns. The fish like shade just like we do. Many of the docks have brushpiles under or near them, too. Try an unweighted, wacky-rigged Zoom Trick Worm or an unweighted Zlinky or Senko-type bait or a jig ’n pig around or under this type of cover. Water generation can definitely play a factor in improving the deep-water bite as the water warms up, especially if the lake level drops and some really hot dry weather sets in later in the month. If you have the option, base your trips to the lake around the generation schedule when possible (mostly late evening). On this pattern, some fish will still be caught deeper (15 to 20 feet) on old roadbeds or in brushpiles, especially later in the month. Big crankbaits, Texas-rigged Ol’ Monster worms and drop-shot rigs will work on these deeper fish at times.”

Linesides: Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Good. The linesides have started schooling on the main lake and can be caught casting Rooster Tails, popping cork rigs and Got-Cha shad lures. July is usually really good for this type of fishing, especially on cloudy, balmy mornings. Also, fish can be caught trolling with the Flash Mob Jr. or trolling mid-depth-diving crankbaits. Downlining with live bait, like shad or shiners, will continue to produce some fish throughout July in most years.”

Crappie: Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Good. Crappie like deeper water in the summer and will typically move out and hold on deeper brush and structure or under docks. Shooting or pitching under the shade of covered docks or around bridge pilings is the way to go. Tube-type jigs seem to work the best. The crappie almost always like the shade on a sunny day. Night fishing is usually awesome in July, as well!”

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Bream: Guide Keith Hudson reports, “The shellcracker population over the last few years has exploded with some really nice-sized fish and good numbers being caught. They seem to really love worms fished on the bottom. Bluegill bedding should take place again on the full moon cycle in July. Finding an active bed can take a little effort, but when you do, you can have a ball. Look for shallow cover in the backs of pockets. Sandy flats and stump beds tend to draw the fish like a magnet. Use live worms, crickets and small jigs for the best results.”

Catfish: Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Good. Lots of channel cats are being caught by the few anglers who target them. Live and cutbaits and worms fished on the bottom will catch cats all over the lake, as long as fairly deep water is nearby. Jug fishing is also fun and productive. To target flatheads, go to a larger bait, like a 4-5 inch bream or large shiner, and fish the same areas. Increase the size of your rigs as fish in the 20- to 30-lb. range are fairly common. Most of the big flatheads are caught in the Ringer/Grayson’s Landing area north of the 219 bridge in the Chattahoochee and the mouth of the smaller feeder creeks in that vicinity.”