West Point Lake Fishing Report June 2016

West Point: Level: 3.7 feet below full pool. Temp: Mid 70s. Clarity: Lightly stained.

Bass: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “As we move into the month of June, bass fishing normally shifts to a deep-structure pattern. Hungry postspawn bass can normally be caught around submerged roadbeds, pond dams and deep brushpiles. Zoom Ol’ Monster or Mag 2 worms, jigs and Bomber Fat Free citrus-shad crankbaits are good baits. Look for fish in 12 to 20 feet of water. Also, a few bass always seem to stay shallow. Topwaters, buzzbaits and Senkos are good choices if you want to try shallow, especially early in the morning. One key pattern is to look for bream beds or mayfly hatches. Spotted bass also move to deeper cover. A  Zoom shaky-head worm on a Tommyhead jig will work around blowdowns, bluff walls and bridge pilings.”

Linesides: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “In June,  focus on the main lake, mostly south of Highway 109 bridge. Downlining with live bait is highly effective. Try live shad or shiners for awesome results. Look for fish to be holding around humps and drop-offs near the channels of most all the creeks in 15 to 25 feet of water. Topwater fishing is usually very good, as well. The fish should  start schooling on the surface and can be caught on popping-cork rigs or by trolling small crankbaits.”

Crappie: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “The crappie have moved to deep water for the most part. Try pitching small jigs around or under docks or into deeper brushpiles for the spawned-out fish. There are lots of deep brushpiles in the pockets near many of the boat docks, especially in the Liberty Hill and Yellow Jacket Creek areas. You may have to work a little harder to find them, but the fishing can be really good for crappie when you do find them. Night fishing is usually very good during June. Try tying up under a bridge, grab a bucket of minnows, put out some lights, and enjoy the cooler night air.”

Catfish: Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Expect good catfishing in the river from Ringer Access to Franklin. Fish the deeper holes with cut bait, worms, chicken liver or frozen shrimp to target channel cats. Bottle or jug fishing can be fun for the entire family. The flathead catfish seem to prefer live bait. Try live shad, live bream or bass shiners for a chance at a 20-lb. or better catfish. Night fishing for them can be very good.”

Bream: “June is a good month to catch bedding bream. Search the back ends of pockets, especially those with hard bottom or stumps. Use crickets or live worms 2 to 3 feet under a float for some real fun.”