West Point Lake Fishing Report May 2016

West Point: Level: 2.7 feet below full pool. Temp: High 60s. Clarity: Lightly stained.

Bass: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “May is usually a great month for bass fishing in general. Largemouth can be caught on several different patterns and usually in fairly shallow water. Some fish will still be on bed in May. Topwaters, Trick Worms and Senkos are good choices. The fish that bedded in March and April have moved out into a little deeper structure. Try jigs and Texas-rigged worms around cover like brushpiles and docks. Bass will feed heavily on spawning shad first thing in the morning. Try rip-rap around most bridges with a fluke or crankbait. A Carolina-rigged worm on gravel or clay banks will continue to catch spotted bass as well.”

Linesides: Good. Keith reports, “In May, the focus goes back to the main lake, mostly south of Highway 109 bridge. Downlining with live bait is highly effective. Look for fish to be holding around humps and drop-offs near the creek channels in 15 to 25 feet of water. Some fish should also start schooling on the surface and can be caught on popping-cork rigs and small crankbaits.”

Crappie: Good. Keith reports, “The crappie have pretty much bedded out by May and moved out of the shallows. Try pitching small jigs around docks or into deeper brushpiles for the spawned out fish. You have to work a little harder to find the crappie, but the fishing can be really good for them when you do.”

Catfish: Keith reports, “Expect good catfishing from Ringer access to Franklin. Fish the deeper holes with cut bait, worms, chicken liver or frozen shrimp to target channel cats. The flathead catfish prefer live bait. Try live shad, live bream or bass shiners for a chance at a 20-lb. or better catfish.”

Bream: “Normally overlooked, this is the month to catch bedding bream,” said Keith. “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.”