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BASS – Spring bass fishing begins in earnest in March and April as waters warm above 50 degrees and pre-spawn fish move to the banks. Mid-to-upper sections of both river arms (Markers R22 to R56 and B12 to B30) and main creeks like Gills and Walton are prime. Check docks, boathouses, riprap and laydown trees in 5-to 10-foot depths with a 1/2-ounce spinnerbait (Stanley, Terminator, etc.) or a jig n’ pig (black/blue).
BASS – Spawning is underway from mid-April until mid-June with most fish remaining in depths of 2 to 6 feet through the end of the post-spawn period. Sight casting a minnowbait (Rapala, Rogue) or Slug-Go around cover like docks, piers and stumps is effective.
BASS – This lake is famous for night fishing during summer months. This, of course, is suggested because of the great popularity of the water by the boating public. In June/July bass key on alewife spawning runs, especially in the areas around Marker R12 around to B10. Work this stretch with a buzzbait or shallow running crankbait (Mann’s 1-Minus). In August, fish hold around traditional cover – brushpiles or stumps on structure (points, humps, old roadbeds, creek channels) in depths of 15 to 25 feet. Texas-rigged worms and Carolina-rigging comes into its own during this season. Watermelon, pumpkinseed and motor oil are effective colors.
BASS -In September and October, bass start schooling while foraging on gizzard and threadfin shad. These “jumps ” normally occur over long points and humps, especially at dawn and dusk. Typically, shad-patterned minnowbaits, Pop-R’s or Zara Spooks, are deadly. Aggressively “twitching” a minnowbait in the middle of a “jump” is a sure guarantee of action. The “S-Curve” sections of both river arms (R12 to R22 and B10 to B22) can be terrific.
BASS – By November, cooling water pulls bait and bass back to shallow depths, often 5 to 10 feet, in major creeks like Beckys and Bettys. Jig n’ pigs, spinnerbaits, tubes and medium diving cranks all produce.
BASS – Winter bass are schooled tightly on structure – steep, rocky main-channel points, creek bends, humps – in 25-to 45-foot depths. The presence of sunken brush is always a plus. Vertical jigging is the main presentation with Hopkins and other slab spoons the local favorite. Blade baits are also important – the Zip, Silver Buddy or Sonar.