Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
Good to excellent Bass fishing was on tap for anglers finding the schools of fish. Keep moving and changing areas until you find them either visually feeding or on your sonar. Look for them near the entrance of coves and points near the main lake. The morning and afternoon topwater bite remains the focus of savvy anglers utilizing Lucky Craft Sammy 100’s and 007 size Riser Baits. Just about any Shad imitating color pattern will work. The dropshot bite continues to be solid when the sun gets high mid-day in the five to twenty foot range in the same areas. Largemouth and Smallmouth are hitting the usual Finesse worms and presentations. C3 Baits Shimmys and Jobu’s in the Neptune Shad color pattern continue to dominate, as they have for years on both the dropshot and Carolina rig.
Striped Bass:
Surface “boils” were reduced to a simmer early in the week with the full moon and cooler water temps. Fish are still in the main lake areas in both arms but we are starting to see a transition to the coves as water temps cool, with some fish mixed in with the Bass at times. The Lucky Craft Sammy 100 in the Ghost Minnow pattern along with 007 size Riser Baits in any of the shad patterns continue to be the dominant lures, but just about any topwater bait with white on the belly will work. Lucky Craft Sammys and Gunfish 100’s are tail weighted and will cast the furthest, a big plus when moving the boat to get closer to the boils will result in being too late. I use a 7′ medium or medium-heavy rod and a 4000 size spinning reel with 15-30lb braid and a three foot section of heavier monofilament, usually between 10 and 20lb test. The mono will float, keeping your bait on the surface and giving it the best action.
Bluegill:
Bluegill are still shallow for the time being and continue to bite red worms and meal worms in the backs of coves around submerged brushpiles and shade trees. Keep the bobbers, hooks and worms on the small size and have fun. Kids of all ages love this bite!
Lake Conditions:
Surface Temp 72 a.m. – 75 p.m.
Water Clarity 5′ to 15′
Lake Level: Down 7′ from full
Minimal Algae Bloom
*NEW* Lake Hours as of September 23rd:
Open @ 6:30 am
Off Water @ 6:30 pm
Park Closes @ 7:00 pm
* There is mandatory possesion of a CA Boaters Card upon entry for anyone 60 or younger towing a boat.
YOU WILL NOT GET IN WITHOUT IT!
Jim – www.661Fishing.com