The fishing has been HOT for most species of fish this July, Stripers and cats are this week’s main attraction for fishing. Anchovies seem to be the most favored bait then nightcrawlers. The bass are finally off their beds and are in a little deeper water now, fish structure and rock points. Bluegill and crappie are loving red worms and pieces of worms. The fishing is great and I can’t wait to get back out there and get some limits!

BLUEGILL/PANFISH

The panfish have been loving that the bass are off the beds and are very much active. The best baits for the panfish are red worms, nightcrawlers, and little jigs.

TROUT

We aren’t expecting the trout to pick up again until the water temp starts to drop. We did have one 7lb trout caught this week on salmon eggs. They are all in the deep water by the dam.

CATFISH

This last month we had a total of 1500 pounds of catfish planted in the lake.  They like the Narrows and Swallow Bay and all the coves with structure. Anchovies and Mackerel have been top producers. Nightcrawlers and sardines have also been a hot ticket for these cats.  

BASS

The bass have moved off their beds and are in more open water hanging around rock points, weed lines, drop offs, and any structure you can find. Lots of smallmouth in the two-pound range this week, most being caught on jerk baits, drop shots, and grub jigs. If you like trolling the Smallies can be found in Heron Bay in about 15-foot of water, they have been picking up on the panther martin spinners.  Smallmouth bass are being caught around Heron Bay.
 
STRIPED BASS

The stripers are average size being five and eight pounds. Lots of the bigger fish are being caught in Heron Bay and in the Narrows. The striper boils are growing, and fishermen are taking full advantage, with the boils only lasting from about 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m., you have got to be out here early if you want to be a part of the top water action. After the boils die down, the best bet is frozen cut baits like Anchovies, Sardines, and Shad. The hot striper lures include Flukes (White, Silver/blue), Super spook Jr’s, and anything that could mimic a shad.  They are being caught just before Swallow Bay and near the dam.