Please use the utmost caution when boating on our state's waters this week. While the outdoor temperatures are warming, the water is still cold enough to cause hypothermia and possible death. Special note: WEAR your life jacket. It can save your life. It won't do anyone any good in a compartment. At the very worst, it will at least allow law enforcement to find your body more quickly.

Bass fishing is picking up, with a number of fish in the 5-9 pound class being taken in the northern coves of Lake Gaston. Best lures are spinnerbaits with large blades, rattling lipless crankbaits and shad colored crankbaits. The main lake water temperature is in the forties, but some northern coves are posting temperatures in the low fifties. These are the areas that are giving up the larger fish.

Crappie are aggressive once found, but finding them is the trick. Check main creek channels and bends for suspended schools. Stripers are being caught at the lower end of the lake on live shad and bucktails.

[Charlie Taylor's full fishing report for other lakes and rivers can be found here. Updated: 2/15/2012]