Fishing is getting better, as water temperatures range from 55-60 in the coves and the high 40s in the main lake.

Bass may be taken on Shad Raps, spinnerbaits, plastic worms and Gitzits in pumpkinseed and electric grape colors. Devil’s Horse topwaters are also producing some good fish.

Head for the back ends of the creeks, where the water is very shallow and fish amid the stumps.

Crappie fishing is excellent around boat docks on small minnows and jigs.

Live shad and bucktails are accounting for good striper catches.

Below the Roanoke Rapids Dam in Weldon, N.C., striper anglers are cleaning house. Catches of 20-25 in a day are not unusual.