Water Level: Normal | Water Temperature: 45.5˚
Weather: 25˚ | Mostly Cloudy | Winds: 6 mph
1. Striper: Active around main lake points like Lizard and Pea Hill Creek mouths and near Gaston Dam; target early morning and late afternoon surface feeding schools using jigging bucktails and Sassy Shads.
2. Largemouth Bass: Holding deeper on drop-offs in 25-40 feet, often schooling with stripers; use plastic baits on downcurrent sides of bridges and structure.
3. Crappie: Concentrated on brushpiles in 8-12 feet of water; vertical jigging small jigs or minnows works best.
Winter conditions are holding steady with cool, mostly cloudy skies and light winds, creating stable water temperatures near 45 degrees. Anglers should focus on deeper structure and key creek mouths where baitfish are concentrated. Patience and slow presentations will pay off as fish remain active but less aggressive this time of year. Get out early or late to take advantage of stripers feeding near the surface. Tight lines!
