Water Level: 199.52 | Water Temperature: 51.3˚
Weather: 27˚ | Partly Cloudy | Winds: 5 mph
1. Largemouth Bass: Active in shallow coves and back ends of creeks where the water is slightly warmer. Use spinnerbaits, rattling crankbaits, and jig ’n pig presentations around boat docks and submerged cover.
2. Striped Bass: Found near schools of shad on flats behind bridges and near creek mouths like Lizard and Holly Grove. Live or cut shad and bucktail jigs are producing best.
3. Pickerel: Target willow grass beds and dock areas with shad-imitating crankbaits on a stop-and-go retrieve.
4. Crappie: Good action around brushpiles and bridge pilings in clearer water sections of the lake.
With the water temperature hovering just above 50 degrees, fish are beginning to move toward warmer shallow areas during daylight. Partly cloudy skies and light winds create ideal conditions for anglers focusing on active feeding windows. Look for clearer water in main lake areas and slightly stained conditions in creek backs. This week offers solid opportunities for bass and stripers using a variety of lures – patience and covering key structure will pay off. Get out early or late to capitalize on cooler periods and enjoy the early spring bite at Lake Gaston.
