Water Level: 200.44 | Water Temperature: 65.8˚
Weather: 75˚ | Chance Showers And Thunderstorms | Winds: 6 mph
1. Largemouth Bass: Bass are active in shallow water on main lake points and back ends of coves. Topwater lures like frogs and crankbaits work well early and late in the day, while plastic worms and grubs are effective in 4-8 feet of water. Focus on shady banks and areas with emerging vegetation where bass are staging near bedding sites.
2. Striped Bass: Stripers are being caught near the upper end of the lake and near main river channel bridges. Try live shad presentations and bucktails fished along rocky shorelines and points.
3. Crappie: Crappie are schooling in the creeks and around submerged structure. Small jigs and minnows fished near underwater brush or timber are producing bites.
4. Blue Catfish: Blue catfish are active near the bottom in deeper channels and holes. Cut bait or live shad on the bottom are your best bets for good catches.
5. Sunfish/Bream: Sunfish are moving toward spawning beds in shallow, protected coves. Small crickets and worms near vegetation will entice bites.
With water temperatures rising steadily in the mid-60s and stable water levels, fish are transitioning into pre-spawn and spawning behavior. Expect more active bass in shallow cover and points, while stripers remain focused on baitfish along main channel structure. Chance showers may keep fish slightly more cautious, but overall conditions are favorable for anglers targeting a variety of species. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best action, so plan your trips accordingly and enjoy the diverse fishing opportunities Lake Gaston provides this week.
