Fishing Reports

Crappie fishing is productive at night. In summer, crappie hang around bridge pilings, usually 10-15 feet deep bridge crossings, such as Hobson Pike and Jefferson Pike. Another good night spot should be the bluff directly across from Elm Hill Marina. During the daylight hours, crappie can be caught using crawfish colored crankbaits and trolling rigs in 10-15 ft. of water. Creel Limit: 30 Minimum Length: 10"

Smallmouth Bass hang around portion of the lake from Poole Knobs down to the dam. This area has clearer water and an abundance of rock/gravel shorelines with patches of woody cover, good habitat. Jig n’ pig combos and spinnerbaits, both in black or purple color patterns, should be good for smallmouth (and largemouth) after dark. Creel Limit: 5 Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted in Combination. Minimum Length: 18"

Largemouth Bass should hit artificial baits such as crankbaits, spinnerbait, jigs, and plastic worms or natural baits such as crayfish, earthworms, and minnows. Largemouth bass hang around the upper portion of the lake (above Fate Sanders). They should be found near rocky areas, submerged logs, brush, stumps, aquatic vegetation and other structures that provide shade, security and places to ambush smaller fish. Creel Limit: 5 Largemouth/Smallmouth/Spotted in Combination. Minimum Length: 15".

Striped Bass/Hybrid Striped Bass should be suspended in the cooler water in depths of about 25 to 30 feet in the hot summer months. Prime locations are deeper areas in the upper ends of larger creek arms (like Suggs). Action can be good throughout the day using a variety of methods. Jig/Sassy Shad combos (1/4 ounce) and bucktail jigs are frequently used. Live bait anglers should have good results running flatline rigs baited with shiners. Again, low-light periods should be best. Creel Limit: 2 Minimum Length: 15".

White Bass should hit top water crankbaits, spoons, and small jigs (white and chartreuse- 1 inch best). White bass can be found from Hobson Pike Bridge to the dam on sandy gravel bottoms casting to the bank from the river channel. Look for shad activity. Another good bank should be straight across from the Smyrna pumping station in the lower end of the lake. Creel Limit: 15. No Minimum Length.