Fishing

Crappie are caught most often when the fish school around structure in deep water in the winter and in the spring when they come into shallow water to spawn. Many main-lake points, ledges, and channels provide excellent wintertime habitat. In spring, two of the best spots for crappie are Bean Creek and Big Creek. Fish year round with minnows or jigs.

Channel catfish are best in the spring when tributaries are running, and again in summer when the fish concentrate atop submerged flats and can be drift-fished with shrimp or cut bait. Similar baits pay off during inflow during the spring and summer.

White bass fishing is best during the spring spawning run. All main-lake points and any inflowing tributaries are good producers. In summer you are likely to see white bass anywhere: in front of the dam, near Rattlesnake Island in open water, and around submerged gravel piles. Best baits here are surface lures, plastic shad, small spoons, jigs, and live minnows or shad.

Hybrid striped bass are attracted to similar locations and baits. In winter, hybrids can usually be found feeding on shad and drawing the attention of hundreds of sea gulls.

Black basses in this lake include largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass. They can be caught almost year round, but spring and fall are tops for action. For trophies, try fishing in February and March. Effective baits in spring include a Carolina Rig worm or 6-inch lizard, a Texas rigged worm (7-inch variety), and crankbaits. On into summer, jig and pig, spoons, Texas rigged worms, and crankbaits work well. In fall, try crawfish-mimicking baits, spinners, and jigs in turbid and shallow water. Roll a spinner bait, bump a crankbait, or dabble a Texas rigged worm over one of the submerged gravel humps and you better be holding to something solid.