Lake Weiss Fishing Report March 2017

Weiss: Level: 2.1 feet below full pool. Temp: Upper 50s. Clarity: Stained.

Bass: Fair. Guide Mark Collins reports, “A lot bass are shallow and starting on a prespawn pattern. These aggressive bass can be caught on a variety of lures right now. Shallow-running crankbaits and spinnerbaits are working well. While some bass had moved deeper to the creek ledges, main-lake points, sandbars and humps on their winter pattern, a lot of bass stayed shallow this year due to the warm winter. The deeper bass are still being caught on jigs, shaky heads and drop-shot rigs. For bass that are shallow, try Rat-L-Traps, shallow-running crankbaits and Alabama Rigs. The spotted bass are biting good in the upper Little River and Chattooga River. A 31-lb. stringer of five bass won the Weiss Lake Anglers tournament two weeks ago.”

Crappie: Very good. Mark reports, “Most fish are suspended in the main Coosa River channel and Little River. The deeper fish in the Coosa channel are being caught spider-rigging minnows 18 to 20 feet deep. Fish are suspended 10 to 14 feet deep in Little River, and they can be caught long-line trolling with 1/24- and 1/16-oz. Jiffy Jigs in colors JJ13, JJ17, JJ20, JJ24, JJ25, Marks blue and Sexy Bug. A Float-n-Fly technique and minnows under a float are also producing well. Look for the crappie to start moving into the spawning coves over the next few weeks.”

Striper: Fair. “The Weiss striped bass are being caught in the main channels of Little River, the Chattooga River and the Coosa River. Try trolling live bait, umbrella rigs and bucktail jigs,” said Mark Collins.