West Point Lake Fishing Report – July 2018

West Point: Level: 0.4 feet above full pool. Temp: Mid 80s. Clarity: Moderate stain.

Bass: Fair. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “With the lake still at full pool so far this summer, topwater baits such as Spro Frogs, Chug Bugs, Whopper Ploppers, Senkos and buzzbaits can still be effective for shallow and aggressive postspawn fish, especially around bream beds or shallow cover in the mornings. Some largemouth are still being weighed-in by guys who fish shallow, targeting bass that are around these beds feeding on the bream. Some of the grassbeds above the Hwy 219 bridge in the Chattahoochee River are also holding fish. Pitching jigs into mid-depth blowdowns and wood cover also is a great pattern for transitional fish this time of year. Later in the month, some fish should stack up on deeper brushpiles and roadbeds as the water warms and lake level drops a little. Try deep-running crankbaits like the Fat Free Shad, or try a Texas-rigged Ol Monster worm. Some spotted bass are still being caught by casting topwaters early around shoal markers. Later in the day try Buckeye Spot Remover heads loaded with Zoom Shakey Tail worms, or try just dragging a Carolina-rigged Zoom Finesse worm or Mini Lizard around sloping gravel banks.”

Linesides: Fair. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Spawned out hybrids and stripes, and white bass, are back down the lake in pretty good numbers. Expect the downline bite on live bait to stay fair throughout July. Also, expect improved surface schooling on the main lake. Linesides can be caught casting crankbaits, topwaters, popping-cork rigs and Storm Swim Shad lures. Best time for this schooling activity is early or late or on overcast days. Trolling for stripers will also improve in July as the water warms and the fish scatter a bit, and trolling keeps you more comfortable on the hot days, as well, as the boat is moving and giving you a bit of a breeze.”

Crappie: Good. Guide Keith Hudson reports, “Most summer crappie will move out and hold on deeper brush and structure or under docks. Try drop-shotting minnows or shooting docks with jigs for the best results. If you are good at casting to or shooting docks, you can still do well. Night fishing is usually good in July, and you can beat the heat by fishing for crappie at night. Using fishing lights under the bridges is always a consistent nighttime producer.”