GENERAL CONDITIONS

The weather this week has been superb with average temperatures in the mid 80s to low 90s with only 2-4MPH winds. The lake surface temperature is sitting at 74 degrees and we've had fairly any wind. The best bet for fishing is going to be either catfish or stripe bass. With the warm water the bait fish are rising, which means the stripes are rising with them. Top water action has started, we've seen many schools of stripers boiling chasing shad on the surface. Most of the boils seen have been early mornings and late evenings but we have seen a few throughout the day.

CATFISH

The catfish bite is picking up with many anglers catching them from 2-8 lbs. As the water warms up they are getting active. The best baits have been nightcrawlers, mackerel and sardines. If you target the catfish, look for areas with cover, downed trees, and grassy areas with some place for them to hide. Most of the catfish that that are being caught have been in shallow water.

TROUT

Trout fishing is slowing down as the water temperature rises. Most anglers are reporting catches near the dam where the water is still fairly cold. They have been fishing in areas with deeper water. The best bait to use has been: Powerbaits with a garlic scent, or night crawlers. Some deep diving lures have also been working.

BASS

Black Bass are still steady with anglers catching them at almost any time of day. Most anglers are getting them on weedless Senkos or roboworms around tule patches, fallen trees and rocky points. You can also catch them on smaller jigs and crank baits.

STRIPED BASS

The hot bite this week is striped bass. Most anglers have been catching them out towards the dam off of points, but also in the lower narrows along the beaches. Best baits to use would be anchovies, chicken liver, or sardines. If you like to throw lures, I would recommend jerk baits (Yo-Zuri, Lucky Craft, Etc.) or jigs (chatterbaits, hair raizers, etc.).

CATCHES REPORTED

“On 7/7/16, we trolled the lake specifically targeting Smallmouth Bass. We caught 6 Smallies ranging from 0.75-1.5 lbs., most of them in Swallow Bay along a shoreline with structure and cover. The fish were caught between 10:15 AM and 2:45 PM. A seventh didn't stay hooked. The fish were caught with Panther Martin spinners trolled 10-15 feet below the surface in a 20-25 foot water column. Scent applied to the lures probably helped the fish to strike. The Smallmouth bite keeps escalating as the summer progresses. They are definitely worth pursuing--a truly great game fish!”

-All the best, Dr. Al Hurwitz, Saratoga