It’s early October and the weather has finally cooled off. Traditionally when water temperatures drop, feeding activity picks up. And that’s exactly what has happen the first few days of October; with reports of very good catches of spotted bass and a dramatic improve in the catch rate of hybrid striped bass. This trend should continue as surface temperatures continue to fall.
Spotted Bass are feeding early morning on shallow river points where they can be taken on topwater plugs, rattle-traps and A-rigs. Mid-day they move to deeper water where they are smashing jigging spoons, drop shot rigs and deep diving crank baits.
Catfish have returned to their traditional shallow water haunts. Cut baits are best, but shad, bream and perch are popular as are chunks of chicken breasts marinated in garlic powder.
White Perch can be found along points and in deep coves. Most are schooling in water twenty to fifty deep. Jigging spoons and Sabiki rigs are preferred, but live crappie minnows will tempt them to. Note: there is no size or creel limit on white perch in Lake Norman.
Hybrid Striped Bass are busting bait on the surface at day light. Some days they disappear by sunrise, while on cloudy days the bite can last an hour or two. The rest of the day the hybrids suspend at depths from twenty to fifty feet where the can be taken on jigging spoons, deep diving cranks and a variety of lures trolled on down riggers. Best bets are Mountain, Stumpy and Hicks Creeks. Note: The creel limit for hybrids is four in aggregate with striped bass, each of which must a minimum of sixteen inches long.
Tips From Capt. Gus:
Before you hit the lake check to see if your fishing license is current. If not you go to: www.NCwildlife.org to renew or purchase for the first time.
See you out there!
Capt. Gus
Capt. Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is an Outdoor Columnist and a full time Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his website at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704-617-6812.
