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Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ September Expectations
August 29, 2010
No one wants to wish away the summer, but this summer has been hot for so long, that many of us will be glad when it’s over. Even the fish will be glad to see it go, since thousands of stripers and catfish died at the south end of Lake Norman in late July and August. The recent kill was caused by a combination of high water temperatures and low levels of dissolved oxygen.
The good news is that fall is just around the corner. Usually the first cool winds begin to blow about mid-September which brings better fishing and a welcomed relief from the heat. As usual, September is a transition month. Fish stay deep until the water surface temperatures drop to the seventies, and then they become hyperactive.
Bass fishermen will be the first to notice the increase in activity, particularly over long points and near underwater humps. Spotted and largemouth bass will begin to chase baitfish schools to the surface. Often, shad will jump completely out of the water to escape the hungry predators.
Anglers fishing for surface breaking fish should arm themselves with tackle capable of casting long distances. A seven-foot spinning outfit with ten pound test line is ideal. Baits of choice are spoons, top water poppers, Rat ‘L' Traps, bucktails and flukes. Popular colors are grey and silver that resemble the markings of shad and herring, the primary feeder fish.
When surface feeding subsides, don't be fooled by thinking the bite is over. A glance at the fish finder might confirm that fish are still feeding below the boat. That’s the time to switch from top water lures to jigging spoons or bucktails. Work them just above the depth that fish are showing on the screen.
Three areas to jump start the fall fishing season are: (1) The river-channel above the Lake Norman State Park, (2) Mountain Creek (north of the Highway 150 Bridge), and (3) Reed/Davidson Creek. All three areas are far enough from the warm waters of the power plants to allow the water to cool quickly.
Catfish and white perch fishing will remain good to very good throughout the month, as both species relish warm water conditions. Crappie and stripers will become more active, but not as active as they will be in late October.
Important change in fishing regulations: Effective August 1, 2010 the minimum size limit for spotted bass on Lake Norman is 14”. This is a change from 12” in 2009. The creel limit of a combination of five largemouth and/or spotted bass remains the same.
Tips from Capt. Gus!
Fresh cut strips of white perch and bream are excellent baits for catfish. Better yet, use the fish heads for bait. Flathead and blue cats can’t resist taking a bite.
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, September 9, 2010, Light House Marine Services is offering an instructional course on “How to Safely Navigate Lake Norman.” Topics to be discussed will include “Understanding Lake Norman’s Marker and Buoy System,” “Identifying and Learning How to avoid Dangerous Shoals” and “How to Use and Interpret Lake Maps.” Registration fee is $25.00 for the two hour course conducted by Capt. Gus. The class begins at 6:30 p.m. at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 Mooresville, NC. To register, or for more information, call Lt. Scott Spivey – 704 587 0325 or visit www.lmservice.org.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Lots of white perch, and schooling spotted bass are being caught on river points and humps. The best time to fish is from sunset until sunrise. Cat fishing remains very good for those drifting or slow trolling in coves and on creek points.
The lake level is about 2.7’ below full pond and the water surface temperature is in the high eighties.
Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is licensed by the US Coast Guard, a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association, and is an outdoor columnist and a full time professional fishing guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, Fishin' With Gus! at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704.617.6812.
For additional information e-mail Gus at Gus@LakeNorman.com
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