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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Rising Water Levels
February 10, 2008
According to the news, a groundhog in Pennsylvania came out of his burrow on February 2, 2008 and didn’t see his shadow. Legend has it that in years past when Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, he became frightened, scurried back into his burrow, and there would be six more weeks of winter. If it was cloudy and he didn’t see his shadow, he stayed outside and a new spring season was just around the corner. So, what does a groundhog’s shadow have to do with fishing on Lake Norman? Not much!
Lake levels, not a groundhog’s shadow, will be the determining factor as to how good fishing will be and where anglers will look for them on Lake Norman this spring. If the water continues to rise, as it has in recent weeks, there is a good possibility that lake levels will be back to normal by spawning season. That would be great news for those who like to fish the shallows and cast to the shoreline. Rising water might also allow the boat ramps at Blythe Landing and Ramsey Creek to reopen, making the lower lake more accessible to Mecklenburg County resident fishermen.
Assuming that the worst of the drought is over and rain runoff continues to fill the lake, expect fish to move toward the bank when water temperatures rise above fifty-five degrees. Spring is the time when the old adage, “when in doubt, fish deeper,” does not apply. In fact, the reverse is true. Both predator fish and anglers will find forage fish, insects, birds, and small animals in the shallow waters of creek banks and back coves.
Approach the shallows slowly with “quiet caution” and no boat wake. Even the slightest disturbance can spook baitfish and predators. Long casts with shallow running baits are recommended.
For a stealth-like movement, an electric trolling motor is the most important piece of equipment to have when fishing shallow water. Regardless of whether you fish a point jutting into the lake, or a back creek flat, begin by fishing the deeper outer edges first and work your way shallow.
Fish that cruise the banks are extremely wary. They generally venture into the shallows for short periods under the cover of darkness and leave quickly for the closest drop-off as daylight approaches. Don’t miss the first inning by being late. Lines should be in the water at the crack of dawn.
Tips from Capt Gus:
Lake levels are still low enough to show structure that will be covered by rising water when the rains eventually come. Mark any newly found fishing holes now on your GPS and lake map.
Upcoming Events:
Mitchell Community College in Mooresville has scheduled a new boating course – “Navigating Lake Norman.” This two-hour session will discuss specifics about navigating Lake Norman in low water during the day and at night, using lake maps, GPS and common sense. The class will be Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. For more information, call 704 663 1923.
A “How to Catch Trophy Catfish” seminar will be held at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 in Mooresville, NC at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. This two-hour session will be conducted by fishing guide Mac Byrum and myself.
Light House Marine Services is conducting an instructional course about “How to Use Sonar, GPS and Radar to Better Navigate Lake Norman and Other Bodies of Water.” The registration fee is $20.00 for this two-hour class beginning at 6:30 P.M. on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 Mooresville, NC. For more information and registration, call Lt. Scott Spivey – 704 587 0325 or visit www.lmservice.org.
The Hot Spot of the week: Fishing for stripers and bass continues to be good-to-very-good in the warmer waters of Lake Norman’s power plants. Stripers and perch are also being caught along the channel edges of Davidson, Reed and Mountain Creeks where anglers are drifting live baits and bouncing jigs and bucktails off the bottom.
The lake level is 94.7 or 5.3 ' below full pond and rising quickly. Water surface temperature is in the upper forties and low fifties.
Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. 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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