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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ March Expectations
March 2, 2008
In early March, male stripers, known as bucks, will begin moving into the shallows ahead of the egg-laden females. Their arrival signals the beginning of spring, the occasion some anglers consider the best time of the year to fish for these landlocked fish. It is not true that all stripers in Lake Norman travel upstream to spawn below the tailrace to Lookout Shoals. The majority of all spring stripers are caught in Lake Norman proper.
Since LKN stripers are stocked, they lack the homing instinct required to lead them to the headwaters of the lake. Instead, they settle on shallow clay banks, along gently sloping points, and in the backs of creek runs. The shallow areas are also where forage fish are found in March. Much of the feeding activity occurs during periods of low light and under the cover of darkness in water depths of less than four feet.
The preferred method of fishing for spring stripers is to pull live baits on free lines and behind side planer boards. Shad, herring and shiners are the baits of choice. Anglers who troll artificial lures can expect a mixed bag of stripers and bass. Top water action is also fabulous this time of year. Look for surface activity and cast red fins and flukes to the swirls.
Spring finds hungry fish up and down the lake. Popular haunts are Ramsey Creek in early March, Reeds and Hagers Creek beginning mid-month, and the shallows surrounding the islands north of the State Park when the water warms near the end of the month. Once fish settle into their spring spawning area, they will stay until the annual ritual is completed in April or May.
Upcoming Events:
A seminar on “How to Catch LKN Pan Fish” will be held at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 in Mooresville, NC at 6:30 P.M. on Tuesday March 11, 2008. This two hour free session will focus on the “how to’s” of catching bream, white perch, catfish from boat docks, shore and area ponds. The class, conducted by fishing guide Mac Byrum, Capt. Craig Price and myself, is designed for children and adults.
Mitchell Community College in Mooresville is offering a new course entitled, “Choosing the Right Fishing Boat.” This two hour session will help you decide which type of boat and accessories will best serve your fishing needs. The class will be on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. For more information, call 704 663 1923.
On Thursday, March 20, 2008 Light House Marine Services will offer an instructional boating course entitled, “How to Safely Navigate Lake Norman”. Topics will include Understanding LKN’s Marker and Buoy System, Identifying and Learning to Avoid the Ten Most Dangerous Shoals, and How to Use and Interpret Lake Maps. The registration fee for the three hour class is $25.00. The class begins at 6:00 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.
Tips from Gus:
Warm water and concentrations of bait are winning combinations in the spring. Fish dirty water when you can find it. Muddy or turbid water tends to absorb heat faster and retain warmth longer than clear water. Baitfish also feel safer in cloudy water. Likely places to find stained or dirty water are near the headwaters of most major creeks.
Hot Spots of the week: Stripers are being caught from the bank in the hot water discharge pool at the McGuire Nuclear Station. Live and fresh-cut bream are the baits of choice. Stripers are also active in major creek arms on both sides of the Highway 150 Bridge.
The lake level is 95.5 or 4.5' below full pond. The water surface temperature is in the low to mid 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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