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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Bridges
November 4, 2007
Sixteen of the best places to fish on Lake Norman are at the bridges that crisscross the old Catawba River channel and its feeder creeks. While cars, trucks and trains speed overhead, some of the lake’s largest fish lurk in the quiet waters below.
A combination of factors draws fish to bridges. The superstructure and its pilings offer shade and shadows. When the water is moving, eddies form on the down current side of the pilings. Eddies offer fish placid ambush points to snare bait or other food. While the algae and plant life attached to bridge supports provides a constant food supply for small feeder fish. Shade, cover, eddies and sources of food make bridges the perfect spot for anglers to cast.
Another factor is the actual placement of the bridge span in relation to the surrounding shoreline. To save on construction and maintenance costs, most bridges are built to span the shortest distance across a channel. The bodies of water on either side are considerably wider. The narrow passage under the bridge acts as a funnel, of sorts, by forcing fish to swim through a restricted area. The channeling effect, as it is called, makes it easy for fishermen to tempt fish into biting as they move from one side to the other.
Bridges hold fish twenty-four seven, not only during day light hours. For this reason, you might notice bright lights shining after dark from boats fishing under certain bridge spans. The lights, usually propane or battery operated, not only make it easier for anglers to see in the dark, but also attract feeder fish, which in turn, attract game fish. Crappie are the preferred pan fish of under-bridge fishermen, but bass, stripers, catfish and perch can all be caught when conditions are right.
The most popular span crossing the old Catawba River channel is the Highway 150 Bridge that connects Iredell and Catawba Counties, midway up the lake from the dam. Other bridges to consider fishing include the one at Slanting Bridge Road and the Railroad Trestle over Mountain Creek. A popular bridge at the lower end of the lake is the one on Williamson Rd.
Although the “residents” (fish) of bridges get accustomed to boat wakes and noise, it is still best to fish when traffic is light and on weekends between midnight and eight in the morning. The most popular method of fishing around bridges is to suspend live baits vertically at various depths in the water column. Cut baits fished on bottom, or slightly above, also work well at times, as do artificial lures when properly presented.
Bridges are prime locations. Regardless of the one you choose, it should be only a matter of time before you get a bite.
Upcoming Events:
A Fall Striper Fishing Seminar will be at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 in Mooresville, NC on Tuesday, November 6, 2007 beginning at 6:30 p.m. This free 90 minute class will be conducted by Captains Craig Price and myself. For additional information, call 704 658 0822.
The Norman Fishery Alliance (NFA) monthly striper tournament begins on Sunday, November 11, 2007. Registration at Midway Marina is at 5:30 a.m. with lines in the water at 6:00 a.m. Entry fee for this big fish (striper) tournament is $100. Weigh-in is before 3:00 p.m. at Queen’s Landing. The event will run thru April, 2008 on the second Sunday of each month. For additional information, call 704 663 9441.
Tips from Gus!
November is the month when seabirds return to Piedmont Lakes to spend the winter. Keep an eye out for diving or circling gulls and terns. They indicate the presence of bait fish being chased to the surface by bass, perch or stripers
Hot Spots of the Week:
According to Jake Bussolini, bass have been plentiful in narrow coves where they are chasing small shad. The evening bite has been best for Jake.
Striper activity is improving as water temperatures continue to drop. Per Capt. Craig Price, stripers are around the islands just north of the State Park.
The lake level is 93.4 or 6.6' below full pond and dropping. Surface water temperatures are in the mid to high seventies.
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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