Lake Norman Fishing Getting Better

In recent weeks the fishing results on the lake have roller coasted up and down. In the most recent bass tournament, the results were very disappointing with very low weights and low catch numbers being reported. Some anglers including the author were reporting a great deal of unknown material in the water, suspended at all levels. This green scum was possibly due to grass that grew when the lake was held at its low level and then died when the water was suddenly raised to full pond levels.

With all the recent rain, this material is rapidly disappearing and signs are that the bass and shad are moving back into the shallower water of the coves and creeks. Bass are still not schooling and there are some signs that the spring spawn has been widely spread out for some fish.

Water temperatures vary in different areas but are generally around 75 degrees. I am catching nice fish around drop offs and at the edges of deep holes. Fish in the shallower water do not seem to be as active as expected with their feeding or aggressive activities. Fish around docks are nice size fish.

Crappie that were very available during early May seem to have disappeared. The perch are back and I'm starting to see some bigger blue catfish getting more active than previous.