During July, bass fishing can be erratic, but some days at High Rock Lake, a Yadkin River impoundment, largemouths can be active, especially early in the day.
“We had a slow fishing day our last trip with only two bass,” veteran guide Maynard Edwards said recently. “But a couple days before that, we went out and caught 10 in the morning that included a couple of 4-pounders, which are good fish for High Rock this time of year.”
A week earlier, Edwards (Yadkin Lakes Guide Service, 336-249-6782, 336-247-1287, www.extremefishingconcepts.com) said he took two anglers who caught 12 decent-size High Rock lunkers during a half-day’s trip.
“The key is to get out on the lake early before it gets too hot, and you can hook up with the topwater bite,” Edwards said.
Anglers have been catching early bass at The Rock by casting buzzbaits at shallow cover (blowdowns, docks, piers) with close access to deep water.
“Later in the day when it gets warm, we’ll change to the standard summer pattern, throwing Carolina rigs or (deep-diving) crankbaits,” Edwards said.
He fishes river channels and humps for bass. Edwards said his clients may snag a striped bass or two with crankbaits fished at deep humps. Drifted live baits and chunk baits at the same places often will attract hits from hefty channel cats and large blue cats as well.
One condition that helps the High Rock bite is moving water, but that’s not always so easy to determine.
“If the water’s moving, it seems to stir up the baitfish and the bass,” Edwards said. “But you never know when (Alcoa, which controls the lower Yadkin dams) will decide to pull water.”
Edwards said he wishes Alcoa would be more forthcoming with information about its water-release schedule, but the company is tight-lipped, giving out that knowledge only on a “need-to-know” basis.
“And they don’t think fishermen need to know much,” Edwards said. “If you go out on a calm, slick day without any current, you might as well pack up your stuff and go back home this time of year.”
He suggested anglers call one of the lake marinas or tackle shops for water-flow and fishing information before trailering a boat to High Rock.
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