LAKE CHATUGE

Eric Welch Welch’s Guide Service www.welchguideservice.com 706-455-2323

walls, rocks, etc. No worries, you will know when you see the shad-spawn; it will look like a frenzy of shad rolling up the bank. For me, a weightless fluke, small topwater bait, and bladed bait will be my bait of choice to load the boat.

Shake the Bushes In May: When mayflies hatch, they hang in the overhanging bushes or trees near the water. When this happens, the brim are nearby, waiting for mayflies to fall Into the water. The bass will move in for the bream to get a bigger meal. The food chain of mother nature works this way each season, and its keys can make you successful on the water. I always try to shake the overhanging bushes to cause the mayflies to fall in the water, and then I fire a spinner bait right at the bank and have a good chance at loading the boat. I invite you to try it; you might catch a fish of a lifetime.

Let me say that taking the time to understand the seasons and how Mother Nature works will make you a better angler. During May, the spawn, shad, and mayflies automatically play a role in your fishing; why not use it to your advantage? I want to take the time to thank you all for following me on Instagram and Facebook under Jay Strker.52 and at jaystriker.com. I’ll see you on the water.

Bass: Guide Eric Welch reports: “Fishing has been good, There is still some fish trying to spawn around pebble rocky banks, points, and also in the back of pockets. Don’t be afraid to fish a little deeper in these areas, just in case there is still some fish waiting to move in. Try throwing a 3.75” Strike King rage swimmer, Ned rig, shaky head, and a 3.5” tube bait. Most fish have spawned and are guarding fry around brush and docks. Try throwing a Zoom trick worm or a fluke around these areas. If you never throw a glide bait, now is the time. Normally in May, there are a couple of weeks when fishing can be tough. It doesn’t matter what kind of electronics you have on your boat; the fish just won’t eat. But, once they start, they’re going to be chasing bait and start moving to the areas they will spend the summer around.

Good Luck!

Lake Chatuge: Level: 4’ Below Full pool. Temp: 60-62 degrees. Clarity: Clear