Water Level: 297.11 | Water Temperature: 51.3˚
Weather: 68˚ | Chance Rain Showers | Winds: 2 to 9 mph
1. Stripers: Trolling with crankbaits and bucktails near the mouths of Bluestone Creek and Clarksville remains productive, with fish actively feeding around 15-25 feet deep. Live shad and Storm swim baits are also effective in these areas. Downlake, some stripers are being taken on live shad and Sassy Shads, especially during overcast conditions.
2. Crappie: Crappie continue to gather around bridge pilings and deep brushpiles, with vertical jigging minnows over these structures producing good catches. Focus on depths of 10-15 feet where the water temperature remains around 51˚.
3. Largemouth Bass: Although less active this time of year, some bass are still hitting on Speed Shads and Poe’s RC3 crankbaits in 3-4 feet of water. A stop-and-go retrieve tends to work best on cloudy days.
4. White Bass/Hybrid Stripes: Occasionally, schools of white bass or hybrid striped bass are seen near the surface or mid-depths, especially during overcast periods. Trolling small spoons or casting jigs can tempt these finicky fish.
With the weather remaining mild and chances of rain showers, expect fish to be somewhat scattered but still active around structures and drop-offs. Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best bite windows. Keep an eye on the water temperature and structural cover, and adapt your approach accordingly. Stay safe, and enjoy the winter fishing at Kerr Lake!