Carters Lake Fishing Report – May 2025 Brought to you by Cap’n Hoek Fishing Adventures May has delivered a fair amount of rainfall to the Carters Lake region, leading to fluctuating water levels and some stained conditions. Despite these challenges, the fishing remains productive for those targeting striped bass, spotted bass, and walleye. Water temperatures have been averaging around 78°F, keeping fish active and on the move. Striped Bass: Stripers have been feeding well around creek mouths and shallow-water markers on the main lake. Live bait fished on slip floats and freelined rigs in 10 to 20 feet of water has been the go-to approach. Early mornings and overcast conditions have been especially productive. Walleye: Walleye are holding deeper, with the most consistent action coming from 20 to 25 feet of water. We’ve been catching them using downlined live bait along rocky points and deeper ledges. Stay mobile and cover ground until you mark fish. Spotted Bass: Spotted bass are biting well in the 5 to 10-foot range, particularly near the mouths of creeks. Target shallow cover and transition areas with soft plastics or live bait presentations. The bite has been steady throughout the day, with peak activity during early morning hours. The post-rain conditions may require a bit more effort, but the fish are still hungry and willing to bite. Stay flexible, fish smart, and you’ll find success out on the water. Tight lines from Cap’n Hoek Fishing Adventures!

STRIPER BITE The Spring time shallow bite is in full swing This is the time we wait for all year ! Catching fish on any and every secondary clay points going into major creeks. Pulling big live baits on planer boards and free lines. Cover as much water as possible and you will absolutely catch some great fish! Spotted bass bite Bass have been biting great, we are catching multiple 4+ pound fish a day. The usual pre spawn areas are producing clay point, blow downs, and brush piles near spawning grounds. Spinner baits, scroungers, shakey heads, and Ned rigs will get you the bites!! Book a trip today and lets go catch them!

Walleye bite is very sporadic for me at the moment. I have caught them 2 feet off the bank with artificial lures and then catch another in 70ft of water on a herring down line. We are continuing to stay decently consistent catching the walleye while striper fishing which is helping break up the day and provides some good fillets to send you home with SPOTTED BASS Spots have been eating everything you throw at them. Typical secondary points in creeks and drainages are producing great. Focus fishing 5-20ft of water throwing fast moving lures or pulling free lined live baits over them.