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The Bassmaster Elite heads to Lake Murray this week. Post-spawn bass are setting up on ledges and docks across the Southeast. Matt Arey steps away from the Elite Series to battle lymphoma. Plus: the ASA launches the Million Pound Challenge to clean up our waterways.
What's Happening This Week
Oregon Coast Trout Trick: Floating Power Eggs That Just Work
A friend's wife on the Oregon coast has been putting trout on the bank like it's her day job — and her secret is a dead-simple floating Power Egg rig. Here's the exact setup, step by step, plus why it works so well when the bottom is grassy.
Bassmaster Elite Heads to Lake Murray This Week — Here's What to Watch
ASA Launches the Million Pound Challenge — Here's How Anglers Can Help
Cole Huskins Wins Bassmaster Open at Lake Norman by Just 2 Ounces
Matt Arey Steps Away from Elite Series to Battle Lymphoma
Love Our Lakes Day: Tuscaloosa Rallies to Clean Up Lake Tuscaloosa
Southeast Report — Week of May 4, 2026
Post-spawn transition is the name of the game. Bass are moving to ledges and docks, crappie are pulling deeper, and the catfish bite is heating up. Updated weekly.
Lake Murray, SC
Largemouth Bass
72°F
🔥 Hot
The Bassmaster Elite rolls into Lake Murray this week and the fishing should be outstanding. Post-spawn bass are transitioning to summer patterns — look for them on main-lake docks, ledges, and points in 8-15ft. Swimbaits, Neko rigs, and jigging spoons are the presentations to watch. The herring spawn is a major factor — if you can find baitfish activity on your electronics, the bass won't be far behind.
Lake Norman, NC
Largemouth Bass
70°F
🔥 Hot
Fresh off the Bassmaster Open, Lake Norman is fishing well despite being about 3 feet low. Post-spawn bass are setting up on main-lake dock piers near deep water. Neko rigs, swimbaits, and jigging spoons are the top producers. The winning pattern at the Open was targeting deep ends of docks near the Hwy 150 Bridge. On sunny days, big fish cruise ultra-shallow between structures — sight-fish them with soft swimbaits if you can spot them.
Lake Guntersville, AL
Largemouth Bass
72°F
🟢 Good
Post-spawn transition is in full swing. Bass have moved off beds and are staging on the first points and ledges out of spawning pockets. Swim jigs and vibrating jigs along grass edges in 4-8ft are producing quality fish. The topwater bite is starting to turn on in the mornings — buzzbaits and walking baits over grass are getting explosive strikes. Ledge fishing should only get better through May.
Black Warrior River — Martin Slough, AL
Crappie
68°F
🟢 Good
The spawn is wrapping up and crappie are starting to pull back to deeper brush piles and channel edges in 8-12ft. Jigs tipped with minnows on a slow vertical presentation are the most consistent producers. The bite has shifted from the ultra-shallow stake beds to the first break lines. Afternoon remains the best window as water temps peak.
Grenada Lake, MS
Crappie
67°F
🟢 Good
Post-spawn crappie are transitioning to summer haunts. Fish are moving from shallow brush to channel swings and deeper structure in 10-15ft. Double-jig rigs and minnows on slip floats set deeper than a few weeks ago are the play. Focus on the upper end of the lake where baitfish are congregating. The big slabs are still there — you just need to go a little deeper to find them.
Weiss Lake, AL
Crappie
69°F
🟢 Good
The 'Crappie Capital' is transitioning from the shallow spawn to post-spawn patterns. Fish are pulling off stake beds and moving to deeper brush and bridge pilings. Spider rigging with jigs in 8-14ft is the go-to approach. Bobby Garland Baby Shads in monkey milk and electric chicken are still the hot colors. Don't sleep on the river channel ledges for bigger fish.
Lake Chickamauga, TN
Largemouth Bass
71°F
🔥 Hot
Chickamauga continues to fish like a giant. Post-spawn bass are funneling out of creek arms and setting up on secondary points and ledges. Topwater is starting to be a real player — walking baits and poppers early and late are producing quality fish. During the day, switch to a Texas rig or shaky head on deeper structure. 20-lb bags are still very possible for anglers who can find the right stretch.
Wheeler Tailrace, AL
Catfish
66°F
🔥 Hot
The catfish bite is heating up fast as water temps climb into the mid-to-upper 60s. Blue cats are stacking up on outside seams and eddies below the dam. Cut skipjack on a Carolina rig is still the go-to. Flatheads are becoming more active — live bluegill fished on bottom near structure is producing the first quality flathead bites of the season. Time your trips around generation schedules. Wear your PFD.
Pickwick Lake, AL/TN
Smallmouth Bass
67°F
🟢 Good
Smallmouth are in post-spawn mode and feeding aggressively on main-lake rock and gravel. Ned rigs and drop shots on 15-25ft ledges remain the consistent producers. The topwater bite is starting to emerge — small walking baits over rocky points at dawn are getting attention. When generation current picks up, switch to a football jig dragged across the bottom.
Lake Eufaula, AL/GA
Largemouth Bass
74°F
🟢 Good
Post-spawn bass are setting up on docks and points in the creek arms. The topwater bite is turning on — buzzbaits and frogs over grass in the early morning are producing solid fish. During the day, a Texas-rigged creature bait around docks and laydowns is the play. Crappie have pulled deeper on the Georgia side and are holding on standing timber in 12-18ft.
Crappie Corner
Weekly crappie reports, tips, and the gear that puts slabs in the boat.
Post-Spawn Crappie Are Pulling Deeper — Time to Adjust Your Game Plan
The shallow spawn is winding down across the Southeast and crappie are making their move to summer structure. Fish that were stacked in 2-5ft on stake beds and stumps two weeks ago are now transitioning to deeper brush piles, channel swings, and bridge pilings in 8-15ft. This is actually great news for anglers who know how to vertical jig — the fish are concentrated and feeding. Martin Slough on the Black Warrior is still producing, but you need to go deeper. Grenada Lake fish have moved to channel swings in 10-15ft. Weiss Lake crappie are setting up on bridge pilings and deeper brush. The key right now: slow down, go deeper, and focus on the first break lines off the spawning flats. Jigs tipped with minnows on a slow vertical presentation are the most consistent producers. Bobby Garland Baby Shads in monkey milk and electric chicken remain the hot colors.
This Week's Tips
- •Crappie have moved from shallow spawn to post-spawn staging areas in 8-15ft
- •Target brush piles, channel swings, and bridge pilings — not stake beds
- •Vertical jigging with jigs tipped with minnows is the most consistent approach
- •Bobby Garland Baby Shads in monkey milk and electric chicken still producing
- •Spider rigging in deeper water (10-14ft) is the go-to at Weiss Lake
- •Afternoon bite remains strongest as water temps peak for the day
- •Light line (4-6lb test) is still critical — post-spawn fish can be finicky
- •Look for baitfish on your electronics — crappie are following the shad
🐟 Top Crappie Lakes This Week
Black Warrior River — Martin Slough
AL
Grenada Lake
MS
Weiss Lake
AL
Kentucky Lake
KY/TN
Lake Eufaula
AL/GA
Bass Central
Tournament news, post-spawn patterns, and the baits that are getting bit across the Southeast this week.
Bassmaster Elite Heads to Lake Murray — Post-Spawn Herring Bite Could Produce Giants
The Tedy's Team Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray kicks off this week in South Carolina. Lake Murray is a clear herring fishery known for producing big bass — but they can be notoriously tough to catch, especially with forward-facing sonar adding a new dimension. Expect deep docks, ledges, and swimbaits to dominate. This is the kind of fishery where one big bite can change everything.
Read More →Cole Huskins Edges Fujita by 2 Ounces to Win Bassmaster Open at Lake Norman
North Carolina's Cole Huskins pulled off a clutch win at the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Lake Norman, edging Elite Series star Kyoya Fujita by just 2 ounces. A late-day switch to a Neko rig produced a 4½-pounder that sealed the deal. His winning total: 47 lbs, 14 oz over three days. The key? Targeting deep ends of main-lake dock piers near the Hwy 150 Bridge while most of the field fished the backs of pockets.
Read More →Post-Spawn Bass Are Setting Up on Ledges — Here's How to Find Them
The spawn is wrapping up across the Southeast and bass are making their move to summer structure. Secondary points, creek channel ledges, and deep docks are the places to be right now. Topwater is starting to turn on in the mornings — buzzbaits and walking baits over grass are producing explosive strikes. During the day, switch to a Texas rig, shaky head, or jigging spoon on deeper structure. The transition window between spawn and summer is one of the best times to catch quality fish.
Read More →🎯 Hot Baits This Week
- →Neko-rigged worms — the winning bait at Lake Norman (deep dock piers)
- →Swimbaits for post-spawn bass cruising near deep structure
- →Buzzbaits and walking baits — topwater bite is turning on at dawn
- →Texas-rigged creature baits for post-spawn fish on points and ledges
- →Jigging spoons on main-lake ledges (Chickamauga, Guntersville)
- →Vibrating jigs along grass edges in 4-8ft
- →Ned rigs on main-lake rock (Pickwick smallmouth)
- →Shaky heads for finesse presentations around deep docks
🏆 Top Bass Lakes This Week
Lake Murray
SC · Largemouth
Lake Norman
NC · Largemouth
Lake Chickamauga
TN · Largemouth
Lake Guntersville
AL · Largemouth
Pickwick Lake
AL/TN · Smallmouth
Lake Eufaula
AL/GA · Largemouth
Catfish Corner
The bite is getting better every week. Blue cats are stacking up in tailraces, flatheads are waking up, and channel cats are a slam dunk for families.
May Catfish Bite Is On: Tailraces Heating Up, Flatheads Getting Active, and Channel Cats Are Easy Pickings
Water temps are climbing into the upper 60s and low 70s across Alabama and Tennessee — and the catfish are responding. Blue cats are stacking up below Wheeler and Wilson dams on outside seams and eddies, with cut skipjack and shad on Carolina rigs producing consistent action. The big news this month: flatheads are fully active now. Live bluegill fished on bottom near structure in deeper holes and outside bends is producing quality fish — some anglers are reporting their best flathead bites of the year. Channel cats remain the easiest target for families and beginners — stink bait and chicken liver on a Carolina rig in slower backwater areas is a guaranteed good time. As water temps continue to climb through May, expect the bite to only get better.
Safety note: Tailraces can be dangerous. Watch generation schedules, wear a PFD, and don't fish too close to restricted areas. Water levels can rise quickly without warning.
Where to set up
- →Tailraces below Wheeler and Wilson dams (AL)
- →Tennessee River bends and outside seams
- →Deeper holes near structure for flatheads
- →Slower backwater areas for channel cats
Baits that work
- →Cut skipjack / shad for blue cats (tailraces)
- →Live bluegill for flathead bites — they're fully active now
- →Chicken liver for quick channel cat action
- →Stink bait in slower water — still the family favorite
Simple rig
- →Carolina rig with a circle hook (blues & channels)
- →Enough weight to hold bottom in current
- →Slip float rig for flatheads near structure
- →Keep it tight — let the rod load up before setting
Gear We're Loving Right Now
Honest picks from our team. No fluff, no pay-to-play — just gear that earns its spot in the boat.
Lew's Crappie Thunder Spinning Combo
Smooth reel, sensitive graphite rod, and ready to fish out of the box. We ran this on a recent trip and it impressed.
St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass Rod
The go-to stick for competitive anglers who demand sensitivity and backbone.
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv
Crystal-clear imaging and built-in mapping at a price point that won't sink your budget.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad
The crappie jig that's been filling livewells for decades. If you don't have these, you're missing fish.
Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5
The crankbait that's caught more tournament bass than any lure in history. Period.
Simms SolarFlex Hoody
UPF 50+ sun protection that breathes on the hottest summer days. Your skin will thank you.
Find the Right Gear — Fast
In-depth comparisons, honest rankings, and real-world testing. Every guide includes product comparison tables and affiliate links to the best deals.
Best Crappie Rods for 2026
From ultralight spinning rods to jigging poles — we tested 15 crappie rods to find the best at every price point. Includes comparison table with action, length, price, and our verdict.
Best Crappie Jigs & Lures
The jigs, tubes, and soft plastics that consistently put slabs in the livewell. Tested across 6 states with comparison charts for color, weight, and hook size.
Best Bass Rods Under $200
You don't need to spend $400 to get a tournament-quality bass rod. These 10 sticks prove it. Full comparison table with power, action, material, and warranty info.
Best Fish Finders for 2026
Side imaging, down imaging, forward-facing sonar — we break down the best units from Garmin, Lowrance, and Humminbird. Comparison table with screen size, sonar type, and price.
Best Fishing Kayaks for 2026
Pedal-drive, paddle, and motorized — the top fishing kayaks for every budget and water type. Includes weight capacity, stability rating, and storage comparison.
🏆 Best Crappie Rods — Quick Comparison
Here's a snapshot from our full guide. Every guide includes detailed comparison tables like this one.
St. Croix Panfish Series
6'6"
Light
$130
Best Overall
Lew's Wally Marshall Pro
7'0"
Ultra-Light
$50
Best Budget
B'n'M Buck's Graphite
10'0"
Light
$45
Best Jig Pole
Shimano Convergence
6'6"
Light
$70
Best Value
G. Loomis E6X
6'9"
Med-Light
$230
Premium Pick
On the Water Tech
Boat reviews, electronics comparisons, and the tech that puts you on fish.
2026 Ranger Z521L Review: Is This the Best Tournament Rig Under $80K?
We spent three days running the new Z521L on choppy water, shallow flats, and everything in between. Ranger's flagship bass boat gets a refined hull design, updated electronics console, and the smoothest ride in its class.
Read More →Garmin LiveScope Plus vs. Lowrance ActiveTarget 2: The 2026 Showdown
Forward-facing sonar changed fishing forever. But which system gives you the edge? We compare side by side on the water — resolution, range, ease of use, and real-world fish-catching ability.
Read More →📡 Electronics Quick Picks
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv
$1,499
Lowrance HDS PRO 12
$2,999
Minn Kota Terrova 112
$3,499
Power-Pole Micro Anchor
$1,299
Humminbird APEX 19
$4,999
Protecting Our Waters
Regulations, cleanup efforts, and conservation news that keep fishing great for the next generation.
ASA Launches the Million Pound Challenge — A National Call to Clean Our Waterways
The American Sportfishing Association just launched the Million Pound Challenge, a member-led initiative to remove 1,000,000 pounds of trash from our nation's waterways. Timed around National Fishing & Boating Week and running throughout the summer, it's built to unite the entire fishing industry behind a simple message: we protect what we love. Companies and anglers can commit to hosting cleanups, logging trash removed, and being part of a national story that reflects the best of our community.
Read More →
Love Our Lakes Day: Tuscaloosa Volunteers Hit Lake Tuscaloosa
The City of Tuscaloosa hosts its annual Love Our Lakes Day at Rock Quarry Boat Landing. Volunteers can help clean up the shoreline and waterways — bring your own boat or ride with City crews. Partners include Capstone Marine Builders, Rambo Marine, Pier 43, and more. This is the kind of community effort that keeps our lakes fishable for generations.
Read More →Alabama Introduces New Slot Limits on Smith Lake Spotted Bass
The ADCNR announced protective slot limits aimed at growing trophy-class spotted bass on Smith Lake. The new 12-15 inch protected slot means anglers must release fish in that range — a move designed to let more fish reach trophy size. Here's what it means for your next trip.
Read More →🌿 Fish Responsibly. Fish Forever.
We believe the best fishing happens when we take care of our waters. Stay informed on regulations, practice catch and release when appropriate, and leave every spot better than you found it.