Herrington Lake Fishing Report

As of today, we are expecting 6’ to 10” of historical rainfall so this report may drastically change with conditions. The current lake level is 731.95 and falling. With the 11” + inches forecast just west of Herrington expect rising water possibly in record levels over the next 4 days and even rising further beyond that so keep your head on a swivel. This will bring even more debris into the lake and will affect water clarity and temperature.

Current water temps vary from 54 to 60 degrees and water clarity is still somewhat stained. Good news is the shad spawn is starting and they are moving up out of the channel and into the backs of the creeks and tributaries and the Hybrids, Crappie and Bass are moving up with them. White Bass and Hybrids are starting to run up river from Bryant’s Camp and can be caught on Rooster Tails, Shad Raps or any type of paddle tail or flukes.

The largest Hybrids of the year will start to follow the shad spawn into water inlets and stage for their “Fake Spawn” they are sterile but when the water temps hit 55 to 59 degrees usually April to Mid-June, they can be caught on a multitude of baits but live Threadfin shad is the #1 bait for big Hybrids. This fragile bait must be kept in a quality bait tank to survive. With the large amount of debris usually in the lake during this time trolling becomes almost impossible. Down lining live shad becomes one of the best options usually between 10 and 40 feet deep.

The thermocline sets up as water temps warn and as the season progresses look for fish above 20 foot even in deeper sections of the lake. Crappie are 3 to 15 feet deep and on the lower end of the lake and docks are your best bet this time of year but also don’t overlook any laydowns or trees laying off on drop-offs. The Crappie on the upper end are shallow right now and on the verge of spawning and will come up in cycles into debris and brush along the bank. While minnows are always a good choice don’t overlook small hair jigs and plastics tipped with crappie nibbles or waxworms.

Largemouth are a species I do not fish for but talking with local fellow anglers the Largemouth are moving up and starting to key on bait balls and those lucky enough to be running forward facing sonar are catching some nice larger females using flukes and casting shad Raps that run shallow along the banks.

As water temps warm and this water stabilizes later in the spring look for Hybrids to transition to more of a nighttime pattern and they can be caught around dock lights or anchor and drop your own lights down to draw in forage bait. Always be respectful of dock owners and use your best judgement fishing while people are enjoying their private docks and do not trespass. Bluegill will be ramping up and some large fish are always possible. Using a small split shot and redworms or waxworms and fishing parallel to the steep cliff banks can prove rewarding.

Be safe during the next couple of weeks and call ahead to the local marinas if you plan on coming down and verify it’s safe to launch. Keep in mind 99% of the bank on Lake Herrington is privately owned if you come down to fish you can rent boats at the various marinas. Come on down and schedule a trip with Patriot Guide Service for a worry-free experience and a chance to learn about our beautiful lake. If nothing else come spend a day and enjoy the food and entertainment offered on our beautiful lake at one of our full service marinas. Good luck this spring and tight lines! 

Captain Les Hatton