Hey guys! I just moved to the Winston-Salem area and am stumped at how to fish such warm/hot water. I am from Northern Illinois and mostly fished in Northern Wisconsin during the summers where the highest water temps I have seen are around 85*. I have already been out to the Kerr Scott Reservoir, Salem Lake, and Belews Lake. Belews Lake was 96* and the KS Reservoir was 90*!!!!! I am mostly a bank beater and toss towards downed trees and points. I have never really learned how to fish deep and am assuming that is where most of the fish have relocated to in these temps. It has been very tough and not sure as to where to start. Hopefully someone out there can get me in the right direction (depth, colors, etc.).

 

Thanks,

Pete

If you had a boat, offshore structure and a Carolina rig with a big worm would be your best bet in the day. You can fish places that are near deeper water with topwaters very early or very late in the day. Or you can find a smaller body of water where fish can't get away form you. That's usually what I do. Then I'll go for the last two hours of daylight. I use a kayak. Most of my fish lately have come on a topwater frog, Spook, Jr  and T-rigged craw. But very recently, the bite has slowed greatly. The dog days of summer make it tougher around here.

Pete, might I suggest you try some of the smaller city lakes in your area?

Try researching Fishing North Carolina, written by Michael S. Marsh. You wont be disappointed.

I got out on  Salem Lake today. Spent 6 hours and caught 5 fish. 4 under 2lbs and 1 2.5lber. They would only hit a t-rigged green pumpkin senko (had to be a GYBC stick). I through everything at them today with not a whole lot happening. A guy told me to fish the aerators but got zilch with a dropshot and shakey head. I might try Badin Lake next weekend. I was told that Badin Lake was a good bass lake to hit up. Must be the results of summer down here! I am not liking this. As a teacher, the summer is my best time to get out on the lakes but it is so darn hot!

Badin is a very good bass fishery but gets real tough in the summer. Lots of deep, clear water for them to roam. If you're still around next spring, Badin is THE place to be in March and April. Also dont forget about Tillery, a few miles south of Badin. Tillery tends to be a little more stained with some grass and lots of docks. It's somewhat shallower than Badin. Either way, good luck. Badin has some tanks swimming around in there! Be sure to check local lake levels as the ongoing drought is taking it's toll.

I have 3 more good lakes to suggest that should be relatively close to you.

Farmer Lake near Yanceyville

Lake Thom-a-Lex

Randleman Dam near Randleman