Time to think about autumn fishing

No one wants to wish away the summer, but this summer has been hot for so long that many of us will be glad when it's over.

Even the fish will be glad to see it go. Thousands of stripers and catfish died at the south end of Lake Norman in late July and August. The recent kill was caused by a combination of high water temperatures and low levels of dissolved oxygen.

The good news is that fall is just around the corner.

Usually the first cool winds begin to blow about mid-September, which brings better fishing and a welcome relief from the heat. As usual, September is a transition month. Fish stay deep until the water surface temperatures drop to the 70s; then they become very active.

Bass fishermen will be the first to notice the increase in activity, particularly over long points and near underwater humps. Spotted and largemouth bass will begin to chase baitfish schools to the surface. Often, shad will jump completely out of the water to escape the hungry predators.

Anglers fishing for surface-breaking fish should arm themselves with tackle capable of casting long distances. A 7-foot spinning outfit with 10-pound test line is ideal. Baits of choice are spoons, topwater poppers, Rat 'L' Traps, bucktails and flukes. Popular colors are gray and silver, which resemble the markings of shad and herring, the primary feeder fish.

When surface feeding subsides, don't be fooled by thinking the bite is over. A glance at the fish finder may confirm that fish are still feeding below. That's the time to switch from topwater lures to jigging spoons or bucktails. Work them just above the depth that fish are showing on the screen.

Three areas to jump-start the fall fishing season are the river channel above the Lake Norman State Park, Mountain Creek north of the N.C. 150 bridge, and Reed/Davidson Creek. All three areas are far enough from the warmth of the power plants to allow the water to cool quickly.

Catfish and white perch fishing will be good to very good all month, as both species relish warm water. Crappie and stripers will become more active, but not as active as they will be in late October.

Rule change

Effective Aug. 1, the minimum size limit for spotted bass on Lake Norman is 14 inches. This is a change from 12 inches in 2009. The creel limit stays the same: a combination of five largemouth and/or spotted bass.

Coming events

Light House Marine Services will offer an instructional course, "How to Safely Navigate Lake Norman, " 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at Gander Mountain, I-77 Exit 36, Mooresville. I'll discuss topics including "Understanding Lake Norman's Marker and Buoy System," "Identifying and Learning How to Avoid Dangerous Shoals" and "How to Use and Interpret Lake Maps." Registration is $25. To register or for more information call Lt. Scott Spivey, 704-587-0325, or visit www.Lmservice.org.

Tips

Fresh-cut strips of white perch and bream are excellent baits for catfish. Better yet, use the fish heads for bait. Flathead and blue cats can't resist taking a bite.