September is a magical month here at Lake Martin. I love it. The water is still pretty warm, but the nights are cool. Not even the oldest of codgers complain about boat traffic, because there is none. One other factor gets me really fired up about Lake Martin life in the fall: striped bass fishing!

I’m on a continuing quest to figure out how to reliably catch striped bass on my fly rod here at Lake Martin. I have learned a lot over the past few years, mostly by error. One huge thing I have learned is that step one is to find the fish. That may sound pretty simple, but to me it is the biggest element of the game.

That’s why I always pay attention to David Hare’s striped bass reports. David is the owner and head guide at Alex City Guide Service. Although he is primarily a bait fisherman, no one on the Lake knows the striped bass patterns better than he does.

Please see his report for October below.

I also pay close attention to David’s Facebook page.

If any reader out there has some good tips for me to catch them on my fly rod, please let me know!!

9/12/16
Water Level 487.8 ( full pool 491.00)
Surface Temp / 84º–89º
Clarity / Very Clear

As predicted September on Lake Martin was awesome. Both day and night trips were producing numbers of stripers. Of course your better quality stripers were and will always continue to be caught on live bait. We still occasionally do get a trophy on artificial baits trolling. At press time we (Alex City Guide Service) have boated numerous trophy stripers this month including several in the 30 + lb. range.  With the Lake record being 52 lbs. (which was caught by Alex City Guide Service) and this year’s Lake record so far being 45 lbs. (which I am proud to say also was caught by us) – all were caught on live bait in which we specialize in and it continues to keep us on the map for one of the best trophy striper lakes in the country.
October will be (if the past holds true) another awesome numbers game. There will be lots of stripers and bass caught this month with the water temps cooling down. Not only will you be able to catch these fish trolling  and live baiting, you will also be able to catch some on top schooling.
Remember October is a transition time and you’re most likely to find fish most anywhere on the Lake.
No matter what species you enjoy targeting you can normally have a good time in October.
If you don’t know Lake Martin or you just had rather hire a guide to increase your chances of a fun day on the water then give us a call at 256-401-3089 and we will take care of the rest.

Until next tight lines !
Capt David Hare