Lake Martin has developed into one of the southeast’s best lakes to fish for freshwater striped bass. Year after year, anglers continue to consistently catch schoolies and also snag some monsters. Another trend that I have noticed is that local experts like David Hare are constantly “dialing in” the striped bass fishery.

For instance, if you fish at all here in The South, you know that the summertime hot weather usually drives the striped bass deeper and deeper in the water column. That means as the water heats up, you have to fish at night to find them. However, David notes that he has seen more and more quality bass caught during the day this year. You will have to ask him how and why!

Here’s his report that predicts upcoming conditions for October:

Here it is Sept 11th and it’s once again time to give you an update and then an October fishing prediction for the awesome waters of Lake Martin here in Alexander City, Al. 

I am very proud and beside myself to be able to say August and so far September has been one of the best years for striper fishing in many many years. The bite has been on fire and to top it off the catch and release has been (for us here at Alex City Guide Service) basically 100% successful. I’ve never seen the stripers in August and September as healthy as they are this year, in fact this entire year one of our most popular conversations back at the dock is how strong the stripers are fighting and unbelievable healthy they are. If you enjoy fighting strong sport fish then you need to be on Lake Martin fishing for stripers (we’d love to carry you out on one of our charters.)

Last year (2017) October was by far the best October striper fishing on record for us after we had several weeks of almost a non existent bite. With this year being such a good catching year already we are on pins and needles with excitement for October fishing. October for Lake Martin stripers in previous years normally was considered (by us guides) a transitional month but I’ve been seeing signs of transitioning for several days (remember it’s 9/10 as I am writing this) so my prediction is that you’ll find the stripers from middle of the lake and north instead of middle to south end. Of course don’t overlook any of your favorite places to fish for the beast because they do have a mind of their own and fool me on a regular basis.

We will be trolling and live baiting this month and definitely be ready for the occasional top water explosion. From the middle of October until the end I think will just get better and better because the fall bite for sure will be on. 

Fall colors and fall weather (if you have never experienced it) is something you definitely will be pleasantly surprised of, so get out this month and take advantage of what all our beautiful lake has to offer.

FYI if you’re in the area on October 20th with kids or grandkids and want to impress them after you get off the water take them to Wind Creek State Park for the famous Fall Festival and Largest Trick or Treating in this part of the state. My grandkids (and me) look forward to this event every year. 

Until next time tight lines !

Capt David B Hare
Alex City Guide Service
256-401-3089