HOW THEY’RE BITIN’: Southwest Georgia fishing report — April 7, 2018 weekend

THE FISHING LINE: ( * ) poor; ( * * ) fair; ( * * * ) good; ( * * * * ) excellent.

LAKE SEMINOLE ( *** ) — Bass fishing is excellent, and fish are presently holding on shallow structure. Crankbaits and jerkbaits will work in grassy locations. Crankbaits are doing well on points and up the rivers. Spinnerbaits and worms are producing a lot of small fish. For topwater action and bigger fish, buzzbaits worked over shallow structure are recommended. Bream fishing is good. Bluegills and shellcrackers are hitting crickets, worms and even artificials. Crappies are biting with consistency, as well. Both jigs and minnows are paying off.

LAKE WALTER F. GEORGE ( ** ) — Bass fishing is good, and the fish are shallow. Buzzbaits and other topwater lures are taking fish in flooded vegetation and over hydrilla patches. As the sun brightens, slower techniques are best, such as Texas-rigged lizards fished in grassy areas. Ledge fishing is still a good option. On the ledges, use crankbaits and Carolina-rigs. Crappie fishing has picked up. Occasional good catches are coming from hard-structure areas, most notably bridge structure. Bream are showing marked improvement, and catfish are fair on live shiners and cut bait.

FLINT RIVER ( ** ) — The flathead catfish are said to be very active in the tailwaters of the power dam. Live and cut bait are producing well. Crappies have been fair to good, but fluctuating water might have an effect on them. Hybrids and stripers have been active in the tailwaters. Bream and bass have been fair, but there are few current reports. There is relatively little fishing pressure on the Flint at present.

LAKE BLACKSHEAR ( ** ) — According to many, bass fishing is on the upswing on the lake right now. Stripers have been doing well lately near the Blackshear Dam, and some white bass are also showing up in that vicinity. Night fishing for crappies has been good recently around docks. Best times are from the wee hours of the morning until daylight. Bream and catfish are producing few reports at present.