Bullards Bar reports have been quiet this summer, with a few trollers reporting fair kokanee action and a consistent bite for smaller spotted bass. The recent cooler weather and dip in water temps have moved the lake quickly into early fall mode.

Spots are becoming much more active, and some higher quality fish are being caught (2-3 lbers). Dropshotting 4-inch worms is always a top pattern at Bullards Bar. Target main-lake points and steep walls in 20–40 feet. Water temps are still in the low-mid 70s, and may hang there for another few weeks, but once they drop into the 60s look for a major uptick in action from those trophy spots the lake is known for.

Kokanee have pushed deep and are hugging the bottom in channels leading to creek inlets... very sluggish. Fish are already changing colors, and the bite is just about done for the season.

With Bullards Bar water temps now hovering around 48 degrees, the kokanee are tightening into winter schools and getting much more aggressive. Trollers are running hoochies tipped with corn 60–80 feet down, staying tight to the schools... as these fish haven't been chasing far. Depth precision is important. Fish are small, but the action is there.

The bass bite has improved over the past couple of weeks. Fish are stacking along steep rock walls and deeper ledges, especially on the main lake. Late mornings have been best as the sun warms the shoreline rock. It’s still is a bit of a slow grind at times, but small jigs and soft plastics are pulling better numbers than earlier in the month.