New Hogan Lake Fishing Report

Early February conditions at Hogan are very much a grind. Water temps are hovering around 50–52°, and the lake hasn’t shown its usual abundance of bait, especially compared to typical winters here. That missing bait is a big deal… most of the fish being marked are glued to the bottom rather than suspended, moving in small packs instead of setting up on obvious feeding areas.

The few bites that are happening are coming off rocky points in roughly 20–30 feet of water, or near timber in the back of coves. Fish are cruising low and slow, and finesse presentations are doing most of the work. A dropshot with small shad-colored Roboworm has been fairly effective. Jigs, spoons, Neko rigs, and minnow-style baits haven’t produced much, largely because there aren’t suspended fish to target. If you can locate bait, you’ll likely be close to fish, but that search may take some time.

A few folks are still getting a decent catfish bite late in the evening on anchovies and mackerel.

Striper fishing at New Hogan Lake has been hit or miss. Schools are scattered, and once located on sonar, they've been tough to get to bite. Fly anglers are finding some success stripping flys on lead core line between 25 and 40 feet. Bucktail Jigs are also getting some fish. Most stripers are running 16 to 21 inches, with the occasional bigger fish. Water clarity remains good despite recent rains, and a few spotted bass are showing up as well.

The striper bite at New Hogan Lake is solid right now, especially in the afternoon and evening. Most of the action happens between 2 PM and sunset, with fish boiling across the lake. Topwater walking baits are working best, and the most action is being had chasing those boils. Stripers are also being spotted in deeper water around 35 feet.

Bass fishing has been hit or miss, with mostly smaller fish coming out of grassy areas in the backs of coves. Small swimbaits and shad imitation soft plastics are getting bit, but not as often as most anglers would hope.