Bank fishing at Lake Purdy offers an excellent opportunity for anglers to catch bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill without needing a boat. With the right techniques and lure selection, you can effectively target fish in shallow water without worrying about hang-ups. Below, we cover some of the best bank fishing methods and prime locations to increase your chances of landing quality fish.
Best Bank Fishing Techniques
1. Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are perfect for covering water quickly and targeting active fish. They work well around submerged rocks, brush, and creek channels. Retrieve them at a steady pace, adjusting speed to find what the fish prefer. On windy days, spinnerbaits excel at drawing reaction strikes, as the blades create flash and vibration that mimic baitfish.
2. Chatter-baits
Chatter-baits offer vibration and flash, making them a great option in murky water or low-light conditions. Work them slowly along the edges of brush piles and rocky banks to trigger reaction strikes. Vary your retrieve speed and try a stop-and-go motion to entice hesitant fish into striking.
3. Jigs & Swim Jigs
Jigs are excellent for fishing near structure without getting snagged. Football jigs work well on rocky bottoms, while swim jigs are great for a steady retrieve through grass and shallow cover. Try using a trailer like a craw or swimbait to add extra movement and increase your chances of getting a bite.
4. Texas Rigs
A Texas-rigged soft plastic is ideal for fishing around heavy cover without getting hung up. Worms, creature baits, or crawfish imitations can be pitched near brush piles and rocks to entice big bass. Use a slower presentation, dragging the bait along the bottom with occasional pauses to mimic a natural movement.
5. Topwater Lures (Poppers & Frogs)
In the warmer months, topwater lures like poppers and frogs are great for exciting surface strikes. Early morning and late evening are the best times to use these lures along shallow banks with vegetation. Poppers create surface disturbance to mimic injured baitfish, while frogs are perfect for fishing in thick cover like lily pads and grass beds.
Best Bank Fishing Spots at Lake Purdy
1. Grants Mill Bridge ("Iron Bridge")
Features a deep creek channel, providing cooler water flow during summer.
Great for bass and crappie near rocks and brush.
Use jigs, spinnerbaits, and Texas rigs for best results.
2. Bold Springs Bridge- Hwy 119 (Bold Springs Church)
Known for underwater springs and rock formations that hold bass.
If accessible, the point near the bridge offers great opportunities.
Chatter-baits and swim jigs work well in this area.
3. Lake Purdy Bait Shop Boat Launch
Offers trails and easy access to shore fishing.
Ideal for a relaxed fishing experience targeting bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill.
Texas rigs, spinnerbaits, and live bait are great options.
Bank Fishing can be just as rewarding as fishing from a boat when you use the right techniques.
By focusing on proven lures that avoid snags and targeting prime locations, you can enjoy a successful day on the water.
Whether you're after bass, crappie, or catfish, these strategies will help you make the most of your time at the lake and help you find the best spots to bank fish at Lake Purdy!
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