Trout fishing has picked up at Willow Beach, and rainbow PowerBait has been the ticket. While much of the action has come from stocked rainbows, there have been some reports of several trout topping the two-pound mark. Successful anglers are catching most of their fish in the early morning hours. Trout-look lures have been taking striped bass in the same general area. One striper measured 34 inches in length and weighed in at more than 12 pounds. Lures designed to resemble trout are legal, however, using live trout for bait is against the law and can bring hefty fines and penalties.

Fishing out of Cottonwood Cove has been poor to fair for both catfish and stripers. Largemouth bass have been noticeably absent from the creel. Anglers who are catching fish have been doing so in 15 to 60 feet of water. Green sunfish are plentiful in coves near the Cottonwood Cove Marina. They have been taking both lures and prepared bait. Sunfish are a good starter fish for kids fishing with a mealworm suspended below a bobber.