The lake’s average depth is 9 feet with the deepest part of it being around 26 feet. Because of its depth, deep-diving crankbaits are often the choice for experienced Sleepy Creek bass anglers. When there’s enough open water, these lures are trolled slowly with electric motors. (This lake is electric motors only.) If you find the cover is too thick and cluttered for trolling, then try long casts parallel to the shoreline.

Spinnerbaits are also effective here. Try bright colors -- chartreuse, pink and fluorescent green are good choices. Make long casts and slow-roll them back to the boat. At times, contrasting colored plastic trailers will improve the bite.

If the weather is unusually warm, the topwater bite can be solid. Walking sticks are especially effective when thrown over the steeper banks at the upper end of the lake. Start fishing out over deeper water and work your way in close to the shoreline.

At the lower end of the lake, there’s a good stand of lily pads. If they are beginning to emerge and have some visible vegetation on their stems, try working plastics in and around the area. Texas-rigged worms and wacky- rigged trick worms are most effective. At times, a plastic frog will be just what the bass want for dinner. Don’t leave home without one.

There’s also a fairly good beaver population in the vicinity of this lake. Many beaver huts are scattered throughout the lake. Take some time to locate several and fish them carefully. They nearly always hold a good fish or two. They can be difficult to properly fish, however. Stumps, logs and brush surround most of these huts. Use several different styles of lures and make sure you cover every depth and every place.

For complete fishing information on Sleepy Creek Lake, contact the District II office at (304) 822-3551.

PLUMB ORCHARD LAKE
Plumb Orchard Lake is just over 200 acres. However, it’s plumb full of big, fat largemouths. Early in the season -- like right now -- most bass here will relate to beaver huts and standing timber. If the spring has been unusually warm, or if you’re persistent in your search, there’ll be a few patches of scattered green vegetation and lily pads around the lake. These areas nearly always hold a few good largemouths.

District IV fisheries biologist Mark Scott reports, “Plumb Orchard has good numbers of largemouths and a solid population of 4- to 5-pound fish. It’s one of our best.”

He recommends fishing the beaver huts first. Most of them can be effectively fished in May with spinnerbaits and small, shallow-running crankbaits. Throw your lures as close as possible to the huts. Then vary your retrieve until you find what the bass want.

If the bass aren’t in a chasing mood, give Texas-rigged plastic worms or wacky-rigged trick worms a shot. Fish plastics slowly and carefully, making sure you cover every nook and cranny of a beaver’s hut. Leave nothing uncovered.

After that, move out into the standing timber. The same lures will likely produce, but don’t be afraid of tossing a jig out and allowing it to fall alongside the trunk of a tree. At times, that’ll be your most effective technique.