[StarsNstriperS]

Alwives are everywhere and easy to get. Yes use lights. I myself use a green light to attract the bait from afar, then when my sonar is full of mash potatoes(bait fish) I turn the green light off and use a spot light to centeralize the bait for easier netting, I was just on the lake and had an easy 4 doz. in about 15 Min.. For Shad, I get them in the daytime, but it is better when you know how to corral them and push them from the weed beds, and site cast on them. Hope this helps you out. What part of SW Pa. u from? My family is from California Pa. but I am pretty familular with the surroundings.
Jim

 

[StarsNstriperS]

I was on the lake from firday 7/27 to Sunday 7/29. Bait was easy to get as you said, but the Stripers just wasn't biting too well. I stayed in the 10 mile streach from the dam to BB bay. I netted a doz. shad and plenty of Alwives, the only thing i caught was a 5 lakers and 2 cat's, all on Alwives. When you plan your fall trip, send me a PM of when, maybe we can meet up on the lake.
Jim