Andong is considered the heart of Korean bass fishing. It hosts more tournament events than any other location in the country and has fully embraced the bass fishing culture. But like many world-renowned bass fisheries, it can be humbling—even for experienced anglers.

Here are some things you need to consider. The main forage in Andong is smelt and other schooling baitfish. As a result, offshore fishing is typically the most consistent method. This can be tough for fly fishers but incredibly effective if you're equipped with forward-facing sonar.

Because the lake is so vast, eliminating unproductive water becomes one of the biggest challenges. In a place like Andong, experience and local knowledge really do pay off. There is also a lot of pressure from tournaments and kayakers.

Don’t feel bad if you go to Andong and you strike out. It happens to everybody. What I think influences fishing the most though is the constant reduction of water level (this also makes Chungju Lake difficult). The shallow bass are constantly repositioning and affects their feeding behavior. Andong Dam is hydro electric, so that might influence the water level. The main reason I believe is the importance of Andong to prevent seasonal flooding. Andong is going through a more extreme emptying and refilling cycle, so much so that entire arms of the lake dry up. That makes fishing tricky, but when you can hit it right and find them feeding on the surface it is magical.

The transition seasons Spring and Fall are the only times I will venture out to Andong. You can also explore the many inflows, or better yet fish below the dam, which flows into the Nakdong river. The town of Andong has nice traditional markets, good local food, and plenty of places to stay.