Fishing Report (Updated 11.11.2009)

Lake Hartwell is above 660 with recent rains. 

Striped and Hybrid Bass: Good to very good.  Captain Steve Pietrykowski (864-353-3438) reports that the bigger fish are starting to spread out across the lake which can make finding them a little tougher than when they were concentrated down by the dam.  He has found some nice fish up the Seneca River and later in the afternoon good schooling activity has been reported, especially on calm days.  Live herring remain the bait of choice.  Captain Bill Plumley (864-287-2120) reports that he is also finding striped bass in the creeks and seeing some schooling activity.  To read about fall striped bass fishing on Lake Hartwell with Captain Steve visit: http://www.scfishingreport.com/Pages/sc_message_boards/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=3274.

Catfish: Good.  Captain Bill Plumley (864-287-2120) reports that the catfish bite remains fairly strong.  In particular channel catfish are biting well in 10-20 feet of water in creek runs and flats.  Cut herring and nightcrawlers are the best baits right now.   Flathead catfish are also feeding well.  Fish at night around brush in old ditches or creek channels, or on the edge of flats, with live bream or perch.  Blue catfish remain pretty deep and some big fish are out there to be caught.  Drift or double anchor along the edge of the creek or river channel in 20-30 feet of water and use fresh bait – blueback herring, gizzard shad, bream or perch. 

Crappie:  Good.  Captain Bill Plumley (864-287-2120) reports that crappie fishing has picked up in the last week and his boat is catching fish in 6-15 feet of water around docks and decaying brush from when the water was down.  Minnows, jigs, and jigs tipped with minnows are all working.  Anglers are also catching crappie trolling ledges in 15 feet of water. 

Largemouth Bass: Fair.  Guide Brad Fowler (864-934-5813) reports that bait has made its way back into the creeks and the bass are right behind them.  Especially later in the afternoon he has found fish chasing bait; creek fishing should be good until temperatures get very cold.  Jigs and shakey head worms are good lures to throw.  Read more about fall bass fishing on Lake Hartwell with Guide Brad Fowler:  http://www.scfishingreport.com/Pages/sc_message_boards/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=2880.  

DHEC Fish Advisories: Due to PCB advisories visit http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/water/fish/Advisories/hartwell.htm before consuming any Lake Hartwell fish. 

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