Fishing Report (Updated 1.15.2012)

Lake Hartwell is at 652.

Black Bass:  Fair to good. Guide Brad Fowler (864-934-5813) reports that fish can certainly be caught deep using traditional winter fishing techniques.   In 25-40 feet of water bass are being caught near channel swings, drops or any structure proximate to very deep water on shakey head worms, drop shots, spoons and jigs.  The key to catching the deep fish is finding them.  Probably because of the unseasonably warm winter thus far, fish also continue to be caught shallow.  Fish can be found around most any piece of shallow cover, such as wood or brush piles, on soft plastic or jigs.  Slow moving baits are the key. 

Catfish: Fair to good.  Captain Bill Plumley (864-287-2120) reports that the blue catfish bite has come on fairly strong, and most fish are being caught in 10-30 feet of water off points near the main river channel.  A variety of cut baits will work.  Fish have not yet moved into the creeks, but they should soon.  The channel catfish bite has gotten very slow, although a few fish can still be caught on cut herring.

Striped and Hybrid Bass: Fair.  Captain Bill Plumley  reports that striper are scattered all over the lake, and one day they may be in the creeks and the next day they could be out in the channel.  Free lined live herring and umbrella rigs have been most productive, and at least some days umbrella rigs have greatly outfished live bait.  Captain Bill is generally fishing umbrella rigs 80 feet back from the boat, meaning they run 15-18 feet deep. 

Crappie: Fair. Captain Bill Plumley reports that the best crappie fishing on Lake Hartwell seems to be taking place at night, when mild temperatures have allowed anglers to put out lights to attract fish.  Fish are being caught on minnows 12-20 feet down over 30 feet of water around brush and bridge pilings. 

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

Check out the South Carolina Fishing Tackle Store at www.scfishingtackle.com.

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