Fishing Report (Updated 1.15.2012)

Lake Russell water levels are at 471.  

Striped bass: Good to very good. Guide Wendell Wilson (706-283-3336) reminds anglers that fishing for striped bass on Lake Russell is not a “fill the boat” proposition, but anglers always have the chance to hook up with a trophy on this lake where the current state record was caught.  Several specific locations are holding striper right now, and the best spots are over deep open water in the 40-70 foot range.  Fish will be found from the surface about 20 feet down; look for birds to locate fish.  Anglers should target striper by pulling a mix of free lined live herring and shiners.

Black Bass: Fair to good.  Guide Wendell Wilson reports that bass are schooled up in the creek channels 30-35 feet deep.  Fishing drop shot rigs and vertically jigging ½ ounce white Berry spoons is the most productive way to catch them, and the key is marking schools of bait and fishing around them.  Some anglers are also having success throwing Alabama rigs. 

White and yellow perch: Fair to good.  Guide Wendell Wilson reports that the perch pattern is similar to the pattern for bass.  Fish 30-40 feet deep in the creek channels around bait schools, and lift your bait (generally minnows) about 6 inches off the bottom.  One day Wendell’s boat found the fish as deep as 50 feet of water, but those fish were suspended off the bottom. 

Crappie: Fair to good.  Guide Wendell Wilson reports that a similar pattern is working for crappie as for bass and perch, but to specifically target crappie the best technique is a very slow troll in 30-40 feet of water.  Again, keep your minnows just off the bottom and look for a clean bottom. 

DHEC Fish Advisory: Only one meal per week of largemouth or spotted bass.   

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