Oconee On The Fly by Capt. Wayne Moore USCG
Everyone here on Oconee (especially the guides) is anxiously awaiting fall, cooler water temperatures, and hopefully the return of a more robust and dependable pump-back bite at Wallace dam. The past two months, the surface water temperature has been hovering around 84 degrees. While there has been some pumping up from Sinclair at Wallace Dam, it appears that only one turbine has been pumping.
Hybrids – The bite for hybrids and stripers in August and up until the first weekend in September has been almost non-existent. I heard of a few times that a few fish have been taken on spoons, but other than that it has been off. Near the dam, where you would usually find at least five guide boats this time of year, none are there right now. The good news is, as we move into October, this will change. I expect the pump-back bite to be back on for the month. Even better news, as we move past October and the temperature drops further, it will be time to watch for birds coming down to ambush shad on the surface, and this means great fishing!
Crappie – Improvise, adapt and overcome is exactly what many of the guides here have done. That means finding crappie on brush piles in water 15 to 20 feet deep. The technique can be as simple as dropping a jig down to the structure and working it back up, “pulling” the crappie off the brush pile. The other option is to drop a minnow down under enough weight for the wind. Long lining is also effective and a great way to locate brush piles while you are trolling.
Largemouth Bass – Fly fishing for largemouth works at the dam as long as there is some water movement. They will be right on the bank, especially where you see any rip-rap. Early in the morning, use a Wiggle Minnow, then when the sun comes up, switch to a small Clouser like Henry Cowen’s Something Else fly.
Final words – These past two months have been tough. I have heard that the DNR is looking at installing oxygen pumps at the dam. This could make a huge difference next year. Thankfully, fall, winter and spring are ahead of us and fishing will be great. I love taking people out in the fall and winter; much more comfortable, no wave runners or jet skis stirring up the pond, and great fishing for hybrids and crappie!
We are booking up November and beyond quickly, so call 706-816-4281 or e-mail me at wmoore1700 @outlook.com and request your dates. Remember, we offer fly fishing and conventional tackle trips for the best of both worlds.