By: Cory Davis
Instagram: Carolinafishin3
The temperatures are finally dropping around Lake Wateree, and so will the fish. Fishing can get difficult during these colder weather months. Cooler temperatures mean fish will become more concentrated in certain deeper areas. So finding the fish may be a little more challenging. But catching one fish should be a good indication there are more around.
There is always a top water bite on Wateree, but only for a short period of time in the morning. Throwing any top water with a bait fish imitation around rocky points near the main lake can be productive early. Bass will likely be suspending this time of year and the depth depends on the weather trends. Throwing search baits like spinnerbaits and deep diving cranks can help locate areas with fish. Once the fish are found, lures like jigging or flutter spoons and swim jigs or chatter baits can be effective. If the weather gets real cold the bass could turn off of the faster search baits and a slower presentation like Carolina rigged worms or other soft plastics can do the trick. Don’t be afraid to use some big soft plastics this time of year.
Just like last month Crappie fishing has been productive in the 15-25’ range, vertical jigging with live bait and artificial jigs around brushes, and bridge pilings. Look for current, and the upper half of the lake has been more productive. Crappie can also be found hugging the bottom in the same areas, so fishing a jig a couple inches off the bottom can be a productive method. Plaining minnows and jigs tipped with minnows in 20-25’ range can also produce so good fish this time of year.
Also, there isn’t much difference with Catfish during these colder months. Catfish obviously like to go deep when the water temps start to drop, so try fishing the lower half of the lake in 25-40’ of water, or even deeper. Fishing with cut bait in channels, main lake points, bridge pilings, and main lake ledges are all good spots for the big ones to hang out. Cats will be hugging the bottom either cruising around to different points of cover, or they will be sitting still while in or under cover.