In the month of August, the water temperatures are pretty warm ranging in temperature from the mid to upper 80-degree range and cooling to about 80 degrees or so by the end of the month. This time of year, the fish are suspending much more, and many of the fish are feeding more at night. However, top-water and surface baits on the lower end of the lake will continue to get better by the end of the month, as well as the shallow bite up the river where bluegill spawns are finishing up and where shad are starting to migrate into pockets as the length of day continues to get shorter.
On the upper reaches of the lake, from Dreher Island up river, and in the backs of main lake coves where the water has more color, look for fish to be shallower hanging in areas where there are bluegill spawning. Slower techniques and topwaters are effective techniques this month. Good lures of choice are topwater frogs, prop bait, like a Deps buzzjet or ima Helips, and poppers, as well as Jigs, Soft Plastics, or Finesse worms, such as the Reins Swamp Mover in a natural or green pumpkin color, and flipping creature baits, tubes or beaver type baits. Target top-water techniques early in the morning, switching to areas of shade around laydowns, docks and overhanging trees as the day gets brighter. Focus on slower techniques in the same areas if the fish do not seem very aggressive at times with little or no wind and abundant sunlight.
On the lower end of the lake, from Dreher Island to the dam, focus on walking topwaters, like the IMA Skimmer, wakebaits like an IMA Bone Floating Flit, or Swimbaits like the Optimum BLT, Optimum Opti Shad, and Sebile Magic Swimmer, as well as soft jerkbaits, like the Optimum Victory tail in a shad, ghost shad or chrome color, especially if there is wind. Look for flatter primary points where fish will be suspended over 15 to 20 feet of water. In less than ideal situations, with no wind and when the fish do not seem as aggressive, slow down in these same areas with a jig, shaky head or dropshot in a watermelon or green pumpkin color. Be sure to key on the ends of flatter points with a hard bottom as well as the sides of these flat points where there may be a drop or an ambush area, which may be as much as two cast lengths off the bank. Points with these characteristics are typically marked with a hazard marker buoy. This time of year on the lower end of the lake, boat positioning can be key. Be sure to position the boat over water as deep as 25 to 35 feet, casting toward the point.
In August, bass are in full swing of their summertime patterns. This month can be one of the toughest months of the year; however, when you find them, they are likely to be grouped up. Up the river and in the backs of creeks and coves, where resident fish are more prevalent, fish could be as shallow as six inches, so be sure to focus on areas with shade. Down the lake where bass are feeding on blueback herring, they could be as deep as 20 to 25 feet. In this area, focus on open water long-tapering points, and remember that wind is a plus. Fish should be grouped up and ready to bite when you find them. Keep an open mind, have several lure options on your boat deck, and be willing to cover water.
A great way to get out, enjoy the outdoors, and do a little fishing is to book a trip with one of the Lake Murray area guides. I am a certified Fisheries Biologist, have fished fulltime and competitively for over eight years across the country on both the BASS and FLW trails, and have a lifetime of fishing experience. I have experience with a variety of techniques and would love to share my knowledge with you on the water and enjoy a day of fishing.
Michael Murphy
www.MichaelMurphyFishing.com
Michael@MichaelMurphyFishing.com
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