Main lake temperatures continue to be remarkably low due to rainfall and are averaging only 83 degrees. Keep in mind that on the north end of the lake temperatures will remain much colder (as much as 10 to 15 degrees) due to the release of cold bottom water from Lake Hartwell. With the excessive rain the lake continues to be above full pool. The release of water has increased greatly and can be dangerous on the upper end of the lake, so be sure to check the water release schedules often. The Russell power generation schedule is available by calling toll free 1 (800) 944-7207.
The increased rain and water flow has fish in a much different pattern than usual. They are scattered, and there are more shallow fish than you would normally see at this time of year. In general, feeding times in September are early morning and late afternoon, so fishing 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to dark will be best.
Crappie: Crappie fishing is slower than it has been. Night fishing with live minnows under lights is the best bet right now. Fish are under bridges in 15 to 25 feet and on channel edges in 20 to 30 feet. In bright daylight hours they can be found in 20 to 30 feet in timber.
Bass: The unusual large amounts of rain continue to create a significant increase in water flow, which has in turn increased feeding activity. The fish are not locked in a traditional summer pattern, and there are many scattered fish at all depths.
There’s a good crankbait bite, and fish can be caught in current around main-lake points, humps and roadbeds and sharp-drop channel banks. My favorite bait is the Rapala DT 6 and DT 10. The hot mustard and brown crayfish colors are doing really well in stained to semiclear water.
Schooling fish are showing up regularly around the lake. My favorite bait for these schooling fish is a ¼- to 3/8-ounce white bucktail jig with a small straight green trailer. It can be thrown a long way, which makes it easier to approach schooling fish without spooking them. You can also count it down to different depths and effectively stay with the fish. Retrieve it with a “jerk-jerk-pause” cadence.
The Carolina rig continues to be the best overall tactic in the creeks. Fish secondary points, grassy flats and drop-offs on the edge of the creek channels in 5 to 18 feet. Use a very short 12- to 18-inch leader on your Carolina rig when fishing the timber, and go to a longer 3-foot leader on the flats and in open areas. Watermelon and green pumpkin remain the best colors.
Striper: The striper bite is good right now, and even though it is late summer the continued rain and lower water temperatures have changed the normal patterns. Typically the lower temperatures on the upper end of the lake around the discharge areas for Lake Hartwell are best this time of year, but the below-average water temps have kept many fish in the mid and lower end of the lake. Good fish are being caught on the lower end this year, and downlines 25 to 30 feet deep around humps and submerged trees are good. But if you have electronics, it is all about finding the bait, as the fish are cruising open water following the baitfish. Herring remains a good bet, although I still like large shiners as well.
Forecast by:
Bob Lewis
Preyfinders Hunt Fish Trap Guide Service
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