Lake Wateree is at 97% of full pool.
Largemouth Bass: Very good. Guide Dearal Rodgers (803-223-1117) reports that prior to the very cold snap bass fishing on Lake Wateree had been very strong with some bags over 20 pounds being caught in tournaments. Fish had been in the grass, but after the water levels were pulled down they moved out of the grass and started back towards the main lake. The best pattern has been fishing crankbaits around wood and rock for fish migrating towards the main lake.
Catfish: Good. Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that a lack of water movement up the lake is hurting the anchor bite up the river. However, drifting cut shad from Wateree Creek southward is yielding good numbers of blue cats averaging 6 pounds. Fish are oriented close to the channel drop but drifting the flats will produce scattered blues, small channels and an occasional bullhead. Water movement should help the anchor bite up the lake.
Crappie: Good. Veteran tournament angler Will Hinson reports that crappie are biting well. Fish can be found out in the center of the lake along the old river channel ledge in front of the State Park and around Singleton Creek, and there are also fish along the river run above Wateree Creek. Both jigs and minnows are catching fish in 18-22 feet of water, but the key has been fishing very close to the bottom as fish are only 4-8 inches off the bottom.
DHEC Fish Advisories: Due to PCB advisories visit http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/water/fish/Advisories/lakeWateree.htm before consuming any Lake Wateree fish.
