Bull Shoals Lake Yields State Record Striped Bass

The 56-pound fish topped the previous record by more than 5 pounds.

FORSYTH, Mo.-One of the reasons some people find fishing endlessly fascinating is the element of chance it involves. Regardless of what you are fishing for, you never know what is going to turn up at the end of your line. Greg Blair spun the wheel of fishing fortune and came up with a 56-pound winner.

Blair and his cousin Derek Blair, both of Bradleyville, were fishing the upper reaches of Bull Shoals Lake in the early morning hours of July 13. The temperature was a pleasant 70 degrees or so, but a misting rain kept them alert for their quarry, trophy striped bass.

“There had been several around 40 pounds caught, and guys fishing from the bank had lost a lot of lures,” Greg said. “I was fishing a King Kong. It is a kind of oversized jerk bait with four segments. It is about as big around as a half-dollar and looks kind of like a snake coming through the water.

Apparently striped bass have no fear of snakes, because a big fish nailed Greg’s lure and headed for the bottom of the lake. The fish was all the angler’s baitcasting reel spooled with 17-pound-test line could handle.

“He didn’t do a lot of head shaking like smaller striped bass do,” said Greg. “He was just strong. He took off for the bottom. We were in about 35 feet of water. I kept bringing him back to top and he kept going back down.”

When Greg finally got the fish to the surface he realized that the landing net he normally used for largemouth bass was completely inadequate. Derek got the net under the fish’s tail, but it only came about halfway up the striper’s 47-inch body.

“I tried to grab it by the gills to pull it into the boat and about that time the lure came loose. We were sure glad when he finally hit the bottom of the boat.”

Then they faced another problem. The monstrous striper would not fit in the boat’s live well, so they wrapped it in a damp towel and left it in the bottom of the boat while they continued to fish.

“When one of you catches a fish like that, you want the other guy to catch one, too,” said Greg. “We fished for another three and a half hours or so until Derek landed a 35-pounder, and we were done.”

Naturally, they were curious about how much Greg’s fish weighed. However, neither of the anglers had ever seen a 50-pound striper, so they underestimated its size, guessing it might weigh 45 pounds. When they returned to shore, Joe Placzek, owner of Tri-Lakes Rod & Reel advised them to get the big fish weighed as a possible state record. They were amazed when the certified scales at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery registered 56.35 pounds.

“This was unexpected,” said Greg. “We expected to catch one, but we didn’t realize they would be this size.”

If you catch a fish whose size surprises you, consider the possibility that it might be a state record. A complete list of Missouri fishing records is available online at www.missouriconservation.org.

Rules and entry forms also are available online, along with details of the Master Angler program, which recognizes notable catches that fall short of records. Click on keywords “Fishing” and “Browse Fishing by Subject.” For minimum qualifying weights under the Master Angler Program, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/documents/fish/records/fishawrd.pdf.

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New Mexico Weekly Fishing Report - 7/15/2008

Lake levels — Click here for the latest water storage reports from New Mexico reservoirs.

This fishing report has been generated from the best information available from officers and anglers. Conditions encountered after the report is compiled may differ, however, as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

Catches of the week

Quemado Lake: July 4, Anthony Lukesh of Socorro caught a 20.5-inch rainbow trout. He was using night crawlers.
Navajo Lake: July 8, Dalton King of Aztec caught a 44-inch northern pike. He was fishing the main lake and using a spinner bait.
Tingley Beach: July 10, Jan B. Bernard of Tijeras, while using a yellow humpy, caught and released a 20-inch rainbow trout.
Chama River: July 12, Jared Zuniga, 15, of Albuquerque caught a 23-inch, 5.5-pound brown trout. He was fishing below El Vado and using a grasshopper. On the same day, Shawn Jones of Albuquerque caught a 22-inch brown. He was using a clown-colored jerk bait.

 

If you have a catch of the week story or just want to tell us about your latest New Mexico fishing experience, send it to us at fishforfun2 [at] hotmail [dot] com. We may include your story in our next report. For catches of the week include name, date, location, type of fish, length and bait used.

 

NORTHEAST AREA

CHARETTE LAKES: Trout fishing on the lower lake was fair for anglers using worms, salmon eggs, spinners and assorted power baits. Fishing was fair using worms for perch.
CIMARRON RIVER: Water flow below Eagle Nest as of Monday was 24cfs. Trout fishing was good for anglers using spinners, salmon eggs, yellow sallies, elk hair caddis and humpys. Fishing at the Gravel Pit Lakes was fair-to-good for anglers using spinners, Pistol Petes, power bait and salmon eggs.
CLAYTON LAKE: Trout fishing was good from boats and from the bank. Anglers did best using worms and power bait. Fishing was fair using spinner/worm combinations and crank baits for walleye. We had no reports on other species.
CONCHAS LAKE: Fishing for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass continued to be quite good this past week although most of the fish caught were small. Anglers did well using top water lures, crank baits, tubes, worms, jerk baits and jigs. Walleye fishing was fair-to-good for anglers trolling crank baits and bottom bouncer/worm or minnow rigs. Fishing for white bass was -fair using crank baits, grubs and top water lures. Night fishing for catfish was fair using shrimp, stink bait and night crawlers. Fishing for bluegill was fair using worms and poppers. We had no reports on other species.
COYOTE CREEK: Trout fishing was very good this past week for anglers using elk hair caddis, garlic cheese, salmon eggs and Mepps, Blue Fox and Panther Martin spinners.
EAGLE NEST LAKE: Kokanee fishing was fair-to-good for anglers trolling kokanee killers, needlefish, Rooster Tails and Panther Martins. Doug McGregor of Clovis and his daughter Jaylene from T or C caught several kokanee in the 16 inch range while trolling Rooster Tails at 20-to-25 feet. Anglers trolling shallower caught a few rainbows and kokanee. Fishing from the bank was fair for anglers using power bait, Gulp eggs and corn and fishing on the bottom. Fishing was slow-to-fair using worms for perch.
HOPEWELL LAKE: Trout fishing was fair for anglers using elk hair caddis, black gnat and black ant patterns and salmon eggs.
LAKE MALOYA/LAKE ALICE: Trout fishing was rated as fair-to-good at Lake Maloya but slow at Lake Alice. Anglers did best using Pistol Petes and bead head wooly buggers.
MAXWELL LAKES: Fishing was slow for all species.
MCALLISTER LAKE: Due to poor water quality, the lake will remain closed until further notice.
MONASTERY LAKE: Trout fishing was fair-to-good for anglers using Pistol Petes, salmon eggs and small spinners.
MORPHY LAKE: Trout fishing was good for anglers fishing from boats, fishing deep and using spinners and weighted scuds and bead head nymphs. Fishing from the bank was fair for anglers casting beyond the grass lines and using salmon eggs and power bait. Several fish caught were in the 15-to-16 inch range.
PECOS RIVER: Water flow near the town of Pecos as of Monday morning was 85cfs. Trout fishing this past week was very good using night crawlers, salmon eggs, spinners, stimulators, royal wulffs, black ants, copper john barrs and humpys.
RED RIVER: Water flow below the hatchery was 169cfs. Trout fishing was good using spinners, wooly buggers, yellow humpys, salmon eggs and night crawlers.
RIO GRANDE: The water flow Monday morning at Embudo was 868cfs. Trout fishing above this location was fair using jerk baits, night crawlers, wooly buggers and spinners. We had no reports on other species. A few smallmouth bass were taken by anglers using spinners, jerk baits and wooly buggers.
SHUREE PONDS: Trout fishing was good again this week for anglers using wooly buggers, stimulators, Pistol Petes, Kastmasters and Panther Martins.
SPRINGER LAKE: Fishing was fair using crank baits, bunny leeches and jigs for northern pike Anglers using jigs reported catching a few largemouth bass. We had no reports on other species.
STORRIE LAKE: Fishing was fair-to-good for anglers using pink power bait for limits of trout up to 14 inches. We had no reports on other species.
STUBBLEFIELD: We had no reports from anglers this week.
UTE LAKE: The lake level rose about 18 inches this past week from heavy rains in the area. The water turned murky but fishing was good using top water lures, crank baits and grubs for white bass. The fish have schooled and if you can find them busting on the surface, you’ll catch your limit. Fishing for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass was fair and the fish were scattered. Anglers reported catching them on a variety of baits including crank baits, jerk baits, top water lures, worms and tubes. Fishing for all other species was slow.
 

NORTHWEST AREA

ABIQUIU LAKE: Fishing was quite good this past week for anglers using Bevy Shad, Rip Shad, CB350s, Staysee 90s fat head minnows and grubs for a mixed bag of smallmouth bass and walleye. Most of the bass were in less than 10 feet of water while the walleye were at 10-to-20 feet over 10-to-40 feet of water. The water ranged from clear near the dam to stained at the upper end and the surface temp ranged from the low 60s to the low 70s.
ALBUQUERQUE AREA DRAINS: We had no reports from anglers this week.
BLUEWATER LAKE: Fishing was slow-to-fair using stink bait, shrimp and hot dogs for catfish. Fishing was slow-to-fair using worms and power bait for trout. A few tiger musky were caught by anglers fishing from boats and using swim baits, jerk baits and in line spinners.
CANJILON LAKES: Trout fishing was good for anglers using power bait, salmon eggs, Pistol Petes, small Flat Fish and Kastmasters.
CHAMA RIVER: Monday morning water flows below El Vado and Abiquiu were 78cfs and 244cfs respectively. Trout fishing below El Vado was good using night crawlers, Panther Martins, jerk baits, grasshoppers and power bait for a mixed bag of browns and rainbows.
COCHITI LAKE: Night fishing was fair using minnows for white bass, catfish and smallmouth bass. Fishing was slow-to-fair using jerk baits, top water lures, jigs and tubes for smallmouth bass. A few walleye were taken by anglers using minnows, crank baits and Rooster Tails.
EL VADO LAKE: Trout fishing was fair this past week for anglers using night crawlers, spinners and power bait.
FARMINGTON LAKE: We had no reports from anglers this week.
FENTON LAKE: Trout fishing was fair for anglers using power bait, salmon eggs, elk hair caddis, Pistol Petes, small marshmallows and night crawlers. The water color was described as ranging from pea soup to iced tea.
HERON LAKE: Fishing was very good this past week for anglers trolling Cripplures, rainbow colored needle fish and double whammies tipped with corn for 13-to-17 inch kokanee. Most of the fish were at depths of 10-to-20 feet. Fishing for all other species was slow.
JEMEZ WATERS: Water flow on the Jemez as of Monday morning was 37cfs near Jemez Springs. Trout fishing on the Jemez, Rio Las Vacas, Cebolla, San Antonio and East Fork was good for anglers using parachute adams, elk hair caddis royal humpys, hoppers, small stone fly imitations, small gold and silver spinners, worms and salmon eggs. The good reports came from anglers who were able to fish before big rains muddied up the waters.
LAGUNA Del CAMPO: (Burns Canyon Lake) Trout fishing was good using Pistol Petes, spinners and salmon eggs and power bait under a bobber.
MANZANO LAKE: We had no reports from anglers this week.
MCGAFFEY LAKE: Fishing for catfish was fair using dough bait, liver, hot dogs and night crawlers. A few trout were taken by anglers using worms and power bait.
NAVAJO LAKE: Fishing for kokanee and rainbow trout was good for anglers using Arnies, Panther Martins and kokanee killers tipped with corn. They were trolling at depths of 20-to-40 feet and working the main lake. Fishing was good using jerk baits, crank baits, spinner baits and buzz baits for northern pike. Fishing was fair using top water lures, tubes, worms and crank baits for smallmouth bass and a few largemouth bass. Fishing was fair using small jigs, worms and poppers for bluegill. Fishing for crappie and catfish was reported as slow.
RAMAH LAKE: We had no reports from anglers this week.
SAN JUAN: Water flow below Navajo Lake as of Monday morning was at 519cfs. Trout fishing was good using orange sparkle worms, leech patterns, bead head pheasant tails, streamers, dead chickens, BWOs and parachute adams. Fishing through the bait waters was fair-to-good using night crawlers, Pistol Petes, spinners, salmon eggs and jerk baits.
SANTA CRUZ LAKE: We had no reports from anglers this week.
SEVEN SPRINGS BROOD POND: It’s just for kids under 12 and the trout fishing was good again this past week. Best baits were power bait, spinners and salmon eggs.
TINGLEY BEACH: Fishing at the Youth and Central Ponds was good using worms, power bait, shrimp and stink bait for bluegill and catfish. Fishing was fair using worms and spinners for bass and a few trout. At the Catch and Release Pond trout fishing was fair for anglers using humpys, scuds, egg patterns and leeches.

 

SOUTHWEST AREA

BEAR CANYON: Fishing was slow for all species.
BILL EVANS LAKE: Fishing was fair using poppers and worms for bluegill. A few catfish were taken by anglers using night crawlers. We had no reports on other species.
BURN LAKE: Fishing was slow.
CABALLO LAKE: Fishing was slow-to-fair using crank baits, jigs and grubs for white bass and a few walleye. Most of the action was on the east side and at the upper end of the lake. We had no reports on other species.
ELEPHANT BUTTE: Night fishing under light was good for anglers using shiners. They caught a variety of fish including white bass, crappie and catfish. One anglers reported very good success while fishing in a cove near Rock Canyon marina. Anglers trolling and casting crank baits and grubs also reported catching several white bass and a few walleye. Striped bass fishing was fair again this past week for anglers using live shiners, gizzard shad, umbrella rigs and top water lures. Fishing for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass was slow-to-fair using top water lures, jerk baits, tubes, power worms and senkos. Most of the bass were in less than 10 feet of water. Fishing was good using cut bait, shrimp and Gulp crawlers for catfish.
ESCONDIDA LAKE: Fishing was fair using night crawlers, hot dogs, liver and dough baits for catfish. We had no reports on other species.
GILA RIVER: Water flow on the Gila as of this past Monday was 74cfs. We had no reports from anglers this week.
LAKE ROBERTS: We had no reports from anglers this week.
PERCHA DAM: Fishing was slow for all species.
QUEMADO LAKE: Trout fishing was fair using wooly buggers, Pistol Petes, power bait and night crawlers.
RIO GRANDE: Water flow below Elephant Butte on Monday was 844cfs. Below Elephant Butte fishing was slow-to-fair using shrimp and night crawlers for catfish. A few white bass were caught by anglers using minnows and white and chartreuse grubs. Fishing on the river below Caballo was slow. A few catfish were taken by anglers using shiners.
SNOW LAKE: We had no reports from anglers this week.

 

SOUTHEAST AREA

BATAAN LAKE: Fishing was fair using worms and liver for catfish. We had no reports on other species.
BONITO LAKE: Trout fishing was good early in the day using power bait, salmon eggs, spinners and Pistol Petes.
BOSQUE REDONDO: Fishing was slow-to-fair using night crawlers and liver for catfish. We had no reports on other species.
BOTTOMLESS LAKES: Fishing was slow. Stocking has been suspended due to a golden algae bloom.
BRANTLEY LAKE: Anglers are to practice catch and release for all fish here as high levels of DDT were found in several fish.
CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL LAKE: We had no reports from anglers this week.
GRINDSTONE RESERVOIR: We had no reports from anglers this week.
JAL LAKE: Fishing was slow-to-fair using worms and liver for catfish.
LAKE VAN: Fishing was fair using night crawlers, hot dogs and stink bait for catfish. We had no reports on other species.
PECOS RIVER: Water flow on Monday below Sumner Lake was .26cfs. We had no reports from anglers this week.
PERCH LAKE: Fishing was fair using worms for bass. Anglers fishing with worms also reported catching a few trout.
RUIDOSO RIVER: Water flow at Ruidoso on Monday was 34cfs. Trout fishing was slow but should pick up as the water recedes and clears.
SANTA ROSA LAKE: Fishing was fair trolling crank baits in the main channel for walleye. A few were also taken by anglers using grubs and jigs. Fishing was slow-to-fair using hot dogs, stink bait and liver for catfish. A few bass were taken by anglers using top water lures, tubes and crank baits. Fishing for crappie was slow. Fishing pressure was reported as light over the past week. The water has been rising some from the recent rains.
SUMNER LAKE: Fishing was fair-to-good using spinner baits, crank baits, jerk baits and top water lures for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Fishing was fair trolling bottom bouncer/night crawler rigs and crank baits for walleye. Anglers trolling crank baits also caught several white bass. Fishing was fair using night crawlers and stink baits for catfish. The water was quite murky.

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S.C. Freshwater Fishing Trends

 

For more recent updates and further information visit www.SCFishingReport.com

Mountains Area
Lake Jocassee:

• Trout: Very good. Troll from the surface down to 55 feet using trolling spoons or large plugs. Also pull large live shiners in the same zone. In the April 12 Jocassee Outdoor Center Trout Tournament the winning fish was an 8.35 pound monster, and several fish over 6 pounds were caught. Night fishing continues to be productive with large fish and good numbers being caught; troll the rivers for best success.
• Largemouth and Redeye Bass: Excellent. Bass are moving towards the banks and biting aggressively. The hot lure is dark swamp crawler green pumpkin Zoom worms. Other fish remain in deeper water and can be caught on finesse worms fished on Carolina Rigs or shaky head worms.
   

Lake Keowee:

• Largemouth Bass: Very good. Warmer weather has moved fish shallower and fish are preparing to move onto beds in some areas and have begun bedding in others. Fish shallow coves using Lake Fork Twitch Worms around Cane Creek, Crooked Creek, Mile Creek, and High Falls.
• Spotted Bass: Very good. Fish the upper part of the lake around Mile Creek and High Falls. Early in the morning throw a buzz bait or a top water jerk bait. Later in the day fish shallow running crankbaits in chartreuse colors in 10-25 feet of water. Live baiting with medium shiners is also productive fishing vertically over structure.
• Crappie: Fair. Try minnows and jigs in 15-20 feet of water around brush piles and other structure. Some very large crappie are being caught but not numbers.
   

Lake Hartwell:

• Striped and Hybrid Bass: Good to very good. There are reports of 20 to 30 pound fish being caught in 8 to 15 feet of water off points; the large striper have pinned the baitfish into shallow water. Monitor water temperatures and look for the warmest water that isn’t muddy. Striper are attempting to spawn right now and moving into the tailwaters of the upstream dam, river or large creeks and feeding along key main-lake structure as they go. Check points in the middle of the reservoir on up; big striper are hitting large gizzard shad trolled off points up and down the Seneca.
• Largemouth Bass: Excellent. The largemouth bass bite is red hot and fish are on the banks and feeding aggressively. Some fish are on the beds, some have already spawned, and a few have yet to spawn. Target shallow fish using soft plastics; red shad color has been deadly. In a recent club tournament anglers caught multiple limits both days and were culling 2 and 3 pound fish.
• Crappie: Excellent. The crappie bite is very good and fish are feeding aggressively in 2 to 8 feet of water. Look for large fish, not numbers of crappie, and try trolling small minnows or small white jigs. Also fish brushpiles with small to medium minnows, Alibis and curly tail grubs.

Piedmont Area
Lake Russell:

• Striped and Hybrid Bass: Fair. Fish early morning with bucktails and cut and live herring. Fish are still fairly deep. Largemouth and Spotted Bass: Some bass are spawning while many have already moved back out to slightly deeper water. Try fishing spinnerbaits in the trees, and also try Carolina Rigging in 10 to 15 feet of water. Green pumpkinseed and purple worms are most productive. For spotted bass fish rubber worms or crankbaits on main or secondary points in 8 to 12 feet of water.
• Crappie: Very good. Lake Russell anglers continue to catch lots of crappie. Fish in 12 - 18 feet of water around treetops using small minnows.
• Catfish: Good, using cut bait and nightcrawlers along the bottom.
   

Lake Thurmond:

• Striped and Hybrid Bass: Fair. In a recent club tournament the largest striped bass that was caught weighed 5 pounds. The striper bite has unexpectedly slowed but should pick up again soon. Try live herring on planer boards, free lines, or down rods.
• Largemouth Bass: Very good. Most bass have completed spawning but many are still hanging around shallow water and feeding aggressively. Black and purple soft plastics are very productive.
• Crappie: Excellent. Crappie are shallow and most are being caught 10 to 15 feet off the bank, with lots of fish over two pounds being taken. Some fish are still hanging in deeper water - troll in 10 to 12 feet of water to target these crappie.
• Shellcracker: Fair. The shellcracker bite is improving and fish are being caught on pink worms fished around shell-covered points.

Lake Wylie:

• Largemouth Bass: Very good. Many fish are still on the beds while others have already spawned. Post-spawn fish are beginning to move onto the drops. Floating worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are all producing. Night fishing is also productive, and anglers fishing the Thursday Night Tournament Trail each Thursday out of Buster Boyd Landing are catching nice sacks.
• Crappie: Slow to fair. Crappie are in a transitional phase and most anglers are having trouble finding them. A few people, however, are catching large numbers. Try a 2 inch chartreuse jig tipped with a minnow, or a plain minnow.
• White Perch: Very good. White perch are moving into 15 foot deep water to spawn. Look for sandy bottoms. Other fish remain in 20-25 feet of water next to river channels. Use a minnow or small spoon lowered to the bottom and then bumped slowly. Small and medium sized perch are making up the bulk of the catch right now.
• Catfish: Very good. White perch and crappie fishermen are picking up lots of catfish mixed in with the panfish when using minnows.

Midlands Area
Lake Greenwood:

• Striped Bass: Fair. Some striped bass are being caught up the river but fishing in the main lake is slow. No schooling activity is being reported.
• Largemouth Bass: Very good. Many bass are still on the beds and being caught by anglers sight fishing with jigs or worms. Other bass have already bedded and moved back onto secondary points. Also try buzzbaits early in the morning and floating worms all day.
• Crappie: Good. Crappie have generally finished spawning and moved back out to deeper water. A few can still be caught shallow but best action is on deeper brushpiles or trolling with minnows and jigs.
• Catfish: Very good. Fish on the bottom using cut bait or worms, and try fishing at night.

Lake Wateree:

• Striped Bass: Good. Fish in the lower part of the lake using topwaters, shiners, or live herring.
• Largemouth Bass: Off and on. Some days are very productive, while some days the fish seem completely unwilling to bite. Most have already bedded while some bass are still spawning. Throw spinnerbaits, speed traps, shad raps, and other reaction type baits to target aggressive fish, and use lizards to catch spawning fish. The slightly stained mid-lake areas are producing the best fishing because of higher water temperatures there.
• Crappie: Good. Due to recent rains water has been a bit muddy for best crappie fishing. Target the Fishing Creek and Beaver Creek areas using minnows and key on shallow structure.
• Catfish: Very good. Multiple 40 pounders are still being taken. Target big blue cats using cut bait fished on the edges of holes. Other fish have started to move into shallower water to spawn. 8 to 10 pound fish are being caught on stinkbaits, worms, cut bait, and live bait fished on the bottom; fish are feeding so aggressively artificial lure fishermen are even catching some.
• Bream: Good. Bream are beginning to move shallow and onto beds.

Lake Murray:

• Striped Bass: Fair. Catching big fish remains hit or miss, and few big fish were weighed in during a recent Midlands Striper Club tournament. Fish are in anywhere from 3 to 60 feet of water, and anglers are catching fish using a variety of methods including planer boards, free-lines, and down rods in 50 to 60 feet of water. Some topwater schooling activity is being reported; continue to look for the birds which are still around and feeding on baitfish.
• Largemouth Bass: Excellent. Most bass have already spawned but the fish have skipped the traditional post-spawn slowdown and continue to feed aggressively. Fish in 6 to 15 feet for the biggest fish; smaller fish may still be right on the banks. Fish Carolina or Texas Rigged worms; the best colors are watermelon candy and green pumpkinseed. Also try topwater lures early and late and floating worms throughout the day.
• Crappie: Fair. Crappie have generally finished spawning and moved back out to deeper water. A few can still be caught shallow but best action is on deeper brushpiles or trolling with minnows and jigs in 6 to 15 feet of water.
• Bream and Shellcracker: Excellent. Fish are coming onto the beds and will continue to spawn for the next month or two, especially around full moons. Fish in 6 inches down to 5 feet of water using worms and crickets.
   

Santee Cooper System            
Lake Marion:

• Fishing on the upper end of the lake is very strong, and boat ramps such as Pack’s Landing are open again with the rising water. Striped Bass: Fair. Use cut bait and live herring; occasional striped bass are being caught.
• Largemouth Bass: Good to very good. Reports of 6 to 10 pound fish are fairly common and bass are being caught around shallow structure and submerged cover. Fish soft plastics or try topwater lures as the water continues to warm.
• Catfish: Very good. On both the upper and lower ends of the lake catfish are moving very shallow to spawn - fish up to 50 pounds or bigger can be caught in 2 to 6 feet of water using cut bait on the bottom. In the lower part of the lake large catfish can still be caught in deeper water, too, drifting or anchored.
• Crappie: Very good. Most crappie have already completed spawning but are still feeding very well. Fish in the Jack’s Creek area and around Santee State Park up towards Stump Hole Landing. Fish around bridges for fish that have moved back into deeper water.
• Bream and Shellcracker: Very Good. Fish shallow water along the banks near Santee Park and Stump Hole. Fish have moved shallow and will spawn and feed aggressively for the next 4 to 6 weeks.
   

Lake Moultrie:

• Striped Bass: Slow to fair. The striper bite is not good enough to plan a trip around it but there is some schooling activity in the Bonneau area and at the mouth of the Diversion Canal. Anglers should have a rod ready with a bucktail in case a school hits the surface while they are pursuing another species.
• Largemouth Bass: Very good. Some bass are still on the beds and some very big fish are being caught. Fish shallow running crankbaits or floating worms around shallow structure; try jigs and spinnerbaits in deeper areas.
• Catfish: Very good. Lots of blue and flathead catfish in the 30 to 40 pound range are being caught as well as plenty of smaller blue and channel catfish. Drifting with the wind in 10 to 25 feet of water is productive; on calmer days try anchoring up and bottom fishing. Cut shad, herring and white perch have all produced fish, while the largest fish have been caught on white perch.
• Crappie: Good. Some crappie are still spawning and remain near the banks. Fish just south of Angel’s Landing and on the east side of the lake between Bonneau and Russellville in the mid lake area.
• Shellcracker: Good. Catches of shellcracker are starting to pick up as the fish move shallow and start to spawn. The mouth of the Diversion Canal on the Moultrie end is producing shellcracker in late afternoon but overall fishing in the Upper Lake is stronger for shellcracker, perhaps because of the standing timber.
   

South Carolina Rivers

Catawba River

• Largemouth Bass: Fair. Bass fishing in the Catawba is beginning to improve using crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Calmer conditions should improve fishing in the next couple of weeks.
• Catfish: Nice catches of catfish are being taken fishing at night.
   

Chattooga River

• Trout: Excellent. Water levels and temperatures are both ideal. Fly Fishing report: The March Brown Mayflies have hatched, bringing with them the dry fly season which should last from 4 to 6 weeks. Fish Addam’s, Blue Winged Olives, or March Brown flies in sizes 14, 16, or 18. Fish are feeding aggressively and nice sized trout are being caught.
• Conventional tackle report: Fishermen continue to take large numbers of trout on rooster tails and other spinners. White and pearl colors are strong.
   

Congaree River

• Striped Bass: Good. Some very large striped bass have already moved into the Congaree and made their way up towards the rocks around the Gervais Street Bridge - 20 to 25 pound fish are being caught. Anglers need to cover a lot of water early in the year and best success is coming throwing Bomber Long As, 5 inch Yozuris, and Swimbaits. Live bait fishing is not yet productive. Best fishing is coming on days when water is running - other days may not even be worth fishing yet.
   

Cooper River

• Shad: Excellent. The shad run is still hot in the Tailrace and the females are making their way from the ocean up the river towards the Lake Moultrie Dam Tailrace to spawn. Some really nice roe shad are being taken, ranging from 3 to 5 pounds. Conventional fishermen should use a small green grub and fly anglers should use a chartreuse Clauser on a #4 hook.
   

Great Pee Dee

• Fish the main river for catfish and target bass and panfish in the surrounding oxbow lakes. Catfish: Good to very good. Catches of catfish are picking up in the main river using cut eels. Fish on the bottom in holes and around channel breaks.
• Crappie: Fair. Anglers fishing ox bow lakes off the main channel are starting to report improved catches. Use minnows.
   

Lynches River

• Bass: Slow to fair. Some bass are starting to be caught but fishing should improve as the water warms. Use crankbaits and soft plastics.
• Bream: Slow to fair. Fish worms on the bottom. Catches will continue to improve as the water warms.

Saluda River

• Trout: Very good. Fly fishermen should cast Wooly Buggers or similar flies; several hatches have already taken place. Lots of stock fish are being caught, and spinners are also effective.
• Striped Bass: Slow to fair. A few striped bass have made their way into the Saluda although some large fish are being caught at the confluence of the Congaree, Broad, and Saluda. Expect another down year for striper bass until the fishery improves.
   

Santee Diversion Canal

• Shellcracker: Fair to good. Shellcracker are being caught on the Moultrie end of the canal but the largest numbers of bream and shellcracker are in the shallow water of the main lakes.
• Catfish: Very good. Flathead catfish up to 50 and 60 pounds are being caught in the canal at night. Anchor or slowly drift cut bait.

Savannah River

• Yellow Perch: Excellent. Huge yellow perch are still being caught in the two plus pound range. The Georgia state record was recently tied, and experts predict that it will soon be broken. DNR recently certified a three perch stringer this week which weighed over 7 pounds.
• Striped/ Hybrid Bass: Good. Fish are being caught directly under the Lake Thurmond Dam in the slack areas where baitfish are being pulled through. Remember, only 2 fish over 27″ may be kept and no striper, hybrids or white bass under that size.

Waccamaw River

• Crappie: Good. Fishermen in the Waccamaw are beginning to report nice catches of crappies. Use minnows around structure. Catfish: Good. Use large goldfish or shiners to target big catfish. Anglers are having success using set hooks and trotlines but the same baits will work rod and reel fishing.

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S.C. Freshwater Fishing Trends

Mountains Area - Piedmont Area - Midlands Area - Santee Cooper System - Rivers - South Carolina freshwater fish regulations (PDF) - Purchase a fishing license - Boat Ramp Locations

For more recent updates and further information visit www.SCFishingReport.com

Mountains Area
Lake Jocassee:

• Trout: Very good. Troll from the surface down to 55 feet using trolling spoons or large plugs. Also pull large live shiners in the same zone. In the April 12 Jocassee Outdoor Center Trout Tournament the winning fish was an 8.35 pound monster, and several fish over 6 pounds were caught. Night fishing continues to be productive with large fish and good numbers being caught; troll the rivers for best success.
• Largemouth and Redeye Bass: Excellent. Bass are moving towards the banks and biting aggressively. The hot lure is dark swamp crawler green pumpkin Zoom worms. Other fish remain in deeper water and can be caught on finesse worms fished on Carolina Rigs or shaky head worms.
   

Lake Keowee:

• Largemouth Bass: Very good. Warmer weather has moved fish shallower and fish are preparing to move onto beds in some areas. Try flipping plastic crawdads under boat docks. Also use 3 ½ inch live magic shad colored Lake Fork Swim baits and topwater jerkbaits.
• Spotted Bass: Very good. Fish the upper part of the lake around Mile Creek and High Falls. Early in the morning throw a buzz bait or a top water jerk bait. Switch to a Carolina Rig worm in pumpkin seed or watermelon colors as the sun rises. Live baiting with medium shiners is also productive fishing vertically over structure.
• Crappie: Fair. It’s still early for Upstate crappie but try minnows and jigs in 15-20 feet of water around brush piles and other structure. Some very large crappie are being caught but not numbers.
   

Lake Hartwell:

• Striped and Hybrid Bass: Good to very good. There are reports of 20 to 30 pound fish being caught in 8 to 15 feet of water off points. Monitor water temperatures and look for the warmest water that isn’t muddy. Striper are attempting to spawn right now and moving into the tailwaters of the upstream dam, river or large creeks and feeding along key main-lake structure as they go. Check points in the middle of the reservoir on up; big striper are hitting large gizzard shad trolled off points up and down the Seneca.
• Largemouth Bass: Good. Largemouth continue to move shallower and feed more aggressively with the sustained warm weather - look for fish in 10 - 12 feet of water with some moving even closer. Early fish are beginning to spawn while others are still staging.
• Crappie: Excellent. The crappie bite is very good and fish are feeding aggressively in 14 to 15 feet of water. Look for large fish, not numbers of crappie, and try trolling small minnows or small white jigs. Also fish brushpiles with small to medium minnows, Alibis and curly tail grubs. Best action comes in the afternoons in areas where water has hit sixty degrees.

Piedmont Area
Lake Russell:

• Striped and Hybrid Bass: Fair. Fish early morning with bucktails and cut and live herring. Fish are still fairly deep.
• Largemouth and Spotted Bass: Good. Water temperatures remain cool and fish have not moved onto the beds yet although they are moving shallower. Fish spinnerbaits on points for largemouth; Beaver Dam Creek is productive. For spotted bass fish rubber worms or crankbaits on main or secondary points in 8 to 12 feet of water. Crappie: Very good. Lake Russell anglers continue to catch lots of crappie. Fish in 12 - 18 feet of water around treetops using small minnows. Water temperatures remain cool and so fish have not moved onto the banks.
• Catfish: Good, using cut bait and nightcrawlers along the bottom.

Lake Thurmond:

• Lake temperatures are in the low 60s.
• Striped and Hybrid Bass: Very good. Warm temperatures have turned the striper bite on and large numbers are being caught - 4 and 5 fish simultaneous hook-ups are common. Striped bass are feeding actively in creeks and the Little River area. Fish live herring on planer boards and also target creek mouths. In two to three weeks fish will move onto main lake points and should be targeted early in the morning.
• Largemouth Bass: Good. Some largemouth bass have already moved onto the beds and others have moved into shallow water. Fish in the backs of pockets using pumpkin seed or watermelon colored lizards.
• Crappie: Excellent. Crappie are spawning and have moved into 3 to 4 feet of water. Use jigs and minnows to catch these shallow fish. Other fish are still hanging in deeper water - troll in 10 to 12 feet of water to target these crappie.
• Shellcracker: Fair. The shellcracker bite is improving and fish are being caught on pink worms fished around shell-covered points

Lake Wylie:

• Largemouth Bass: Very good. Bass are on the beds; target these fish by throwing lizards or suspended plugs. Some fishermen are also doing well at night by throwing worms, lizards, or spinnerbaits around the bank.
• Crappie: Very good. Crappie are moving onto the banks to spawn around brush, piers, and boat docks. Large fish are being caught. Use a 2 inch chartreuse jig tipped with a minnow or a plain minnow.
• White Perch: Very good. White perch are moving into 15 foot deep water to spawn. Look for sandy bottoms. Other fish remain in 20-25 feet of water next to river channels. Use a minnow or small spoon lowered to the bottom and then bumped slowly.
• Catfish: Very good. White perch and crappie fishermen are picking up lots of catfish mixed in with the panfish when using minnows.

Midlands Area
Lake Greenwood:

• Striped Bass: Fair. Some striped bass are being caught up the river but fishing in the main lake is slow. No schooling activity is being reported.
• Largemouth Bass: Very good. Many bass are still on the beds and being caught by anglers sight fishing with jigs or worms. Other bass have already bedded and moved back onto secondary points. Also try buzzbaits early in the morning and floating worms all day.
• Crappie: Good. Crappie have generally finished spawning and moved back out to deeper water. A few can still be caught shallow but best action is on deeper brushpiles or trolling with minnows and jigs.
• Catfish: Very good. Fish on the bottom using cut bait or worms, and try fishing at night.

Lake Wateree:

• Striped Bass: Good. Fish in the lower part of the lake using topwaters, shiners, or live herring.
• Largemouth Bass: Very good. Fish are moving shallow and many have already begun to bed and a few have already finished. Throw spinnerbaits, speed traps, shad raps, and other reaction type baits to target aggressive fish, and use lizards to catch spawning fish. The slightly stained mid-lake areas are producing the best fishing because of higher water temperatures there.
• Crappie: Good. Due to recent rains water has been a bit muddy for best crappie fishing. Ta