December 14

Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 436.23 (full pool is 440.0) and up the lake the water is even dirtier after recent rains.  Morning surface water temperatures are about 52 degrees.  

While there still haven’t been any really big weights in bass tournaments on Lake Greenwood, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the fishing has been pretty good.  You need to think about whether to target largemouth or spotted bass, as up the lake and in the backs of creeks it’s a much higher percentage of largemouth – while from the mid-lake down and closer to the main water it’s more about the spots. 

One of the best ways to catch fish right now is with an Alabama rig around docks, and fish will also take jigs and shakey heads around docks. As a general rule they are coming out of the backs and the front of creeks or the main lake is fishing better, but you can still find some fish in the dirtiest water up creeks or the rivers that will take crankbaits. A jerkbait can also be good, but it’s all about finding the bait right now. 

It’s still a good bite for striped bass on Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that the best area seems to be from the mid-lake to the rivers but definitely follow the birds to find fish. The best pattern has been pulling free-lines and planer boards with live gizzard shad from Lake Greenwood Bait and Tackle, and when the birds are diving throwing bucktails can be very effective. 

It’s a broken record but the crappie still have not made a big move on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that fish are still very structure-related and hanging at the mouths of creeks and on the main lake. The best range recently has been 10-20 feet of water, although up the river they can be shallower and down the lake a bit deeper. In the next couple of weeks fish should move off of brush and into open water. 

It really doesn’t matter whether you use jigs or minnows, and he is catching fish on Fish Stalker jigs in Mountain Dew color. 

On the catfish front, Guide Josh Wilson reports that fishing cut shad on main lake points and at the mouths of creeks has been effective. Target 10-25 feet of water. 

November 30

Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 437.06 (full pool is 440.0) and up the lake the water is dingy.  Morning surface water temperatures are about 55 degrees.

The last bass tournament on Lake Greenwood featured a 56-boat field and took 16 pounds for the win, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that it was won with a buzzbait on the upper end of the lake. Stan fished the same area and caught everything on an Alabama rig and a shaky head, but he has noticed that as water temperatures have dropped the fish have moved from the shallowest docks out to deeper ones with at least 5 or 6 feet of water. 

There has also been some good action in the mid-lake fishing a jerkbait, and before the cold snap fish were schooling. Now they are more likely to be suspended. 

Speaking of schooling Stan reports that at times the striped bass fishing has been incredible in the mid-lake up, and his sons have been wearing out the fish on the main channel between the 72 Bridge and the Harris Landing Bridge. They are casting bucktails to the schooling fish. 

Even when they aren’t schooling Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that the action can still be very good, and fishing free-lines and planer boards with herring or small shad is working the best. Trolling umbrella rigs will also work, but the live bait bite is most consistent.

He is finding the best action from the river forks to mid-lake in the main lake. 

Even as water temperatures have dropped the crappie fishing has changed very little on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that he is still catching fish on brush in the main lake and at the mouth of creeks 10-15 feet down in 15-30 feet of water.   It really doesn’t matter whether you use jigs or minnows, and he is catching fish on Fish Stalker jigs in Mountain Dew color. 

It’s usually sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas that fish move off brush and suspend – so it should happen in the next month – but it’s not shocking that the fish are still in the same places they have been for several months. 

On the catfish front, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with baitfish starting to gather up pretty thick in or near the main river channel and some of the big feeder creek channels the catfish should be right there with them. On the upper half of the lake they are usually in 15-25 feet, and on the lower half they are typically in 25-35 feet. Drift the areas with the best concentrations of bait with cut herring, perch or shad.

November 16

Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 438.08 (full pool is 440.0) and visibility is high. Morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 60s.

The striped bass fishing is red hot on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that free-lines and planer boards with herring or small shad are working the best. The best places are from the river forks to mid-lake in the main lake. There is also some surface activity from day to day.

Trolling umbrella rigs will also work, but the live bait bite is most consistent.

The bass are still biting well on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that fish are pretty spread out but this week there don’t seem to be many fish in the very backs of creeks. They are on the lake to about halfway back. 

The best action has been shallow, and throwing crankbaits around docks has been working well. Rock is also very good cover. Alabama rigs are also starting to come on, while there are mixed reviews on buzzbaits. Some people are getting bites but others say they are having absolutely no luck with them.  

If you want to get lots of bites your best bet may be to fish deep brush with a drop shot for spotted bass. 

The crappie fishing continues to be good on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that they are still catching fish on the main lake and at the mouths of creeks. While fish can range from 5 to 25 feet down, the best concentrations are usually about 10-20 feet below the surface over 20-25 plus feet of water. 

They are on structure including brush and bridges, and Captain Roland doesn’t expect them to move off of it until about Thanksgiving. Both jigs and minnows are working, and in jigs glimmer blue, blue dew and ugly green have been the best Fish Stalker colors.

The Lake Greenwood catfish seem to be in a typical fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best action should come drifting between main lake flats and the river channel. The best drifts will criss-cross the river channel and the flats so that you can locate the fish on a particular day, but 20-30 feet is often the sweet spot. Cut herring, white perch and shrimp will all work. 

Until water temperatures get very cold this can also be a really good time to catch a big flathead on live bait fished early, late and at night around brush.

November 9

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.57 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is pretty clear although the upper lake has some stain. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-60s.

The bass fishing is getting better on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that fish are now spread out all over the lake. They are also constantly moving following the bait schools, and so it’s hard to predict exactly where concentrations will be from day to day.  This week there have been fish from the very backs of creeks to coves off the main lake.  

The best bet is to fish shallow and cover water with baits that imitate shad like crankbaits, jerkbaits, and Rattle Traps. It’s also probably not too early for an Alabama rig, although it’s the strongest when temperatures are a bit cooler. Fish the banks and docks, but whatever other cover is around concentrate on areas that have some rock. A dock that has some rock nearby can be hard to beat. 

The crappie fishing continues to be good on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that they are still catching fish on the main lake and at the mouths of creeks. While fish can range from 5 to 25 feet down, the best concentrations are usually about 10-20 feet below the surface over 20-25 plus feet of water. 

They are on structure including brush and bridges, and Captain Roland doesn’t expect them to move off of it until about Thanksgiving. Both jigs and minnows are working, and in jigs glimmer blue, blue dew and ugly green have been the best Fish Stalker colors.

New striped bass report to follow from Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305).

November 2

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.78 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is pretty clear although the upper lake has some stain. Morning surface water temperatures have dropped all the way into the lower 60s. 

The striped bass are still in the creeks this week on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that even with the sharp drop in water temperatures most of the fish are still in the creek channels and ditches in 15-25 feet of water. Both down rods and free-lines with live bait are still working. 

However, very soon we are getting into a period where fish will move back out towards the main river channel – if it hasn’t already started. They will be chasing the big schools of bait, and they will be found from the dam to the rivers. There isn’t a lot of obvious rhyme or reason to where they will be, and you just have to follow the bait. Electronics will be very important to figure out how deep the fish want to be on a given day. 

While veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda hasn’t been bass fishing since the cold snap, a lot like Josh says about the striper you need to follow the shad to find bass. Crankbaits and jerkbaits will be key baits, but truthfully it’s hard to beat an Alabama rig starting now and continuing through the winter on Lake Greenwood. 

The crappie fishing continues to be good on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that they are still catching fish on the main lake and at the mouths of creeks. While fish can range from 5 to 25 feet down, the best concentrations are usually about 10-20 feet below the surface over 20-25 plus feet of water. Since the cold snap it’s been rare to see fish much shallower than 10-15 feet. 

They are on structure including brush and bridges, and Captain Roland doesn’t expect them to move off of it until about Thanksgiving. Both jigs and minnows are working, and in jigs glimmer blue, blue dew and ugly green have been the best Fish Stalker colors.

New catfish report to follow.   

October 26

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.85 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is pretty clear although the upper lake has some stain. Morning surface water temperatures are down to the upper 60s. 

Out of nowhere it’s a vastly improved bass bite this week on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that fishing a DT-6 crankbait around main lake rocks and docks has been working extremely well. All of the fish they are catching are in less than 8 feet of water. They are also catching them in the mouths of big creeks, but not back in the creeks. It’s unclear why. 

It's also still a good time to go down the bank and fish rocky areas with a buzzbait or a merthiolate floating worm, and if the dock fish don’t want a crankbait then a shaky head will work. 

The schooling activity for striped bass has been basically non-existent this week on Greenwood, but Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that fish are still in the creek channels and ditches in 15-25 feet of water. It’s been a great bite this week, and down rods and free-lines with live bait continue to work very well.

  

The crappie fishing has also been good on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that they are still catching fish on the main lake and at the mouths of creeks. While fish range from 5 feet down to 25 feet down, the best concentrations are usually about 10-20 feet below the surface over 20-25 plus feet of water. They are on structure including brush and bridges, and Captain Roland doesn’t expect them to move off of it until about Thanksgiving. Both jigs and minnows are working, and in jigs glimmer blue, blue dew and ugly green have been the best Fish Stalker colors.

On the catfish front, Guide Josh Wilson reports that recently they seem to be best concentrated in shallow water. He is seeing them from the mid-lake to the rivers in 5-10 feet of water on flats off the main channel. Cut herring is working very well. 

October 19

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.85 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is pretty clear although the upper lake has some stain. Morning surface water temperatures are down to up the upper 60s. 

There has still been really good fishing for striped bass this week on Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that fish are still in the creek channels and ditches in 15-25 feet of water. Down rods and free-lines with live bait are the ticket. There is also some schooling activity, but nothing consistent enough to make your primary approach. You just have to be in the right place at the right time when they come up – and have a topwater plug ready to throw. 

The bass are also schooling this week, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that in the middle of the creeks you can find fish boiling on top and catch them on jerkbaits or Shad Raps.  Lipless crankbaits can also be a good option. 

But still, Stan’s preferred approach (when he’s not seeing fish schooling) is to go down the banks and fish rocky areas with a buzzbait. He suggests starting halfway back in the creeks and continuing to work back. 

Merthiolate floating worms can also be good, and don’t overlook fishing a shaky head around docks when bites are hard to come by. 

The crappie fishing has picked up this week on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that they are catching fish on the main lake and at the mouths of creeks around structure and bridges. The best depth range has been 15-30 feet, and generally fish are in the bottom third of the water column. Both jigs and minnows are working, and it’s hard to say which is better. 

In jigs glimmer blue, blue dew and ugly green have been the best Fish Stalker colors.

The Lake Greenwood catfish are in a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best pattern is drifting between main lake flats and the river channel. The best drifts will criss-cross the river channel and the flats so that you can locate the fish on a particular day. Cut herring, white perch and shrimp will all work. 

This can also be a really good time to catch a big flathead on live bait fished early, late and at night around brush. 

October 13

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.81 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal but should drop after yesterday’s rain. Surface water temperatures are 75 degrees. 

The fishing turned on big time this week, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that they are nailing the striped bass (as well as spotted bass) in the creek channels and ditches in 15-25 feet of water. Down rods and free-lines with live bait are the ticket. There is also some schooling activity, but nothing consistent enough to target. You just have to be in the right place at the right time when they come up – and have a topwater plug ready to throw. 

Along those lines veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the bite for bass overall has improved, and there are starting to be some occasional bigger sacks caught. The best thing going seems to be a buzzbait, which doesn’t surprise Stan because Lake Greenwood is a really good buzzbait lake as it cools. Target rocky places in the main lake and main part of big creeks, and then work your way further back looking for shad if you don’t get bit there. Rattle traps and small topwater baits should work in the creeks when shad are present, as well as a buzzbait. Merthiolate floating worms can also be good, even though the buzzbait around rock is hard to beat on Greenwood in the fall.

Finally, don’t overlook fishing a shaky head around docks when bites are hard to come by. 

The crappie patterns have also not changed much on Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the bite is still decent on the main lake and at the mouths of creeks. Fish are mostly on brush in 20-30 feet of water – although at times there are fish as shallow as 10 feet. Fish in deeper water are generally in the bottom five feet of the water column, and almost all of them are in the bottom third regardless of depth. Jigs and minnows vary in their effectiveness from day to day, and in jigs glimmer blue, blue dew and ugly green have been the best Fish Stalker colors.

The Lake Greenwood catfish are getting into a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best pattern is drifting between main lake flats and the river channel. The best drifts will criss-cross the river channel and the flats so that you can locate the fish on a particular day. Cut herring, white perch and shrimp will all work. 

This can also be a really good time to catch a big flathead on live bait fished early, late and at night around brush. 

October 5

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.93 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal. Surface water temperatures are still in the mid- to high 70s.   

The bass fishing is still a little better than a month or so ago on Lake Greenwood, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that nevertheless he would continue to characterize the bite as pretty tough.  With more cooling this weekend things should get better, though, and he looks for more fish to run shad into the creeks. They are already getting in little short creeks and pockets off the main lake. Looks for pods of bait, and sometimes bass will be busting them while other times they will just be around them. 

The best way to target these fish is with a Rattle Trap, jerkbait or Shad Rap, and you can also have some success with a down-sized walking bait. 

There’s almost no change with the striped bass this week, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that from the mid-lake to the dam there is still good schooling action sporadically. On down-rods and weighted free-lines the action also remains pretty good about 15-30 feet down mostly in the lower third of the lake. The fish are related to schools of bait, with some of the fish suspended out over deeper water and others near the bottom at that depth off the side of the channel – again around bait. 

Patterns will change as water temperatures drop.

The crappie patterns have also not changed much on Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the bite is still decent on the main lake and at the mouths of creeks. Fish are mostly on brush in 20-30 feet of water – although at times there are fish as shallow as 10 feet. Fish in deeper water are generally in the bottom five feet of the water column, and almost all of them are in the bottom third regardless of depth. Jigs and minnows vary in their effectiveness from day to day, and in jigs glimmer blue, blue dew and ugly green have been the best Fish Stalker colors.

The Lake Greenwood catfish are getting into a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best pattern is drifting between main lake flats and the river channel. The best drifts will criss-cross the river channel and the flats so that you can locate the fish on a particular day. Cut herring, white perch and shrimp will all work. 

This can also be a really good time to catch a big flathead on live bait fished early, late and at night around brush. 

September 28

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.04 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal. Surface water temperatures are around 77. 

As reported last week the bass fishing has improved on Lake Greenwood, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that catching better ones is still something of a challenge. In a tournament Saturday (won with 15 pounds) they fished topwater lures around seawalls, and ran up the rivers and tried to find some better fish, but didn’t have any bites and finally had to come down the lake and fish soft plastics around brush and docks. They caught a ton of fish – all on drop shots, Texas rigs, and shaky heads – but never found the big ones. It seemed like the fish had moved to shallower brush in 8-10 feet, but again they never found the big largemouth. 

There are still bass, particularly spots, schooling on the lower end, but that action seems to be better early. 

The striped bass are still schooling pretty well, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that from the mid-lake to the dam he is seeing fish on top. On down-rods and weighted free-lines the action also remains pretty good about 15-30 feet down mostly in the lower third of the lake. The fish are mostly related to schools of bait, with some of the fish suspended out over deeper water and others near the bottom at that depth off the side of the channel – again around bait. 

Patterns will change as water temperatures continue to drop. 

It’s still a little tough for crappie on Greenwood, but Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that with cooler weather things have picked up a little from last week.  The pattern is still about the same, and fish are mostly on brush in 20-30 feet of water off the main lake and at the mouths of creeks – although at times there are fish as shallow as 10 feet. Fish in deeper water are generally in the bottom five feet of the water column, and at the very least in the bottom third. Jigs and minnows vary in their effectiveness from day to day.

The Lake Greenwood catfish are getting into a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best pattern is drifting between main lake flats and the river channel. The best drifts will criss-cross the river channel and the flats so that you can locate the fish on a particular day. Cut herring, white perch and shrimp will all work. 

This can also be a really good time to catch a big flathead on live bait fished early, late and at night around brush. 

September 21

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.13 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal. Surface water temperatures are around 79. 

At long last there is some real improvement with the bass fishing conditions on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that even though tournament weights remain pretty low numbers are going up and fish are starting to school – especially in the morning. They can be found down the lake wherever there is bait around bridges and other normal places they school, including over brush piles and points. The bait is generally small and so a Tiny Torpedo has been working very well.

Fish can also be caught with a drop shot and shaky head around brush piles, and there are starting to be more active fish around docks. Finally, after dark green lights have been productive. 

The striped bass are also starting to school, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that from the mid-lake to the dam he is seeing a lot of fish on top. Other than that the patterns haven’t changed too much, but they will as water temperatures continue to drop. 

On down-rods and weighted free-lines the action remains pretty good about 15-30 feet down mostly in the lower third of the lake. The fish are mostly related to schools of bait, with some of the fish suspended out over deeper water and others near the bottom at that depth off the side of the channel – again around bait. 

But unfortunately the crappie fishing is still slow, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the whole lake is still fishing tough – both for size and numbers.  

While they may be a little shallower up the lake, on most of the lake the fish are suspended over brush in 20-30 feet of water and holding 10-20 feet down. Just off the main channel and the mouths of creeks are holding the most crappie, and neither jigs nor minnows are very productive. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish are scattered all over the lake and feeding pretty well. Anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch fish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around. Dip baits, shrimp and cut herring will all work well. 

Anchoring around brush at night with live bream or perch is the best way to target big flatheads. 

September 7

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.09 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal. Surface water temperatures are in the mid-80s again.   

It’s still pretty awful bass fishing conditions on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that there really isn’t a good pattern. Water quality is low and fish just aren’t feeding much. 

You can still try fishing brush in 15-25 feet on the main lake or front of creeks, and deeper docks are also worth a shot. Early in the morning you can possibly find a fish feeding around bream up shallow, and then those fish will usually recover to the nearest dock if they don’t go out deep.

But we’d be lying if we said anything was very good, or that it is likely to get much better until temperatures cool significantly. 

But the striped bass are still feeding pretty well, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that the action remains pretty good about 15-30 feet down mostly in the lower third of the lake. The fish are mostly related to schools of bait, with some of the fish suspended out over deeper water and others near the bottom at that depth off the side of the channel – again around bait. Down-rods have been the best way to catch them, although weighted free-lines can also work.

Schooling activity should start any day now but it hasn’t taken off yet.  

But it’s a different story with the crappie, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the crappie fishing has gone the direction of the bass fishing. It usually turns on after Labor Day, but perhaps because of the lack of much rain recently (and prolonged heat) the briefly cooler weather did nothing for the bite.  Now the whole lake is fishing tough, and even up the lake you can’t find numbers of fish. Or better ones. A ¾ - 1 pound fish is about is big as you will find feeding right now. 

While they may be a little shallower up the lake, on most of the lake the fish are suspended over brush in 20-30 feet of water and holding 10-20 feet down. Just off the main channel and the mouths of creeks are holding the most crappie, and neither jigs nor minnows are very productive. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish are scattered all over the lake and feeding pretty well. Anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch fish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around. Dip baits, shrimp and cut herring will all work well. 

Anchoring around brush at night with live bream or perch is the best way to target big flatheads. 

August 24

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.19 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal. Surface water temperatures are in the mid-80s and higher.   

Even though he has a motive to encourage everyone to come over to Lake Murray and support a worthy cause this weekend, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda isn’t exaggerating when he says the bass fishing is pretty horrible. It’s just that time of year on Greenwood. The rare good catches are usually coming in deep water, but due to pressure and oxygen issues that bite always slows down in August. And with the heat the shallow action is almost non-existent.  

It may be that the bass on brush in 15-25 feet are looking for something more finesse-oriented by late August, but Stan still suggests throwing everything including big crankbaits, big worms and jigs at them to see if you can trigger a strike.

Of course it’s still worth seeing if anything is around the seawalls first thing or on docks eating bream, but overall neither has been a very productive pattern. 

But fortunately the lake has striped bass, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that the action is pretty good about 15-30 feet down mostly in the lower third of the lake. They are mostly related to schools of bait, with some of the fish suspended out over deeper water and others near the bottom at that depth off the side of the channel – again around bait.  Down-rods have been the best way to catch them, although weighted free-lines can also work.

Schooling activity should start any day now but it hasn’t taken off yet.  

Lake Greenwoood is still fishing like two pretty distinct lakes for crappie, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that up the lake it’s easy to catch numbers of fish. They are shallow in 10-18 feet of water on structure, and they could be only 8 feet down or less. But while there are ton of fish up there to be caught, they are mostly smaller.

Down the lake the quality is better but the fishing is pretty tough, and in the most recent tournament a 7-fish limit only went about eight pounds. That’s down from July when Roland and his partner won with almost eleven. The fish are scattered on main lake brush in 20-30 feet of water, and they are mostly about 10-20 feet down.

It’s tough to say whether jigs or minnows are fishing better, and one days jigs will be better but then another day minnows will be. Some days they both fish about the same. The best bet is to try both to see if the fish express a preference on a given day. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish are scattered all over the lake and feeding. Anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch fish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around. Dip baits, shrimp and cut herring will all work well. 

Anchoring around brush at night with live bream or perch is the best way to target big flatheads. 

August 18

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.15 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal. Surface water temperatures are about 85 or more first thing. 

Lake Greenwoood is fishing like two pretty distinct lakes for crappie right now, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that up the lake it’s easy to catch numbers of fish. They are shallow in 10-18 feet of water on structure, and they could be only 8 feet down or less. But while there are ton of fish up there to be caught, they are mostly smaller.

Down the lake the quality is better but the fishing is pretty tough, and in the most recent tournament a 7-fish limit only went about eight pounds. That’s down from July when Roland and his partner won with almost eleven. The fish are scattered on main lake brush in 20-30 feet of water, and they are mostly about 10-20 feet down.

It’s tough to say whether jigs or minnows are fishing better, and one days jigs will be better but then another day minnows will be. Some days they both fish about the same. The best bet is to try both to see if the fish express a preference on a given day. 

While the occasional 19- or 20-pound bag is still showing up on Lake Greenwood, overall veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that in terms of the bass there’s no doubt it’s the dog days of summer. Most anglers are struggling, with the shallow bite having almost totally disappeared and the deep fishing not much better. While the rare good catches usually come in deep water, it’s not unusual for the deep bite to slow down late in the summer. It’s probably a combination of pressure and oxygen issues.

It may be that the bass on brush in 15-25 feet are looking for something more finesse-oriented by late August, but Stan still suggests throwing everything including big crankbaits, big worms and jigs at them to see if you can trigger a strike.

Of course it’s still worth seeing if anything is around the seawalls first thing or docks with bream, but overall neither has been a very productive pattern. 

It continues to be a good striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that fish are still in the lower third of the main lake with most of them suspended 15-20 feet down over deeper water. They are feeding very well, and he doesn’t expect them to significantly move locations until we get some cooling after Labor Day. Herring on down-rods are the best pattern. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish are scattered all over the lake and feeding. Anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch fish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around. Dip baits, shrimp and cut herring will all work well. 

Anchoring around brush at night with live bream or perch is the best way to target big flatheads. 

August 4

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.11 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal. Surface water temperatures are about 85 or more first thing. 

A few really good bags at the top can make the bass fishing on Lake Greenwood look better than it really is, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that overall it’s definitely the dog days of summer out on the lake. The shallow bite has basically disappeared, a few fish are being picked up on deep brush in 15-20 feet with soft plastics, and some bass are being caught off docks. In fact, the dock bite may be the best thing going and the last tournament was won with a 7-pounder and 4-pounder that came off the same dock. 

It continues to be a really good striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that fish are still in the lower third of the main lake with most of them suspended 15-20 feet down over deeper water. They are feeding very well, and he doesn’t expect them to significantly move locations until we get some cooling after Labor Day. Herring on down-rods are the best pattern. 

The crappie are still unusually shallow on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the bite is still atypically good for late summer. The most active fish are 10-12-15 feet deep over 10-20 feet of water on the main lake. There are also fish in their typical late July haunts on the main lake in 20 plus feet, but they aren’t biting very well right now. 

Jigs and minnows are both fishing similarly, and in jigs Roland is fishing Fish Stalker glimmer blue (monkey milk), Mountain Dew, blue dew and ugly green. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish are scattered all over the lake and feeding. Anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch fish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around. Dip baits, shrimp and cut herring will all work well. 

Anchoring around brush at night with live bream or perch is the best way to target big flatheads. 

July 27

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.29 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is above average. Surface water temperatures are about 85 or more first thing. 

It continues to be a really good striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that fish are still in the lower third of the main lake with most of them suspended 15-20 feet down over deeper water. They are feeding very well, and he doesn’t expect them to significantly move locations until we get some cooling after Labor Day. Herring on down-rods are the best pattern. 

The deep bass bite around brush piles in 15-20 feet on the main lake and front of creeks has improved a little according to veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda, but the fish have gotten pretty finicky and you aren’t necessarily going to catch them with big worms, crankbaits, jigs and other large presentations. Instead, the best action is coming on drop shots. 
It's still worth looking for an early bite around sea walls but with the heat the bulk of the fish are clearly staying out. 

The crappie are still unusually shallow on Lake Greenwood, but Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the bite has picked up. There are lots of fish in their typical late July haunts on the main lake in 20 plus feet, but they aren’t biting very well right now. Instead the most active fish are 10-12-15 feet deep over 10-20 feet of water on the main lake. The big rain in June appears to have done something with the oxygen and fish don’t want to be deep. 

Jigs and minnows are both fishing similarly, and in jigs Roland is fishing Fish Stalker glimmer blue (monkey milk), Mountain Dew, blue dew and ugly green. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish are scattered all over the lake and feeding. Anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch fish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around. Dip baits, shrimp and cut herring will all work well. 

Anchoring around brush at night with live bream or perch is the best way to target big flatheads. 

July 13

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.24 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake has cleared up nicely. Surface water temperatures are about 85 first thing. 

We are happy to resume the striped bass updates again this week, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that fish have moved fully into a summer pattern. They are in the lower third of the main lake, and most of them are 20-30 feet deep on the bottom. The thermocline is at about 20 feet. Bait is everywhere, but fish are concentrated around the river channel and main lake points and humps off it. Live herring just off the bottom are working very well. 

But Josh isn’t just a striper guide, and last night he and his tournament partner won the 3-fish bass event with an impressive 15 pounds!  For them deep brush has been pretty hit-or-miss, and all the fish they caught were relatively shallow on points in about 12 feet. They can only get bit on a Texas rig or Carolina rig.

That’s consistent with the report from veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda, who also reports that the deep bite is off. However, while it doesn’t help in night tournaments they have found a pretty outstanding bite for about an hour and a half each morning on sea walls. Whopper Ploppers, poppers and chuggers will all work until the sun gets up. 

It's a weird time for crappie fishing on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service(864-980-3672) reports that they are certainly still catching messes of fish but the quality of the bite has slowed, like normally happens in August.  But the fish are still running behind their normal routine, and only just getting into summer patterns. Often the water is 87 or more by lunch and so he wonders if getting so hot so fast is responsible for the quality of the bite.  

Even as fish move into summer spots there are still some fish pretty shallow, although by now most of the fish are on the main lake. They are generally in 15-25 feet of water, usually holding 10-15 feet down. The thermocline is at about 20 feet, and there seem to be some oxygen issues (earlier than usual). Jigs and minnows are both fishing similarly, and in jigs Roland is fishing Fish Stalker glimmer blue (monkey milk), Mountain Dew, blue Dew and ugly green. 

While you can certainly catch catfish fan-casting dip baits to various depths around humps and points in 5-25 feet of water, Josh Wilson is also picking up a ton of big channels on live herring in the same areas on the same pattern that is catching striper.  

June 29

Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 439.12 (full pool is 440.0) and the upper end is muddy after recent rains. Water temperatures are in the lower 80s. 

It’s a mixed report regarding bass fishing on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that as temperatures heat up there is no doubt the fishing is getting better. More fish are getting on brush piles in 15-20 feet of water on the main lake, main part of creeks, around underwater islands and off points. You can catch them on deep-diving crankbaits or big worms, and for spots (and the occasional largemouth) you can fish with a drop shot. However, while significantly improved the bite isn’t great. 

At the same time, there is still a decent topwater bite very early around sea walls with Pop-Rs and floating worms, and particularly early you can also catch fish on bream beds.

The most surprising action has come from docks, and on deeper, main lake docks good action is continuing through the day with a jig or worm.  Some recent tournaments have been won on docks. 

Even though it has finally gotten hot, Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that it just hasn’t been hot long enough for the patterns to significantly change. Fish are still mostly related to brush in 15-20 feet of water in both the creeks and the main lake, from the main river channel to the very backs, although up the rivers they may be in only 5-10 feet of water. They are still taking jigs very well.

Most of the fish have been suspended about 8-12 feet down, although with LiveScope they are learning that depths can change from day to day and even minute to minute. When water temperatures hit the mid-80s they expect fish to first move down the water column, and then they will go deeper. Eventually most of the fish should be suspended on main lake brush in 18-30 feet. However, that depends on boat traffic and weather conditions, and rain and dirty water could keep them in shallower water longer or move them up or down the water column. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that right now the best bet for catching channel catfish should be to drift cut herring and shrimp. You can also anchor on points and humps in 5-25 feet of water with dip baits. To catch flatheads, anchor in the same areas with live bream and perch at night or target brush. 

Striped bass report to follow after July 1.   

June 22

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.68 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures are in the upper 70s. The lake is getting dirty with all this rain. 

The bass fishing is still a little tough on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that with the weather moving backwards he’s not sure some of the fish haven’t actually come back to the banks that had moved offshore. The last tournament was won off a dock, and there are still fish being caught in the morning throwing a popper or floating worm around sea walls. There are also largemouth (and a bunch of spotted bass) that can be caught with worms or crankbaits on brush in the main lake or front of creeks in 15-18 feet, but this bite still hasn’t gotten very good.   

Finally, don’t overlooking fishing around bream beds with a swim jig, buzzbait, or Pop-R. 

The crappie pattern is still strong on Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that fish are related to brush in 15-25 feet of water in both the creeks and the main lake, from the main river channel to the very backs. Relatively few fish are just swimming around in open water. Jigs are working the best.

It's a broken record, but with still-moderate water temperatures fish still have no reason to move to deeper, main lake brush. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that right now the best bet for catching channel catfish should be to drift cut herring and shrimp. You can also anchor on points and humps in 5-25 feet of water with dip baits. To catch flatheads, anchor in the same areas with live bream and perch at night or target brush. 

Striped bass report to follow after July 1.   

June 15

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.05 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures have risen into the upper 70s.    

Even though it’s still not easy there is some marginal improvement with the bass fishing this week on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that a few more fish seem to be getting out deep on brush.  Of course you still have to wade through a ton of small spotted bass, but there are more largemouth that can be caught with worms or crankbaits on brush in the main lake or front of creeks in 15-18 feet. 

Very early there are still fish being caught in the morning throwing a popper or floating worm around sea walls, and there are also some fish on deeper docks in the main lake.

Even away from a moon phase bream bedding activity seems to be picking up as temperatures rise, and particularly in low light conditions you can catch fish with a swim jig, buzzbait, or Pop-R around bream beds. During hotter parts of the day the bass feeding on bedding bream will often retreat to nearby docks, even shallow ones, and you can flip for them there. 

The crappie pattern is still strong on Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that fish are related to brush in 15-25 feet of water in both the creeks and the main lake, from the main river channel to the very backs. Relatively few fish are just swimming around in open water. Jigs are working the best.

With still-moderate water temperatures Roland thinks we still have some time before fish move onto deeper, main lake brush. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that right now the best bet for catching channel catfish should be to drift cut herring and shrimp. You can also anchor on points and humps in 5-25 feet of water with dip baits. To catch flatheads, anchor in the same areas with live bream and perch at night or target brush. 

Striped bass report to follow. 

June 8

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.05 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is pretty clear on the lower end but has some stain from the mid-lake up.  Morning surface water temperatures have risen to 74 or 75 degrees, but you can see 81 in the late afternoon!   

It’s still tough bass fishing conditions on Lake Greenwood, and in the Wednesday afternoon tournament yesterday it only took 12.80 pounds for the win. There are lots of small spotted bass that can be caught, but overall veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that it seems like the lake might be in a down-cycle. 

It doesn’t help that fish are still in an in-between stage, and while some are going deep those fish are still pretty few and far between. You just have to bit brush piles with a worm or crankbait until you find a good one. 

Even though it’s not great the best pattern may be fishing sea walls in the morning with a floating worm or popper, and deeper docks on the main lake are also holding some fish. Another pattern worth trying is to fish a swim jig, buzzbait, or Pop-R around bream beds. 

Once it warms up the deep numbers will improve.

The striped bass fishing on Lake Greenwood has been really hit-or-miss this week, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that one day they will catch a couple dozen fish, then they will struggle to get ten, and then the next day they will have thirty again. Fish are going deeper and the best pattern is targeting the lower third of the river channel in 20-40 feet, with the fish suspended around points, humps or any other good ambush point in the river channel. They are catching most everything on down-lined herring but there has been some sporadic schooling activity. 

The crappie pattern is about the same but the fishing has been good, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the biggest change is that fish have moved a bit deeper.  They are still related to relatively shallow brush, with a few straggler fish just swimming around in open water. The best brush is now in 15-25 feet of water, and it doesn’t seem to make any difference whether it is the main lake or the creeks. They are catching fish from the main river channel all the way to the backs of creeks. Jigs are working the best.

With low water temperatures Roland thinks we are still a couple of weeks away from fish moving onto deeper, main lake brush. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that right now the best bet for catching channel catfish should be to drift cut herring and shrimp. You can also anchor on points and humps in 5-25 feet of water with dip baits. To catch flatheads, anchor in the same areas with live bream and perch at night or target brush. 

June 1

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.06 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is pretty clear on the lower end but stained from the mid-lake up.  Morning surface water temperatures range from about 68-72. 

The bass are still at in-between stage on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that overall fishing is very tough. More so than last week fish are all over the place, and there are a few fish holding in several different types of places and others transitioning. Bass can be caught around the banks and particularly sea walls early with Pop-Rs, floating worms and Whopper Ploppers, and there are also some fish on docks. Stan even had one friend catch two off the bed this past weekend!

There are also some good fish starting to get on offshore brush, but they are not loaded up out there and the fish are few and far between. You basically have to keep jumping from one brush pile to another with crankbaits and big worms and hope you catch a fish off of one of them. 

Unfortunately the cool front slowed down the striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood this week, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that they are still getting decent numbers in the morning but it’s not like last week. The best pattern is targeting the river channel in 20-40 feet, and fish are suspended around points, humps or any other good ambush point in the river channel. The mid-lake area has been best and they are catching everything on down-lined herring. 

The cool weather has also slowed the crappie fishing this week, even as Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the pattern has not changed.  Fish are still related to relatively shallow brush and there are even still some straggler fish just swimming around in open water. The best brush is in 10-20 feet of water, and it doesn’t seem to make any difference whether it is the main lake or the creeks. They are catching fish from the main river channel all the way to the backs of creeks. Jigs are working the best.

With low water temperatures Roland thinks we are still a couple of weeks away from fish moving onto deeper, main lake brush. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that right now the best bet for catching channel catfish should be to drift cut herring and shrimp. You can also anchor on points and humps in 5-25 feet of water with dip baits. To catch flatheads, anchor in the same areas with live bream and perch at night or target brush. 

May 26

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.06 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are in the low 70s.

In the week or two before last Saturday and Sunday’s ABA 2-day bass tournament on Lake Greenwood tournament angler Andy Wicker of Pomaria reports a pretty rough practice, but by the tournament the bite had improved. He had 18 pounds the first day and a little over 14 the second.

Most notably the early bite with topwater lures around sea walls materialized during the tournament, and Andy was able to catch fish on Whopper Ploppers, buzzbaits and Pop-Rs the first two hours each day. After that he moved to docks, and caught fish on a weightless Senko as well as a Texas-rigged worm. He caught a lot of small fish this way, but there were also some good ones around docks. Many of the dock fish were clearly guarding fry, and pulling a bait through the fry ball would often trigger strikes. 

Overall it was pretty clear that the offshore brush bite had not really started yet.

Andy was also pleasantly surprised to catch about 70% largemouths versus only 30% spotted bass. 

It’s been a fantastic striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood this week, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that they are wearing out the fish targeting the river channel in 20-40 feet. Fish are suspended around points, humps or any other good ambush point in the river channel. The mid-lake area has been best, but the whole lake is fishing pretty well. They are catching everything on down-lined herring. 

The crappie pattern is lagging behind on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that fish are still related to relatively shallow brush and there are even still some straggler fish just swimming around in open water. The best brush is in 10-20 feet of water, and it doesn’t seem to make any difference whether it is the main lake or the creeks. They are catching fish from the main river channel all the way to the backs of creeks. Jigs are working the best.

With low water temperatures Roland thinks we are still several weeks away from fish moving onto deeper, main lake brush. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that right now the best bet for catching channel catfish should be to drift cut herring and shrimp. You can also anchor on points and humps in 5-25 feet of water with dip baits. To catch flatheads, anchor in the same areas with live bream and perch at night or target brush. 

May 11

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.07 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake has cleared some in the past week. The lower end is pretty clear but as you go up the lake it gets progressively dirtier to muddy. Morning surface water temperatures are around 71 degrees.

Another week and another major change with the striped bass on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that the fish have generally left the rivers and come back to the mid-lake around Goat Island and Cane Creek. Now they are catching them in the main river channel, mostly in 15-30 feet of water with free-lines and down-lines. Most of the fish are suspended. 

The bite has been very good this week and they are usually catching 25-30 fish in three or four hours. 

At the same time the bass fishing has been tough, and multiple sources including veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that getting bites is pretty difficult. It seems that the action around the bank is slowing down, and while you can still throw a Pop-R or floating worm around sea walls the better fishing has come in 10-20 feet of water. Spinnerbaits have been working pretty well, but at this point Stan has the most confidence fishing around brush piles in the 15-foot range with big worms or crankbaits like a 6XD. Both creek and main lake brush can hold fish.

The crappie migration to brush has accelerated this week on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that there are still some fish in open water but by now far more fish are over brush in 10-20 feet. Some fish are in the creeks and main lakes, but the creeks may be a little better. By mid-June there will probably be more on the main lake, but of course it all depends on weather.

Generally casting or dropping jigs is the best pattern, but it’s good to have minnows available. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that right now the best bet for catching channel catfish should be to drift cut herring and shrimp. You can also anchor on points and humps in 5-25 feet of water with dip baits. To catch flatheads, anchor in the same areas with live bream and perch at night or target brush. 

May 4

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.04 (full pool is 440.0) and the upper end is pretty dirty. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid to upper 60s. 

The patterns for striped bass have changed on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that the fishing has slowed down the lake as most of the action has moved from the river forks up. This is a typical spring pattern, and the fact that there is a lot of current is also having an effect. It’s not really about a particular depth, and basically the fish are looking for ambush points. Any deeper pool where the channel drops off, or point, could hold fish. Free-lines, planer boards, and cut bait on the bottom are all working. 

In bass fishing news, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that fishing is surprisingly tough.  Night tournaments are only taking about 13 pounds.  Anglers report seeing a lot of fish cruising, but they are very spooky.  It seems that fish are in a post-spawn funk, and there hasn't been a significant enough shad spawn with the weather to really turn them back on.  Hopefully that will come later this week.  There are also a few bass that have yet to spawn, but those numbers are dwindling.  

Overall fish are on the bank, and the best bet is to fish something fairly subtle like a floating worm (bubble gum, white, or methiolate) or a small Pop-R.  You can also experiment with a Whopper Plopper.  Try the topwater baits around sea walls, especially before the sun gets very high.  Fishing a shakey head around docks is another good pattern.  

With about 6 inches of rain in the Upstate stay from the mid-lake down because the upper end will be dirty – while the lower end is still good.  They actually had the floodgates open last weekend and that may not have helped the bass fishing. 

Keep looking for the shad spawn, and when it gets going it will be around points with riprap early. 

The crappie are making a pretty big change on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that they are starting to move onto brush. There are still some in open water, but more of the fish are setting up on an early summer pattern over brush in 12-20 feet. Some fish are in the creeks and main lakes, but the creeks are fishing better. By mid-June there will probably be more on the main lake, but of course it all depends on weather.

Generally casting or dropping jigs is the best pattern, but it’s good to have minnows available.  

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that right now the best bet for catching channel catfish is to drift cut herring and shrimp. You can also anchor on points and humps in 5-25 feet of water with dip baits. To catch flatheads, anchor in the same areas with live bream and perch at night or target brush. 

April 21

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.05 (full pool is 440.0) and water clarity is pretty good. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 60s to lower 70s.

It’s been a weird week for striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that as recently as last Thursday the fishing was really good, but then like a light switch the fish turned off. The rain may not have helped. You can still pick up a few fish on down-lines in 20-30 feet of water, but now the best pattern has been putting the boat in about 15-20 feet of water on points and humps and fan-casting cut bait. You want to cover from 10-12 feet out to 30 and everything in between. 

As on Lake Murray you can fish about however you want for bass on Lake Greenwood right now, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that there are still some fish bedding as well as plenty of feeding post-spawn fish. It’s hard to go wrong fishing a floating worm or topwater around spawning pockets and flats, and with the shad spawn getting underway you also want to target points, riprap and black dock floats early with your favorite bait that imitates a shad. Once the sun gets up that pattern drops off but bass will generally stay in the same area where they can be caught on a worm on the bottom.

But for general fishing right now a floating worm is hard to beat.

There’s no significant change with the crappie this week on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the majority of the fish are back in open water. They are generally deep, and Roland’s boat is catching them in 20-40 feet of water off the main channel or in the mouths of creeks. He is catching them with jigs fished 10-15 feet down.

Fish have not yet started get on brush.

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that right now the best bet for catching channel catfish is to drift cut herring and shrimp. You can also anchor on points and humps in 5-25 feet of water with dip baits. To catch flatheads, anchor in the same areas with live bream and perch at night or target brush. 

April 11

Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 438.95 (full pool is 440.0) and the upper end is getting dirty after the rain while the mid- to lower lake is still clear. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 50s and lower 60s. 

The cold front over the weekend was just a blip, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that overall the bass fishing remains in a strong spring pattern on Lake Greenwood. Fish can be found at all three stages of the spawn, and basically all your traditional spring-time techniques will work. A floating worm has been fishing very well, topwaters are working, and of course you can bed fish. Docks and spawning pockets have been fish magnets. 

Before the cold snap a shad spawn was getting started, and within days it should be coming back online. Look around riprap and points with baits that imitate shad like spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and swimbaits.

It’s a very good striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that they are catching fish on main lake points with down-rods and some free lines. The fish are generally in about 20-30 feet of water, and most of them are holding about halfway down the water column. They have not seen much schooling yet.

The creeks are so insignificant on Greenwood that much of the year the best striper fishing is related to the main river channel.  

The crappie spawn is about over on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service(864-980-3672) reports that the majority of the fish are back in open water on the main lake. They are generally deep, and Roland’s boat is catching them in 20-40 feet of water off the main channel or in the mouths of creeks. He is catching them with jigs fished 10-15 feet down.

Rising water temperatures should soon improve the catfish bite on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish are scattered out and should be feeding  all along the river channel and deep flats in 10-30 feet of water. Drifting with cut herring or white perch is a good pattern. 

You can also still head up the rivers and drift in 10-20 feet. 

When water temperatures rise a few more degrees then fish should move shallower.