December 21

Lake Keowee is at 97.8% of full pool and water clarity remains very high on the main lake. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the low to mid-50s over most of the lake with the warmest water mid-lake around 60 degrees.    

Water temperatures have continued to fall over the lake, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that, for the most part, bass are now in a traditional winter pattern. Many fish are found in deeper water (40 plus feet) along creek channels, channel swings, and ledges.  Areas with large amounts of baitfish are the best with a drop shot, spoon, or jig on the bottom. 

In the mid-lake where it is warmer more fish are still shallow, and a jerkbait on points can be effective here as well. 

December 8

Lake Keowee is at 99.0% of full pool and water clarity remains very high on the main lake. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the low 60s over most of the lake.  

Water temperatures have fallen a bit more this week, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that many fish have moved into more traditional winter spots such as creek channels, deep drop-offs in creeks, ledges, etc. in water depths from 50-75 feet.  These fish can be targeted with a drop shot, spoon, blade bait, or jig on the bottom. 

Some fish can also be caught on a jerkbait off points and humps where bait is present.  Sunny afternoons will have some fish pulling up around docks to take advantage of the warmer water and can be targeted with soft plastics. 

Overall, fishing remains very good on the lake and it is nice to be on the water absent the wakeboard boats!

November 30

Lake Keowee is at 98.7% of full pool and water clarity is very high on the main lake. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the low 60s over most of the lake with the warmest water mid-lake near the nuclear facility.

Water temperatures have fallen more quickly this past week with the cold weather, and as a result N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that a good wave of bass have begun moving toward deeper, wintertime locations in the mouths of creeks, around deep ledges and drop-offs, and near channel swings.  These fish can be caught with a drop shot, spoon, or jig in fifty plus feet of water. 

Some fish are also suspended off secondary points in areas where bait is found and they can be targeted with a jerkbait or small swimbait.  Finding areas holding schools of shad or blueback herring is a key to the location where these schools of bass are present. 

Overall, fishing remains good on the lake as we move into winter patterns.

November 25

Lake Keowee is at 97.6% of full pool but levels continue to fluctuate significantly, and water clarity is very high on the main lake. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the mid-60s over most of the lake.

As water temperatures continue to drop N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that bass continue to move into more of a winter-time pattern with a good bite in major creeks being found in 40-60 feet of water with a drop shot or small spoon.  Some bait has also migrated to the back of some creeks and sporadic schooling is taking place in areas with large quantities of bait fish.  Soft plastics are still working out to 20 feet or so on secondary points and around deeper docks. 

Overall, fishing remains good on the lake as we transition to winter.

November 16

Lake Keowee is at 98.0% of full pool and water clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the 60s over most of the lake.

Finally water temperatures are dropping, and as they slowly fall N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that a good migration of bait and spotted bass into the creeks has been the result.  Less action can be found on the main lake.

There is a very good bite in 40-50 feet of water or so in most of the major creeks – look for bait and, if it is there, spotted bass will be around.  A drop shot, small spoon, or swimbait can be used to target these fish.  There are also some fish shallow, out to 20 feet or so, that can be targeted with soft plastics.  Some sporadic schooling activity is still occurring at times so have a topwater handy. 

Overall, this is an excellent time for numbers on the lake.

November 9

Lake Keowee is at 96.8% of full pool and water clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 70s over most of the lake.

For yet another week water temperatures on Lake Keowee stubbornly refuse to drop into the 60s, and as a result N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the bass are still in an early (instead of late) fall pattern.  Much bait remains on the main lake, with a slow transition of bait moving into the major creeks.

An early morning bite with crankbaits and spinnerbaits on main lake points is still a good starting place.  Then throughout the day fish can be caught on soft plastics out to 20 feet or so on the main lake. Also try long points with a topwater or swimbait. 

In the creeks, use a drop shot or small spoon in 35 plus feet for the fish that have already arrived.  Expect to see a quick migration of a lot of fish into the creeks in the next couple of weeks. 

Overall, fishing is good but keep moving around until bait is found in an area.

November 2

Lake Keowee is at 97.4% of full pool and water clarity is even higher than normal. Morning surface water temperatures have dropped to about 70 degrees over most of the lake.

With the cooler weather water temperatures have really dropped on Lake Keowee, and as a result N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the bass have started to transition into the creeks following schools of bait.  This pattern should only accelerate in the coming days. 

The early morning bite has diminished a bit, but first thing some fish can still be caught on a square-bill crankbait or spinnerbait on both main lake and creek points.  A good topwater bite in pockets is also present early, and on the main lake you can find some fish chasing bait on top later in the morning and afternoon.  They can be caught with a topwater, small spoon, or drop shot rig when they go down. 

Fishing is good on the lake and should get even better over the next couple of weeks.

Finally, with low water levels Charles reminds anglers to watch out for any shallow areas and shoal markers. 

October 27

Lake Keowee is at 97.3% of full pool and water clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures over most of the lake are still around the mid-70s. 

With the warm weather this past week water temperatures have fallen only slightly on the lake, and as a result N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the bass pattern remains in a fall transition with many fish still on the main lake feeding on schools of baitfish.  These fish can be targeted early on points with topwater lures, spinnerbaits, or square-bill crankbaits. 

After the sun gets up, focus on points on the main lake and the mouth of major creeks where bait is present.  There has been a little more schooling activity each day and this trend will continue. 

There are also some fish beginning to move into creeks and they can be targeted with a drop shot in 40-50 feet of water.  Expect the transition to pick up steam next week with the cold weather forecasted to be moving in.

October 19

Lake Keowee is up to 98.5% of full pool and the main lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures over most of the lake are now in the mid-70s. 

Cooler weather is having a significant impact on water temperatures, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that as temperatures drop bass continue to be more active as we move into a more definite fall pattern. 

An early bite with a square-bill crankbait or spinnerbait on points is working.  Topwater lures such as a buzzbait are also producing early. 

As the sun rises, the topwater bite can continue in creeks and pockets with bait present.  There is still a lot of bait on the main lake and those fish can be targeted with a drop-shot rig, spoon, or topwater depending on their depth.  Having the boat in 40-50' of water off main lake points has been productive for these fish. 

Bait is also now starting to migrate into the major creeks and this trend will continue in the coming weeks.  More surface schooling activity is being noted every day, particularly mid- to late afternoon.  Have a walking bait ready at all times. 

Fishing is good on the lake and should only get better over the next few weeks.

October 12

Lake Keowee is at 96.9% of full pool and the main lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures range from about 77-80 degrees, with the coolest water in the backs of creeks and on the north end of the lake. 

Water temperatures continue to slowly drop on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson(864-324-2065) reports that as a result fish are more active each week. 

An early bite on points and wind-blown shorelines with a crankbait or topwater is working.  The topwater bite is lasting longer each morning and can extend throughout the day if weather conditions are right. 

Schooling activity is present at times and should become more common over the next couple of weeks. 

Fish can also be targeted shallow with soft plastics as well as deep with a drop shot.  

October 7

Lake Keowee is at 96.9% of full pool and the main lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures are still about 80 degrees over most of the lake. 

With the warm weather this past week, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that water temperatures have held pretty steady. However, cooler weather starting this weekend should result in temperatures dropping a few degrees over the next couple of weeks. 

Overall, fishing is good as the spotted bass are moving into more of a fall pattern.  An early bite on points and windy shorelines with a square-bill crankbait or spinnerbait is producing fish.  As the sun rises a topwater bite can be found in coves and creeks where baitfish are present.  This topwater bite can be extended throughout the day in areas holding bait. 

Fish can also be caught on soft plastics out to 20 feet or so on points.  Small 4-inch worms are working best on this pattern. 

Expect the fishing to continue to improve over the coming weeks as the water cools into the mid 70s.

September 28

Lake Keowee is at 97.3% of full pool and the main lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures are about 80 degrees on the north and south ends while the mid-lake is still in the lower 80s first-thing. 

As water temperatures continue their decline, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the bass continue to become more active.  An early morning bite on points with a square-bill or similar crankbait is working on main lake and secondary points.  This can also be an area to throw a topwater bait.  Some fish are chasing bait in the mornings in major creeks as well, and a topwater can be used until at least mid-morning in these areas. 

After the sun gets up, targeting the end and sides of points out to 40 feet of water with a drop shot or other soft plastic is working.  A late afternoon bite can be found on points where fish are chasing bait again as the sun begins to drop. 

Overall, fishing is good and getting better each week.

September 21

Lake Keowee is at 97.2% of full pool and the main lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures have dropped into the low 80s over most of the lake. 

As water temperatures continue to fall, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that bass are beginning to become more active and chasing bait on top.  This is occurring back in some main lake coves and on main lake points (more so in the evening on the points).  This activity should only become more common in the next few weeks. 

An early bite with a topwater such as a buzzbait or small crankbait on points is also producing.  In areas where fish are chasing bait early, the topwater bite can continue until mid-morning.  After that, a dropshot out to 40 feet or so is a good option.  Finding areas holding good populations of baitfish will likely result in some schools of spotted bass being around. 

Overall, fishing is improving as we move into fall and should only get better in the coming weeks.

The catfish reports continue to be strong on Lake Keowee, even though Guide Sam Jones of Jocassee Charters (864-280-9056) reports that more ten-pound fish are showing up this week than 20 pluses. Looking around bridges and marking fish on the bottom in 30-100 feet has still been the best pattern. From there it’s just a matter of putting on spot-lock, dropping down cut bream or chicken breasts, and holding on. 

The relative lack of pressure on these fish must be a factor in the incredible fishery. 

September 14

Lake Keowee is at 98.7% of full pool and the main lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the low to mid-80s. 

As water temperatures have begun a slow descent, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that we have finally turned the corner and are heading towards fall on the lake.

There is an early bass bite on points, and a small crankbait or buzzbait is a good starting point.  As the sun gets up, they are starting to see more fish chasing bait on the surface, both on the main lake and in major creeks and coves.  Have a topwater bait ready for these fish.  This pattern should only improve in the coming weeks. 

Deeper fish can be targeted with a drop shot out to 50 feet or so on points and creek channels. 

Charles expects fishing to significantly improve over the next few weeks given the cooler nights.

September 8

Lake Keowee is at 98.2% of full pool and the main lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures are mostly in the mid-80s. 

While there’s not a whole lot of change on other fronts this week, Guide Sam Jones of Jocassee Charters (864-280-9056) reports that the catfish action has been pretty phenomenal on Lake Keowee recently. Catching 200 pounds of 10-20 pound blues before lunch is par for the course, and looking around bridges and marking fish on the bottom in 30-100 feet has been the best pattern. From there it’s just a matter of putting on spot-lock, dropping down cut bream or chicken breasts, and holding on. 

Probably in part due to a lack of fishing pressure the numbers of good-sized fish have been incredible, and there is no doubt some monsters are also swimming around. 

Unfortunately, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that with the persistently high water temperatures the bass bite remains slow on Keowee.  An early morning bite on points and rocky shorelines with a topwater is producing a few fish, and some schooling is also happening occasionally in the morning, but it is random.  A shallow bite around bream beds is producing the bigger fish. 

The deep, suspended bite has not been consistent at all this summer and fish are not being found in their usual summer offshore areas.  For deeper fish, a drop shot around humps in 30 feet of water is a good strategy.  

September 1

Lake Keowee is at 98.1% of full pool and, while heavy rainfall on Tuesday has muddied the backs of major creeks, the main lake remains very clear. Morning surface water temperatures remain at their summertime highs with mid to upper 80s throughout the lake. 

Water temperatures have held steady this past week, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that with the high water temperatures the bass bite remains slow on Keowee.  An early morning bite on points and rocky shorelines with a topwater is producing a few fish.  Some schooling is also happening occasionally in the morning, but it is random.  A shallow bite around bream beds is producing the bigger fish. 

The deep, suspended bite has not been consistent at all this summer and fish are not being found in their usual summer offshore areas.  For deeper fish, a drop shot around humps in 30 feet of water is a good strategy.  

August 25

Lake Keowee is at 97.6% of full pool and water clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures remain in the upper 80s over most of the lake while low 80s can be found at the base of the Jocassee dam.

Water temperatures have held steady this past week, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that bass fishing has continued to slow with the heat.  The early bite is much weaker than a couple of weeks ago on points with a topwater bait.  Main lake points, coves and creeks holding bait are holding more fish.  Some sporadic schooling activity is occurring in these areas so having a topwater bait handy through mid-morning is a good idea. 

Otherwise, after the sun gets up, looking for deeper suspended fish is a good technique but they can be very difficult to locate.  Tournament weights have been lower as well with anything over 10 pounds being a good catch this week. 

Expect the bite to remain difficult over the next few weeks with the high water temperatures.

August 17

Lake Keowee is at 97.7% of full pool and water clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures remain in the mid- to upper 80s over most of the lake.

Conditions are pretty stable on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that as a results the fishing patterns are, too. There is an early topwater bite on points and cuts off points, and then after the sun gets up you can either try a shallow pattern with a buzzbait, frog, and popper or you can fish deep with a drop shot.  Both patterns will work, but there are bigger fish on the shallow pattern but more fish on the deeper pattern.  The drop shot is working out to 60 feet on points and ledges. 

Boat traffic was very high this past weekend, and it’s difficult to fish on the main lake under those conditions.  

August 11

Lake Keowee is at 97.1% of full pool and water clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the mid- to upper 80s over most of the lake, with the coolest water at the Jocassee dam in the low 80s.   

Water temperatures have remained constant this week, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that they are at, or nearing, their summertime highs. As a result bass are in a summertime pattern with an early bite on topwater lures on points.  Some schooling is happening throughout the day, but the locations are random and you just have to be in the right place at the right time. 

After the sun gets up, a deeper bite out to 50 feet on points can be found with soft plastics such as a drop shot.  Some fish are also suspended/cruising over deep water and can be targeted with the drop shot also. 

For anglers looking for a shallower bite, fishing with a frog or popper is the best bet for fish chasing bream around docks or any structure. 

The hot weather and boat traffic make fishing after mid-morning difficult.

August 3

Lake Keowee is up to 98.8% of full pool and water clarity was normal (clear) before today’s rains. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the mid- to upper 80s over most of the lake, with the coolest water at the Jocassee dam. 

Water temperatures are still around their summertime high on the lake, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that, unsurprisingly, there has not been much change since the last report. 

An early topwater bite on points is a good starting point, and then anglers should gradually move out deeper as the sun gets up.  Soft plastics out to 40 feet on points and steep banks will work as the day progresses.  For shallow fishing, a popper or similar bluegill-type of approach is an option. 

Some fish are suspended over deep water mid-day, but they are very difficult to locate.  

July 27

Lake Keowee is at 97.7% of full pool and water clarity is normal (clear). Morning surface water temperatures are now in the mid- to uppers 80s over most of the lake, with the coolest water at the Jocassee dam now at 80 degrees. 

With the hot weather water temperatures continue to inch up on the lake, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that an early topwater bite with a walking bait or buzzbait is still present on points early.  Some secondary and main lake points will see some schooling fish in the mornings as well. 

After the sun gets up, soft plastics from 20-40 feet deep are a good bet on points and steep drop-offs or any structure that can be found.  Some fish are suspending over deep, open water but this bite has been difficult to pattern and find consistency. 

Most tournaments on the lake are now going out at night with a 12-pound limit being a good weight. 

July 21

Lake Keowee is at 98.7% of full pool and water clarity is normal (clear). Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-80s over most of the lake, while the northern end remains in the low 80s.  

Water temperatures continue to slowly climb on the lake, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that – while an early bite with a topwater or small crankbait on points continues to produce some fish – this pattern is getting a bit slower each week as the summer progresses.  The topwater bite will extend a couple of hours after daylight if cloudy conditions are present or in any area with a large concentration of baitfish – primarily on the main lake.  The very northern end of the lake can produce on cloudy days if Duke Energy is moving water at the dam. 

Otherwise, after the sun gets up, soft plastics on deep drops or ledges out to 30 feet or so, or a drop shot out to 50 feet, are the best choice.  For shallow fishing, look for bream beds. 

Expect the bite to get tougher as we head into August and the hottest water of the year.

July 15

Lake Keowee is at 97.7% of full pool and water clarity is normal (clear). Morning surface water temperatures are now in the mid to upper 80s over most of the lake, with the coolest water below the Jocassee dam.

As water temperatures continue to rise, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that an early bite is still present on topwater lures or small crankbaits, but it is not as productive in the last few days. However, that’s still a good starting point. 

After the sun gets up, soft plastics out to 40 feet or so on points are a good choice.  There are also some fish beginning to suspend over deeper water on the main lake and some good fish can be caught if you can find them.  A shallow bite around bream beds is another tactic in the hot weather. 

Night tournaments are averaging 10-12 pounds in general, and night is a good time to fish the lake in the heat of the summer.

July 6

Lake Keowee is at 98.7% of full pool and water clarity has returned to normal. Water temperatures are in the low 80s over most of the lake, although north of the Highway 11 bridge the high 70s can still be found. 

With the warmer water, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that fishing has slowed in the past week.  An early bite on points with small crankbaits and topwaters can still be found, but the topwater bite after the first hour of daylight has diminished significantly.  Look for areas holding baitfish to extend the topwater action.  A shallow bream bed bite can also be found with a popper or prop bait, particularly early. 

Otherwise, soft plastics on points out to 40 or so feet is the best bet after the sun gets up, especially if there is no wind or cloud cover.  It is the time of year to consider night fishing with the warmer water and heavy boat traffic on the lake.