January 17

Water temperatures are around 56 in Murrells Inlet and the water is clean but not clear. Baisch Boys Bait and Tackle (843-651-1915) has regular and jumbo mud minnows, live shrimp, live fiddler crabs, fresh shrimp, salt clam, and a full range of frozen baits. 

Inshore fishing remains spotty along the south end of the Grand Strand, although Captain J Baisch (843-902-0356) reports

January 17

Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 437.44 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures are in the upper 50s. The lake ranges from muddy to stained.

Atypical water conditions are making for some tough bass fishing conditions on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports

January 16

Inshore surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand have risen into the high 50s and even low 60s. The water is a dirty green in some areas. 

The fishing was better on the north end of the Grand Strand before temperatures rose and the water dirtied up, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports

January 16

Clarks Hill water levels are above full pool at 330.46 (full pool is 330.00) and surface temperatures range from about 52-57 degrees. While water clarity varies over the lake, overall the lake ranges from stained to muddy.

Even though it’s not textbook winter conditions for striper and hybrids on Clarks Hill, William Sasser Guide Service (706-589-5468) reports

January 15

Inshore surface water temperatures in Charleston are around 57 degrees, and water clarity is overall very good.

While fishing on some parts of the coast has dropped off due to the unseasonably warm weather, Redfin Charters (843-277-5255) reports

January 15

Lake Murray water levels are at 355.34 (full pool is 360.00), and surface water temperatures are in the mid-50s. There is lots of mud and current moving down the lake.

These are confusing times for bass and even more for bass fishermen on Lake Murray, and veteran tournament angler Captain Doug Lown reports

January 15

Inshore surface water temperatures around Hilton Head are up to the low 60s, and even though clarity has not been great because of winds and high tides the water is starting to clear again. 

The warming months of March and April are typically two of the toughest months of the year for catching redfish around Hilton Head, but Captain Kai Williams (843-816-7475) reports

January 15

Lake Hartwell water levels are bouncing either side of full pool and currently at 659.86 (full pool is 660.00), and water temperatures are around 51 degrees. The lake is uncharacteristically muddy in areas like the Seneca River as well as all the creeks, and there is trash floating everywhere. Anglers should take caution when navigating and look out for obstructions like logs. 

Even though water conditions are really tough, Guide Brad Fowler reports

January 15

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island average about 58 degrees, and the North Edisto is very clear while the South Edisto is dark and tannic from all the freshwater coming down the river. 

The trout action is very strong for this time of year, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports

January 14

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.83 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 74.47 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Surface temperatures have risen into the low 60s in some places, and the water ranges from stained to muddy.

All of this warm weather has completely changed the bass bite on Santee Cooper, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports

January 10

Inshore surface water temperatures are approximately 54 degrees in Beaufort. The water has cleared up nicely and visibility is good.

After a few slow days the redfish bite has improved in the Beaufort area, and Bay Street Outfitters (843-524-5250) reports