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The newest Clarks Hill fishing report, updated July 2, can be found at: http://www.anglersheadquarters.com/ahq-insider-clarks-hill-gasc-summer-2017-fishing-report/
June 9
Clarks Hill water levels are at 323.61 (full pool is 330.00), and morning surface temperatures are around 83 degrees. Water conditions are very clear.
Unsurprisingly, Buckeye Lures in Augusta reports that as the summer heat sets in on Clarks Hill the bass fishing is starting to get tough. Further complicating things is that Clarks Hill water levels have come up several feet in the last month, which is making for some tricky conditions. Fish can’t decide where to be and so they are scattered.
While the heat is pushing fish deeper, early in the day you can find some fish up shallow. Around the bank grass you can throw a buzzbait or frog and target better fish. Darker colored frogs such as black or brown that imitate bream are working well. Because of the rising water levels there are some fish that are staying shallow all day, but they can be frustrating because even though you can see them cruising around they will only eat in very low light periods.
Particularly after about 9:30 or 10:00 anglers need to be targeting the deep humps and points in 10-15 feet of water. Dragging ½ ounce Football Mop Jigs or regular Mop Jigs is one way to catch fish, but if you want a bait with a lower profile a Spot Remover Magnum is a good option.
On the striped bass front, Captain William Sasser (864-333-2000) reports that very early in the morning they are finding the best bite fishing off main lake points in 40-45 feet of feet water on the bottom with live herring. The lower lake has been the best area, and while they aren’t catching any monsters they are getting a nice number of 10-15 pound fish. Midday fish are in the same areas, but they are just not as aggressive.
Smaller fish are hanging shallower, and 20-25 feet deep suspended over about 50 feet of water there are tons of 2-pound fish. They can be caught on shallower down-lines.
There are big hybrids out in front of the dam and some are being caught by boats tied up to the cable.
Crappie fishing has been very strong, and this early summer William’s boat is finding some very nice fish stacked up on brush in the Georgia Little River. Fishing minnows about 15 feet down over 25 feet of water has been the best pattern. They have been moving a lot and finding five or so good fish around most brush piles.
