AHQ INSIDER Lake Greenwood (SC) 2022 Week 19 Fishing Report

by Jay
13 May, 2022

May 13

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.21 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are around 74 degrees.

The bass are in a transition period on Lake Greenwood, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that there are still a lot of fish up shallow but they are also starting to move out deeper. It’s already worth fishing a crankbait or a big worm and looking around brush piles in the 15-18 foot range.

However, for right now there still may be more fish shallow, and running the banks with a buzzbait is a good pattern. By buzzbait he actually means a buzzfrog or a buzzbait with a swimbait trailer. You can also fish docks with a jig or a shaky head. And even once the fish go deep it will still be worth fishing a floating worm or a Pop-R around sea walls early.

Overall, the best advice is to start in the middle to front section of creeks and work your way out – the same direction the fish should be heading – until you find them.

Even as the shad spawn may be slowing down the striped bass have not moved much, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that the best pattern for catching fish is still pulling free-lines. The mid-lake has been the best area and the bite has been good recently. They are picking up a mixed bag of species, including a lot of spotted bass.

While you could probably catch some fish on down-rods that is not a popular technique right now.

From a trip this week with Guide Daniel Skipper

It’s a pretty good post-spawn bite for crappie on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt, up there practicing for a Fish On! Bait and Tackle tournament series event, reports that there are a couple of strong ways to catch fish.

First, there are fish under all the bridges. The fish are in 10-22 feet of water, with some suspended and some near the bottom, but the common denominator is that they are in the darkest, most shaded parts of the bridges.

Second, especially up the river above the upper trestle there are fish on brush in the river channel. The best depth range has been 12 to 20 feet of water. There are crappie on brush down the lake as well, but from what Will has seen the further down you go into clearer water the deeper you have to look and the thinner the schools get.

The fish are hitting Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue and pearl white.

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.

May 4

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.13 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is clearing. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 70s.

It’s pretty much a post-spawn pattern for bass on Lake Greenwood, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that in his opinion the best way to catch the fish right now is simply to run the banks with a buzzbait. By buzzbait he actually means a buzzfrog or a buzzbait with a swimbait trailer, but the fish are in a mood right now where they will hit at something that causes surface commotion.

The other strong pattern for catching post-spawn fish is to concentrate on docks with a worm, particularly a shaky head.

While most of the fish are still shallow, it’s possible that a few have already gone deep. However, Stan doesn’t expect a good bite on brush until temperatures warm a few more degrees and more bait starts to head deeper.

The same is true for the striped bass, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that with the shad spawn underway the striper have no reason to head out to deeper water right now. While on many lakes the shad spawn is known for being purely an early morning phenomenon, on Greenwood some days it is over early but other days it lasts well into the day.

Regardless, since their food source is shallow the best pattern for catching fish is pulling free-lines. The mid-lake has been the best area and the bite has been good recently. They are picking up a mixed bag of species, including a lot of spotted bass.

While you could probably catch some fish on down-rods that is not a popular technique right now.

A good haul this week with Guide Daniel Skipper

The crappie on Lake Greenwood are starting to get into summer patterns, and Daniel Skipper reports that means they are getting on brush. Fish could be on brush that is only a few feet deep all the way out to brush in 20 or more feet, from the rivers to the dam, and so you really just have to look to see where they are holding.

Minnows are working well and Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew are also really good.

April 22

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.20 (full pool is 440.0) and, while much of the lake is dirty to muddy, the lower end is still fairly clear. Morning surface water temperatures are 65-68 degrees.

The bass on Lake Greenwood are just coming off a massive spawning wave, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that – while some straggler fish are still going to spawn – it is starting to be more about catching post-spawn fish. One good way to catch them is to throw topwater lures around the banks in spawning pockets, and Pop-Rs and prop baits are both good choices. In areas that aren’t too muddy a floating worm can work well.

Docks will also hold a lot of post-spawn fish, and you can also flip a worm or jig around laydowns. There are still a few fish on beds and so by targeting post-spawn fish that have stayed shallow you can catch fish at both stages.

Water conditions are high and dirty on Lake Greenwood, but Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that the crappie fishing continues to be strong even without calm, stable water conditions. With a mild spring and recurrent cold fronts for the second year in a row this is a very extended spawn, and so you can still find a few pre-spawn, spawning as well as post-spawn fish on Lake Greenwood.

Anglers can certainly fish around the banks by casting jigs or with a cork and jig/ minnow, but the most consistent pattern for Daniel’s boat has still been long-line trolling. He is having the best luck actually in the rivers.

As temperatures warm the striped bass fishing has come on even with muddy conditions, and Daniel is back on the fish pulling free-lines. While there are striper in other parts of the lake the mid-lake section has been most productive.

April 8

Lake Greenwood water levels have shot up to 438.96 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake has gotten very muddy. Water temperatures are around 62 degrees.

Harris Landing, Lake Greenwood on Wednesday

The water was getting muddy last week but it’s really muddy this week, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that three inches of rain will do that to you! As far as the crappie they are already on the banks spawning and they don’t have much choice but to keep going, but it does make the fishing a little tougher. Look for the crappie to be extremely tight to most any shallow cover right now. Minnows will still work and in jigs use something with as much visibility as possible.

It’s hard to talk about the bass without acknowledging the water conditions, but stepping back from that factor most of the fish are still pre-spawn, some are spawning, and a few are post-spawn. Despite the mud they have no choice but to keep on spawning, but anglers will not be able to see them. They will also have a harder time seeing baits.

Earlier in the week before conditions got so bad tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda was having the best success with a wacky-rigged Senko around docks. However, now that it has gotten so muddy he is only throwing a spinnerbait with big Colorado blades, a Chatterbait and a bulky jig around docks.

In addition to wanting to get tight to some sort of cover, Stan points out that it can be shocking just how shallow Greenwood bass will get in these conditions. It’s not unusual to find them so tight to the bank that their backs are almost sticking out of the water.

Stan Gunter with a fish caught earlier this week on Greenwood

While muddy inflow messes with the other bites, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reminds anglers that Lake Greenwood catfish love the mud and will move into the dirtiest water with freshwater coming in to feed. You can still drift the creeks and flats, but anchoring baits in shallow water where there is a lot of inflow is probably going to be the best pattern. Cut herring and shrimp will both work.

While he has not fooled with the striped bass since the water started to get so muddy, Daniel reports that if he were looking he would still be concentrating up the lake in the river sections with free-lines.

April 1

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.21 (full pool is 440.0) and at least ¾ of the lake has gotten very muddy. Morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 60s.

Muddy water conditions have thrown a wrench into normal spring bass patterns, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that most of the action is coming fishing a little red crankbait in the dirty water. Fish are in the creeks in areas where they will spawn, but for right now they want the red crankbait fished around rock.

You would think a spinnerbait would work too, but no one seems to be able to get bites on it right now. The other bait that is working is a shakey head fished around docks, perhaps because the docks give the fish something easy to relate to with such low visibility.

While unusual water conditions have made the bite less about normal stages of the spawn than usual, from what Stan is seeing the fish are mostly pre-spawn and spawning. There seem to only be a few post-spawn fish.

Conditions are a little different on the extreme lower end where the water is more clear.

Crappie and striper report to follow once Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) is back on the water.

March 25

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.08 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 60s.

The Lake Greenwood bass spawn kicked off a little later than it did on some other area lakes, but tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that fish are now starting to get on beds and spawn. Due to which areas warm first, the action started in the lower lake and is now making its way up. The bass don’t all spawn at the same time and so there are a ton of fish that are still pre-spawn. Floating worms are hard to beat for these fish, and they are also starting to take topwater lures. For fish that are committed to beds you often have to be looking at them to catch them, and Stan likes to fish a crawbait.

Even though not all the fish are at the exact same stage, they seem to all be in about the same areas right now. The fish are generally no deeper than 5 feet, and they can be all the way in the backs. And whether they are pre-spawn or spawning they are in the areas where they will spawn.

The catfish bite is getting better, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish are moving shallower. You can still look in the river channel and flats in 10-30 feet of water, but more fish are also getting in the backs of creeks. Drifting with cut herring or white perch has been most productive but you should also be able to anchor baits near the banks.

Crappie and striper report to follow.

March 17

Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 438.68 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is getting very muddy after rains this week. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 50s.

While he has not yet seen bass on beds on Lake Greenwood, tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that by this weekend it should be wide open with warm temperatures and the full moon. Look in the backs of creeks where fish should be moving up to spawn, and during this period Stan says you can’t go wrong with a floating worm on Greenwood. Change the color until you figure out what is working, but white, yellow, and black with yellow stripes can all be good. A floating worm will also catch fish that are actually bedding.

Very soon a topwater bite should also get underway, and Stan expects that by this weekend it could be good.

The crappie fishing has been very strong on Lake Greenwood, but Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) is concerned about all the fresh muddy water coming in. It remains to be seen how it affects the bite.

Fish had been scattered in the river and creek channels as shallow as 8 feet of water, with long-line trolling the key everywhere. Daniel is pretty much exclusively fishing Fish Stalker jigs with minnows.

By the weekend there could be some fish on the banks, but again it depends how the mud affects them.

Stan Gunter with a 15-inch crappie caught on a Red Eye Shad!

Daniel isn’t guiding for Greenwood striped bass right now, but they are still on flats right off the river channel. Free lines and planer boards are most productive.

The catfish bite is getting better, and unlike some other species Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish love the mud. Look in the river channel and flats in 10-30 feet of water, but also don’t be afraid to head into the backs of creeks in the dirtiest water looking for feeding fish. Drifting with cut herring or white perch has been most productive but you should also be able to anchor baits near the banks.

March 10

Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 437.73 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is getting muddy. Morning surface water temperatures range from about 58 to 63 but are about to plummet with the weather coming later this week.

It’s an excellent time for bass fishing on Lake Greenwood, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that fish are pulling up shallow and into the backs of creeks as they get into spawning mode. They are about as far back as they will go, and a few fish are already trying to bed. However, it’s likely that the cold will push them back a bit.

This is a particularly good time for fishing right now because bass are still in that pre-spawn mode where they are feeding up and will eating moving baits, but there are also fish starting to lock down that will only take soft plastics. In the dingy water spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits and squarebills will all work, and a floating worm fished about a foot under the surface is also good. And don’t overlook a shallow-running jerkbait.

Fish will also take a shakey head fished around docks, and a wacky-rigged Senko is also tough to beat.

Stan Gunter with a good one caught this week

The crappie fishing is strong on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fish are suspending and feeding very well in the creeks and rivers. In the rivers they can be anywhere in the channel, while in the creeks they will be as shallow as about 8 feet of water. While the areas are different long-line trolling is the key in both creeks and river channels, and Daniel is pretty much exclusively fishing Fish Stalker jigs with minnows.

There may be some fish starting to move onto the banks but it’s likely that this cold weather will knock them back.

Daniel isn’t guiding for Greenwood striped bass right now, but they are still on flats right off the river channel. Free lines and planer boards are most productive.

The catfish bite is still decent, and even though Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) is on Clarks Hill more these days it seems that most of the fish are still relating to the river channel and deep flats in 10-30 feet of water. Drifting with cut herring or white perch has been most productive.

March 2

Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 436.39 (full pool is 440.0) and the rivers are stained to muddy while the lower lake is pretty clean. Morning surface water temperatures range from about 58 to 63.

The crappie fishing is really starting to come on at Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that – while he has not yet seen any fish on the banks -they are starting to suspend and feed very well in the creeks and rivers. In the rivers they can be anywhere in the channel, while in the creeks they will be as shallow as about 8 feet of water. While the areas are different long-line trolling is the key in both areas, and Daniel is pretty much exclusively fishing Fish Stalker jigs with minnows.

A good catch this week with Guide Daniel Skipper

While this weekend may put them closer to spawning, for now tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that bass are still pretty much on a bait bite on Lake Greenwood. There have actually been a lot of fish schooling in pockets and creeks, and in the backs in 3-8 feet of water they can be caught on swimbaits, Rattle Traps and crankbaits.

When fish aren’t actually schooling you can target them on secondary points getting close to spawning coves with number 5 Shad Raps, square bill crankbaits and spinnerbaits (in the dirtier water and when there is wind). There could also be fish around docks that can be caught on jigs or shakey head worms.

Expect things to progress very quickly now that temperatures are getting so warm.

With changing water conditions the striped bass are on the move on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper reports that fish are starting to make the run up the rivers. Fishing free-lines and planer boards close to the banks is the best pattern.

Warmer air temperatures have already improved the catfish bite on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish are starting to scatter out and feed all along the river channel and deep flats in 10-30 feet of water. Drifting with cut herring or white perch has been working

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

February 23

Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 436.02 (full pool is 440.0) and up the lake there is some stained to muddy water, while down the lake is cleaner. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-50s.

It’s similar bass fishing conditions on Lake Greenwood to Lake Murray, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the fish have moved shallower this week. They are headed to the backs of creeks, and with extremely warm weather this weekend they will even be looking around in spawning pockets. However, Stan is almost certain that the cold snap at the beginning of next week will keep them from actually laying eggs and push them back out for a few days.

Right now the best pattern is running the banks with a bait where you can cover water, and crankbaits including Shad Raps, square-bills or lipless crankbaits are all good choices. You can also fish a jerkbait or an Alabama rig, even though the latter is about to fade out, and in stained areas a spinnerbait will work. This means higher up the lake on Greenwood.

Stan also notes that a lot of fish are holding around docks on Lake Greenwood, and with some fish moving up and others staging there are no docks that could not hold fish.

Next week Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) will be back on Lake Greenwood for striped bass more regularly, but for now he advises pulling free-lines and planer boards in shallow areas that are warming up. Fish will be anywhere that has bait, and so look for birds and other signs of life before fishing.

There will also be more crappie fishing information available next week, but Daniel advises that fish should be starting to move shallower and into the creeks as temperatures warm. Long-line trolling with jigs is the most popular way to target them.

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

February 16

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 435.29 (full pool is 440.0) and it’s pretty dingy up the lake, with a little color to the water down the lake. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 50s.

There is already some change with the bass fishing on Greenwood, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that as the water warms fish are moving out of winter patterns and starting to think about heading shallower and into the creeks. The Alabama rig bite is already fading out.

The best way to catch fish right now is with a #5 or #7 Shad Rap in shad or crawfish colors, and Stan recommends fishing the dirtier water mid-lake and up into the Reedy River. Spinnerbaits will also work in the same areas. Fish are still feeding on bait right now, and you should start out in the front of creeks and work your way back.

Docks are also very good places to look.

Guide Daniel Skipper with a couple of good ones caught this week

February 10

Lake Greenwood water levels have risen quickly to 436.09 (full pool is 440.0) and parts of the lake are stained. Morning surface water temperatures are mostly in the mid-40s.

Things with the bass fishing on Greenwood are probably on the verge of changing with this warm weather coming, but tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that for now bass haven’t moved very much. There still isn’t much of a shallow bite, and the best action is coming in mid-depths or deep.

It’s still hard to beat an Alabama rig fished in the 10-foot range around rock and brush, but there has also been a pretty good bite on jigging spoons in about 18-20 feet of water. Target points, creek channels, and anywhere you see bait stacked up. Deeper docks are also holding some fish.

It has taken about 16 pounds to win recent tournaments.

The Lake Greenwood striped bass bite has not improved, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that the water temperatures are still in the range where shad have slowed way down. As a result the striper have gotten full as a tick and don’t really need to eat.

The best pattern is pulling planer boards and free-lines, targeting any area where you see signs of life. Even with water levels starting to rise the best action is still in the mid-lake to lower end.

Again things are likely about to change, but for now Daniel reports that crappie fishing is also tough. Fish are around bridges but you have to work really hard for them. The fish are locked tight to the bottom, and the best way to catch them is tight-lining out as deep as 30 feet. Straight minnows are working the best.

Warmer air temperatures may put a little more life in the catfish bite soon, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best way to catch fish is to drag cut herring and gizzard shad. The best areas to fish are the flats right next to the river channel that are holding large schools of baitfish. Locate these areas by following the birds, but mid-lake in 15-30 feet is the best starting point.

February 1

Lake Greenwood water levels are low at 434.58 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is generally stained but not muddy. Morning surface water temperatures up the Reedy River are about 43 degrees while mid-lake they are about 45 degrees.

The Lake Greenwood striped bass bite has gotten very tough in the last few days, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that the water has gotten so cold that shad have slowed way down as they do in the last stage right before a fish kill. As a result the striper have gotten full as a tick and don’t really need to eat.

The best pattern is pulling planer boards and free-lines, targeting any area where you see signs of life. With the water low a lot of the riverine areas are unfishable and so the best action is in the mid-lake to lower end.

Unfortunately the crappie fishing is also tough, and Daniel reports that when he targeted them yesterday they were able to find some fish around bridges but had to work really hard for them. The fish are locked tight to the bottom, and the best way to catch them is tight-lining out as deep as 30 feet. Straight minnows are working the best.

While warmer weather later this week may offer a glimmer of hope, it probably won’t be until later this month that the fishing really improves.

A good day recently with Guide Daniel Skipper

The bass fishing on Greenwood has been a bit of a mixed bag, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that catching fish has been easier than getting a good one. It’s still hard to beat an Alabama rig fished in the 10-foot range, but there has also been a pretty good bite on jigging spoons in about 20 feet of water. Target points, creek channels, and anywhere you see bait stacked up.

While there isn’t much of a really shallow bite right now, the mid-depth fish have been most concentrated around areas where you can find rock and brush together. Docks are also holding some fish.

Without blues that like cold water the catfish bite always slows in the winter on Greenwood, but Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best bet is still to drift creek or main lake areas (ideally with some current) with cut herring, perch or shad. They could be at any depth but 10-25 feet is a good range to start out searching.

January 20

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 434.43 (full pool is 440.0) and you can find any water color from muddy up the rivers to clear down the lake. Morning surface water temperatures are as low as 45.

Any hope of a very early spring was walloped by the weather this past weekend, with more on the way, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that from what he has seen bass have moved into very predictable winter patterns. The Alabama rig is king on Lake Greenwood right now, and the key is basically to cover water from shallow to deep looking for fish. Docks, rocks and brush will all hold bass.

Additionally, particularly in clearer areas there has been a decent jigging spoon bite. A jig and drop shot are also working around offshore brush piles.

If you don’t want to throw the Alabama rig, a crankbait can also work well in the shallower zone, particularly in the more stained areas.

Stan Gunter's dog inspects a bass he caught yesterday

With the lake getting muddier and the temperatures similar all over, Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that striped bass can be found from one end of the lake to the other. They could also be found on the bank one second and in 25 feet of water the next, and so basically the key is to follow the gulls and loons and try to keep up with them as they roam and chase bait. They are most likely to be found on the main channel but even that is not a given.

The best way to target the fish is by trolling artificial baits such as umbrella rigs or casting at the birds, and they are on fairly small bait so rig your lines accordingly. Overall the bite is fairly good.

While the striper fishing is okay the crappie fishing is just tough, and with cold, muddy water it’s just not favorable conditions.

While nothing is good the best bet is tight-lining or long-lining in 15-20 feet of water for scattered fish that could be in the creeks or main lake. Jigs tipped with minnows are the best option and fish could be suspended well off the bottom.

As noted muddy conditions can even help the catfish bite, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with cats drawn to the inflow either following the bait or perhaps looking for something else to eat the best pattern is still to drift creek or main lake areas with fresh water coming in with cut herring, perch or shad. They could be at any depth but 10-25 feet is a good range to start out searching.

Still, Lake Greenwood does not have blue catfish – which still feed heavily in winter – and the population of channels and flatheads are less than ravenous.

January 6

Lake Greenwood water levels have shot up to 437.10 (full pool is 440.0) and the water is the color of chocolate milk on the upper end while some areas are still decent. Morning surface water temperatures have dropped into the low to mid 50s.

Things are changing fast with the bass on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that just a few days ago the warm weather had moved the fish into the creeks and they were actually catching fish on a buzzbait! There were fish as shallow as they could get in the creeks and a Rattle Trap was working well.

However, there were also fish being caught deeper in 20 or so feet of water, and as temperatures have dropped that bite is becoming the predominant pattern. The best way to catch big fish has been casting an Alabama rig over brush piles. Some anglers are using LiveScope to stay just above the brush which is working very well. You can also catch them on a jerkbait over brush.

Stan Gunter with a good one caught recently

With the lake getting muddier and the temperatures about the same from the dam to the rivers, Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that striped bass can be found from one end of the lake to the other. They could also be found on the bank one second and in 25 feet of water the next, and so basically the key is to follow the gulls and loons and try to keep up with them as they roam and chase bait. They are most likely to be found on the main channel but even that is not a given.

While the striper fishing is okay the crappie fishing is just tough, and with cold, muddy water it’s just not favorable conditions.

It’s a decent time for catfish on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with cats drawn to the muddy inflow either following the bait or perhaps looking for something else to eat the best pattern is still to drift creek or main lake areas with fresh water coming in with cut herring, perch or shad. They could be at any depth but 10-25 is a good range to start out searching.

December 22

Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 435.82 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are around 54 degrees. There is a slight stain on the upper end.

Recent trips have confirmed that Lake Greenwood bass are in winter patterns, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that means that most of the fish have pulled out of the creeks and set up on the main lake. There will also be some fish in the very front of major creeks.

That doesn’t mean that everything will be deep, and even though bass want deep water nearby they will also move up shallow or inhabit middle depths. Boat ramps can be very productive, and fishing an Alabama around docks is a strong pattern right now, especially around docks with 10-12 feet of water.

But the best catches right now are coming in deep water. Casting an Alabama rig and retrieving it over brush in 15-18 feet has been working very well.

With the huge population of spotted bass Stan will also be fishing a drop shot around brush, and a jerkbait will also work for these fish.

While most of the time in the early winter Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) will be fishing up the Reedy River for striped bass, right now he reports that they seem to be scattered out all over the lake. With water conditions habitable for fish everywhere they can be anywhere on the lake from inches of water up a river or creek to the dam on the bottom, and so it can require a lot of searching. Luckily seagulls and loons are present and provide the best clues to finding the fish. Anglers should also keep their eyes open for other visual cues as well as checking their graph. Trolling swimbaits and umbrella rigs, casting Alabama rigs and live bait can all work.

A nice striper caught this week with Guide Daniel Skipper

While Daniel still hasn’t spent much time targeting crappie right now on Lake Greenwood, from what he has seen the best fishing right now is around bridges and particularly the 72 Bridge. Try both minnows and jigs to see what the fish prefer.

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 are right there with them. On the upper half of the lake they are in 15-25 feet, and on the lower half they are in 25-35 feet. Drift the areas with the best concentrations of bait with cut herring, perch or shad.

December 16

Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 436.28 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-50s.

The bass on Lake Greenwood are starting to get into winter patterns, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that means he is concentrating on a few different things. He will be throwing Alabama rigs around deeper docks, main lake points and main creek points, looking for areas with about 10-12 feet of water. Some fish will be shallower than that but they want deeper water nearby.

With the huge population of spotted bass he will also be concentrating on deeper brush piles, and fishing a jerkbait over the brush is a good way to target fish. Drop shots will also work.

Finally, he will also be working a jig around any likely cover from shallow to deep including docks, brush piles and boat ramps.

Without much change in water temperature the striped bass are still in similar patterns, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that the key is to find the birds and the bait. Fish will go very shallow chasing bait and so more often that Daniel is studying his graph he is looking for signs of fish. By now he is concentrating most of his fishing activity up the Reedy River.

The best way to target fish is trolling swimbaits and umbrella rigs as well as casting them.

A couple of good ones caught this week with Guide Daniel Skipper

While Daniel hasn’t spent much time targeting crappie right now on Lake Greenwood, from what he has seen the best fishing right now is around bridges and particularly the 72 Bridge. Try both minnows and jigs to see what the fish prefer.

December 2

Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 436.81 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 50s.

The bass fishing has been fair on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that recently it’s taken about 14-15 pounds to win tournaments. With water temperatures in the ideal range fish can be about anywhere right now, but he is still concentrating his efforts in the creeks – particularly around rocks and docks. Square-billed crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and of course Alabama rigs will all work, and the key zone is 5-10 feet.

Of course now that there are so many spotted bass in Lake Greenwood you can also fill the boat fishing a drop shot around deep brush piles. These are great for getting a line pulled, but most of them are smaller.

November 19

Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 438.18 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures are about 58.

One of the best bass bites of the year is just starting on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that means Alabama rig time. This is the fall period where water temperatures are ideal for bass to be in the creeks as well as the main lake, and so Stan says that right now he will be throwing an A-rig both places. He will be fishing it around docks, shallow rock, and shallow brush from the bank out to about 10-15 feet in basically the same ways he would throw a crankbait.

If areas are too shallow or very dirty he will also throw a spinnerbait, and a squared-billed crankbait or Shad Rap can also be good. But Greenwood fish really seem to love the A-rig.

You can also catch some fish on deeper brush with a drop shot, but this is mainly a lot of spotted bass.

It’s a good time for crappie on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fish can be found from one end of the lake to the other as well as in the creeks following bait.

In the upper half of the lake where most of the bridges are located you can catch fish around the pillars on minnows as well as Fish Stalker Slab Tail jigs. Sometimes the fish will be close to the bottom, while some days they will be high in the water column, and you just have to tinker around with it until you locate the feeding fish.

Brush in general is also producing some fish, but brush off the ends of docks in about 5-15 feet of water is perhaps the best.

The striped bass bite is also on the upswing, and Daniel reports that at this time of year the key to catching fish is to look for bait. Fish could be so shallow that they are sticking their fins out of the water, and so instead of studying his graph he is often using his eyes to look for life. When he is relying on electronics Daniel isn’t always looking for fish as the Greenwood bait is often so thick that’s all you can see.

The best way to target fish is trolling swimbaits and Alabama rigs as well as casting them, and Daniel notes that while the lower end can hold fish by Thanksgiving he is usually fishing up the Reedy River. Birds are just starting to arrive.

Guide Daniel Skipper with a good 'un of both species

The Lake Greenwood catfish are still eating well in a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best pattern is still 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.

Through the end of this month should still be a really good time to catch a big flathead on live bait fished early, late and at night around brush.

November 11

Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 438.40 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 60s.

Finally the fishing is picking up on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that the action for crappie has improved from one end of the lake to the other. There are also more fish getting into the creeks following bait.

A good catch last week with Guide Daniel Skipper

The bass fishing appears to also be improving on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that as shad are getting into the creeks there are now more bass back there. Methiolate floating worms and buzzbaits are still worth throwing, but Rattle Traps, square-billed crankbaits and jerkbaits are also coming on. And as almost always, you can also pick up some fish on a shakey head worm around docks.

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 5

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.99 (full pool is 440.0) and the rivers are heavily stained. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 60s.

It’s been a slow transition to fall fishing on Lake Greenwood, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the shad are finally starting to move back into the creeks and the bass are following them. It’s still worth checking the main lake and cuts off of it, but starting at the mouths of the creeks and working your way back is now productive. For right now a buzzbait and a methiolate floating worm are really effective, and most any creek docks, wood or rock cover is worth throwing at. Pretty soon the surface bite will disappear and then Shad Raps, Rattle Traps, square-billed crankbaits and jerkbaits will be the baits of choice.

The Lake Greenwood catfish are eating well in a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best pattern is still 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.

It’s unlikely that too much will change for striper and crappie on Lake Greenwood until the lake finishes turning over this fall, and as a result Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fishing brush in 15-25 feet is still the best pattern for crappie – while for striper there doesn’t seem to be anything very good right now. If you want to target striper fishing down-lines on the lower end is probably as good as anything.

October 20

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.99 (full pool is 440.0) and the rivers are heavily stained. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-70s.

With water temperatures finally dropping veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the bass fishing is just starting to pick up on Lake Greenwood, and even though the fishing is not easy the fish are definitely moving around and eating more. There is starting to be a migration of shad into the creeks and pockets, and Stan suggests starting out fishing there and looking for bait. Fishing Whopper Ploppers and buzzbaits should get some surface bites, particularly around sea walls and walkways on pole docks. Fishing a shakey head is also a good bet.

Most of the largemouth should have left deeper brush, but if you are looking to get a lot of bites from spotted bass targeting them with a drop shot will work.

The Lake Greenwood catfish are eating well in a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best pattern is still 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.

It’s unlikely that too much will change for striper and crappie on Lake Greenwood until after the lake turns over this fall, and as a result Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fishing brush in 15-25 feet is still the best pattern for crappie while for striper there doesn’t seem to be anything very good right now. If you want to target striper fishing down-lines on the lower end is probably as good as anything.

October 7

Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 439.28 (full pool is 440.0) and recent rains are starting to muddy the upper end. The lower lake has been so clear it will take a lot for the dirty water to affect its clarity. Morning surface water temperatures are about 76 or 77 degrees.

As on many area lakes, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the bass fishing is still tough on Lake Greenwood. The best bet is probably still to fish sea walls with a topwater bait and then head out to deeper points and creek channels where there is some brush, but very soon anglers should be able to fish the creeks.

Shad are just starting to move back into the creeks, and there is already starting to be more bait in small pockets off the main lake where the bait usually heads first. Soon the shad will be back in the creeks and the fish will be following them, and a Rattle Trap, jerkbait, square-billed crankbait, Chatterbait or anything else that imitates shad will work.
A good strategy during this transition period can be to target docks with a jig or worm, watching closely to see where the bait is.

It’s a little early yet, but Stan loves to fish a buzzbait in the fall on Greenwood and that time is coming.

The crappie fishing remains at best fair on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that more and more of the fish are starting to move off brush and roam. Still, the most catchable fish are on brush in 15-25 feet of water, particularly earlier in the day. By late afternoon the brush bite slows down and fish move towards bridges or suspend.

While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or Glimmer Blue on very clear days), minnows are still working better.

The Lake Greenwood catfish have started to move into a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson(864-992-2352) reports that means he will be drifting between main lake flats and the river channel. The best drifts will criss-cross the river channel and the flats to 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.

The striped bass fishing is still tough on Greenwood and Daniel Skipper is still taking his trips for linesides over to Clarks Hill.

September 29

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.10 (full pool is 440.0) and the water is relatively clear. Surface water temperatures range from 78 in the morning to about 82 in the afternoon.

Even though morning surface water temperatures have dropped into the 70s, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the bass fishing is still tough on Lake Greenwood. For the minute the best bet is probably still to fish sea walls with a topwater bait and then head out to deeper points and creek channels where there is some brush, but fortunately there are some signs that is already changing.

It appears that the shad may be starting to think about moving back into the creeks, and there is already starting to be more bait in small pockets off the main lake where the bait usually heads first. Soon the shad will be back in the creeks and the fish will be following them, and a Rattle Trap, jerkbait, square-billed crankbait, Chatterbait or anything else that imitates shad will work.
A good strategy during this transition period can be to target docks with a jig or worm, watching closely to see where the bait is.

It’s a little early yet, but Stan loves to fish a buzzbait in the fall on Greenwood and that time is coming.

The crappie fishing is at best fair on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that more and more of the fish starting to move off brush and roam. Still, the most catchable fish are on brush in 15-25 feet of water, particularly earlier in the day. By late afternoon the brush bite slows down and fish move towards bridges or suspend.

While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or Glimmer Blue on very clear days), minnows are still working better.

The Lake Greenwood catfish have started to move into a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that means he will be drifting between main lake flats and the river channel. The best drifts will criss-cross the river channel and the flats to 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.

The striped bass fishing is basically non-existent right now on Greenwood and Daniel Skipper is still taking his trips for linesides over to Clarks Hill.

September 16

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.18 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-80s.

It’s still a really tough time for bass fishing on Lake Greenwood, and the frank report from veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda is that you are better off heading over to Lake Murray right now! However, if you are set on fishing Greenwood then the best bet is to fish shallow in the mornings around the sea walls with a topwater bait and then head out to deeper points and creek channels, especially where there is some brush. You can also target deeper docks with jigs and worms.

Nothing is very good right now but when temperatures drop into the mid-70s there should be some significant improvement.

This pooch admires the latest catch from Stan Gunter

The crappie fishing is still fair on Lake Greenwood, but Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that some of the fish are starting to move off brush and roam. Still, the most catchable fish are on brush in 20-25 feet of water, particularly earlier in the day. By late afternoon the brush bite slows down and fish move towards bridges or suspend.

While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or Glimmer Blue on very clear days), minnows are still working better.

Without much change in water temperature the catfish remain in a typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattered all over the lake anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch channel catfish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around. Both dip baits and cut herring are working well.

There can also be a good flathead bite at night on live bait around brush.

The striped bass fishing is basically non-existent right now on Greenwood and Daniel Skipper is still taking his trips for linesides over to Clarks Hill.

September 3

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.05 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures remain in the mid-80s.

We wish we had better news to share, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the bass fishing is still just tough on Lake Greenwood. Tournament weights in the small local tournaments still going on have been low, and as on some other in-state lakes there isn’t really a good shallow or deep pattern right now. If you want to scratch something together you probably need to look everywhere.

Even though the water quality isn’t great in the depths, and the fish have been beat on all summer long, you could still pick something up on the same brush piles everyone has been fishing with soft plastics. You could also get bit for the first hour or so with a topwater baits around sea walls, or a buzzbait or floating worm just going down the bank.

You can also fish main lake or creek points with a Texas rig, Carolina rig or big crankbait, and of course keep your eyes open for schooling activity.

While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or Glimmer Blue on very clear days), the bite has transitioned to more of a minnow bite by this stage of the summer.

The catfish remain in a typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattered all over the lake anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch channel catfish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around. Both dip baits and cut herring are working well.

There can also be a good flathead bite at night on live bait around the same brush where bass fishermen were throwing worms.

The striped bass fishing is basically non-existent right now on Greenwood and Daniel Skipper has mostly been on Clarks Hill since Greenwood became a bath tub.

AHQ INSIDER Lake Greenwood (SC) 2022 Week 19 Fishing Report – Updated May 13

Search

Get Hooked