December 15

After recent rains Lake Greenwood water levels are at 436.20 (full pool is 440.0) and above the first trussell is stained. The middle to lower lake is relatively clear. Morning surface water temperatures are around 54 degrees.  

It’s a really tough bass bite on Lake Greenwood, especially if you are looking for largemouth! Veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that he really isn’t sure where the largemouth bass are right now, and tournaments are typically being won with 12 or so pounds of spotted bass. The Alabama rig is the thing, and the best pattern has been fishing it deep for spots. They are pulling it over the same 15-18 foot brush they fish in the summer. 

A few fish are also shallower, as with water temperatures where they are fish can be anywhere. But largemouth are very difficult to locate. 

There are a still a few crappie on structure, but Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that by now most of the fish are starting to come off structure and move into the intersection of creek mouths and the main channel. The fish are in open water chasing bait, and they are generally suspended 10-15 feet down over water anywhere from 20 to 35-40 feet deep. While Roland is using LiveScope and casting at the fish, you can also long-line troll for them. Jigs tipped with minnows are working the best, and the color of jig varies with the day and light conditions. Tight-lining is also possible but Greenwood is a better long-lining lake.

It’s still a very good bite for striped bass this week on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fish are feeding extremely well.  With water temperatures very comfortable for the fish they are still in both the creeks and the main lake, but look for sea gulls and loons to lead you to them. Down-lines fished about 20 feet below the surface are working very well, but throwing Alabama rigs is also a strong pattern. 

On the catfish front, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with baitfish gathering 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.

December 2

After recent rains Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 437.53 (full pool is 440.0) and there is just a slight stain on the upper end. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-50s. 

In some ways it’s an extremely tough bass bite on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that about 12 pounds has been winning recent tournaments.  But while it’s tough to get big fish, the lake is so full of spotted bass now that catching numbers of spots is much easier.

Right now the key to getting bit seems to be throwing an Alabama rig, and fish have been turning up there noses at pretty much everything else from jerkbaits to crankbaits to shakey heads. With LiveScope you can actually see them ignoring the other baits, both a blessing and an infuration!

A shallow bite has been totally lacking, and the best action has been coming pulling the rig over deep brush. There are also fish around bridges, trussells and deeper docks. 

There’s not much change with the crappie this week on Lake Greenwood, although Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that there are starting to be more fish on the upper end of the lake starting to move out into open water following bait. They are suspended 10-15 feet down in 18-20 feet of water.

Beyond that, fish are still highly related to main lake structure including brush and bridges. Generally they are suspended 10-15 feet down in 18-30 feet of water, while on the shallower upper end structure-related fish could be at the same depth but in 15-20 feet of water.  Both jigs and minnows are fishing well, and Roland always has both on the boat.

It’s even better news with the striped bass this week on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fish are feeding extremely well.  With water temperatures very comfortable for the fish they are in both the creeks and the main lake, but look for sea gulls and loons to lead you to them. Down-lines fished about 20 feet below the surface are working very well, but throwing Alabama rigs is also a strong pattern. 

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 17

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 437.98 (full pool is 440.0) and the lower lake is relatively clear while there is some dirty water up the lake. Morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 60s. 

This week we are pleased to introduce a new crappie expert from Lake Greenwood, Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672).  Captain Addy reports that it’s a very good bite right now, and fish are highly related to main lake structure including brush and bridges. Generally they are suspended 10-15 feet down in 18-30 feet of water, while on the shallower upper end they could be at the same depth but in 15-20 feet of water. Both jigs and minnows are fishing well, and Roland always has both on the boat. A few fish are in the major creek channels, but generally it won’t be until February or March that they will migrate into the creeks.

For right now fish are not really related to open water, and it will need to get colder for that to happen.  Usually that starts in January, although some fish will move that way sooner.

The bass fishing remains pretty tough on Lake Greenwood, and with a massive high school tournament out of the state park this weekend it will be interesting to see how they figure them out.  Veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda is betting on an Alabama rig to be the key, and he would be concentrating on main lake docks in 2-8 feet of water.  There could also be fish in the creeks. Fish are on small bait so Stan will be throwing 3.5 inch or less swimbaits on the Alabama rig, and if he wants to throw underneath a dock he will probably cast a spinnerbait. It’s still warm enough that you could even throw a buzzbait, too. 

If it’s really tough and fish won’t chase slow down with a shakey head.

Spotted bass add a whole new dynamic to the lake, and they will stay out deep. These fish are on the same 15-18 foot brush that they fish in the summer.

It’s a transition time for largemouth and so you have to do a lot of searching to find the fish, but Stan recommends keeping the Alabama rig in your hand as much as possible while looking.  

It’s still good news with the striped bass on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fish are feeding well. All over the lake he is catching fish on down-lines fished about 20 feet below the surface, and with water temperatures very comfortable for the fish they are in both the creeks and the main lake. Most of the time they are around schools of bait. 

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 action is still coming 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 10

Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 438.09 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is relatively clear. Morning surface water temperatures are about 65 degrees. 

It’s been a long, slow grind for the bass this fall on Lake Greenwood, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that even though it hasn’t yet shown up in tournament weights the fishing finally seems to be getting better. With water temperatures pretty much guaranteed to drop in the next few days true fall patterns should finally kick in.

Fish have been in the pockets and creeks, but this front should finally push them all the way into the backs. The best catches have come in about 5 feet of water around natural rock, and a medium-running crankbait has been working the best. Jerkbaits should also work, and of course it won’t be too long until the Greenwood magic – an Alabama rig – comes into play.

When conditions are tough it’s still a good bet that a shakey head will pick up some fish around docks. 

It’s still good news with the striped bass on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fish are feeding well. All over the lake he is catching fish on down-lines fished about 20 feet below the surface, and with water temperatures very comfortable for the fish they are in both the creeks and the main lake. Most of the time they are around schools of bait. 

The crappie fishing is also good, and Daniel is still running a lot of trips where they fish for a combination of striper and crappie. Fish are on deeper brush all over the lake, but he is also catching them on brush in as little as 7 feet of water. Sometimes they are on the bottom in 20 feet and sometimes they are suspended over brush in 7-10 feet. It’s hard to find a lot of pattern to them, and again very mild water temperatures mean fish can be about anywhere there is food.  You just have to look.

Minnows are working but Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew have been even better at times. 

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. 

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 4

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 437.68 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is relatively clear. Morning surface water temperatures are about 66 degrees. 

There’s finally better news with the striped bass on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that the patterns have not changed a whole lot but fish are feeding much better. It has to be a result of cooling water temperatures and seasonal improvement.

All over the lake he is catching fish on down-lines fished about 20 feet below the surface, and with water temperatures very comfortable for the fish they are in both the creeks and the main lake. Most of the time they are around schools of bait. 

The crappie fishing has also really turned on, and Daniel is running a lot of trips where they fish for a combination of striper and crappie. Fish are on deeper brush all over the lake, but he is also catching them on brush in as little as 7 feet of water. Sometimes they are on the bottom in 20 feet and sometimes they are suspended over brush in 7-10 feet. It’s hard to find a lot of pattern to them, and again very mild water temperatures mean fish can be about anywhere there is food.

Minnows are working but Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew have been even better at times. 

Despite good water temperatures it’s a surprisingly tough bass bite on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that tournament weights have been surprisingly low. It’s not taking much over 10 pounds recently.

Fish are following the bait back into the pockets and creeks, but they are just not biting very well. Baits that imitate shad such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or jerkbaits will all work, but when it gets really tough Stan is resorting to a shakey head around docks. 

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. 

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.

October 26

Lake Greenwood water levels are 437.68 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is relatively clear with no recent rain. Morning surface water temperatures are about 66 degrees. 

As temperatures drop the bass are moving shallow, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the shad have mostly moved way back in the creeks. You need to keep working your way back until you find the bait, but when you do find them both a buzzbait and a Whopper Plopper are fishing well. A square-billed crankbait and a lipless crankbait are also both good in pockets with bait. 

Finally, a lot of fish have been caught on a shakey head around shallow docks recently.  Water temperatures are in a range where fish are very comfortable up shallow.

October 21

Lake Greenwood water levels are 437.69 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is relatively clear. Morning surface water temperatures are about 66 degrees. 

It’s still a strong crappie bite on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson reports that fish should stay on the brush pattern until temperatures really dip. 

They are still on brush in about 25 feet of water, and they are suspended from 6 feet down all the way to the bottom.  During cold snaps they will hold closer to the bottom. The best action is in the mid-lake. 

Up the river some fish are a bit shallower in 20-21 feet, but these are generally smaller. There are also some fish getting back in the creeks but for now they are mostly even smaller – often sub-keepers. Soon some better fish should move that way. 

Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue are working well but minnows will also catch fish.  

The striped bass patterns continue to be really slow, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fish are still roaming all over the lake. However, they are very scattered and not feeding particularly well.

You can still target the fish with herring on down-rods in 15-30 feet, but trolling with umbrella rigs is also a good way to cover water. 

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 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. 

Bass report to follow. 

October 13

Lake Greenwood water levels are 437.72 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is relatively clear. Morning surface water temperatures are about 70 degrees. 

The crappie bite continues to pick up on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson reports that the winning team in last Saturday’s combined tournaments had seven fish weighing over 11 pounds. Several more teams had over a pound average, and Will and his tournament partner finished in fourth with 8.17. 

The fish were generally on brush in about 25 feet of water, and they were suspended from 6 feet down all the way to the bottom. The best action they found was in the mid-lake. Up the river they did find fish a bit shallower in 20-21 feet, but they were only up to about ¾ of a pound. There are also some fish getting back in the creeks and even shallower but they were almost exclusively in the 7-9 inch range with relatively few keepers.

From what Will saw the biggest fish were mixed in with the smaller ones on the 25-foot brush, but they would slide deeper and then swim off when they approached them. They ended up having to make long 40-45 foot casts to catch the better fish. Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue were the most effective bait. 

 

The bass fishing is picking up some on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that right now he would pretty much be throwing a buzzbait in the main run of the creeks and concentrating on rocky stuff. You can also skip it under shallower dock walkways. While there are still some fish on the main lake, he thinks it’s best to concentrate on the creeks and work your way back. Square-billed crankbaits, lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits will all work, and big pockets that might hold shad are good places to look.

Schooling activity can occur at any time so be sure to have a topwater lure tied on. 

The striped bass patterns continue to be really slow, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fish are still roaming all over the lake. However, they are very scattered and not feeding particularly well.

You can still target the fish with herring on down-rods in 15-30 feet, but trolling with umbrella rigs is also a good way to cover water. 

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 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 6

Lake Greenwood water levels are fairly stable at 437.73 (full pool is 440.0) and parts of the lake are starting to turn over. Morning surface water temperatures are all the way down to about 67 degrees. 

There have been some really good crappie catches recently on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that for the first time in a while some bigger fish have been showing up. It will be interesting to see the weights from this weekend’s tournament. 

For now most of the fish seem to be in the 20-25 foot range fairly close to the bottom, although on the upper end of the lake they are more likely to be 10-14 feet down in 15-20 feet of water. Minnow and jigs are both working. 

More information to follow post-tournament. 

The striped bass patterns continue to be really slow, and Daniel reports that fish are still roaming all over the lake. However, they are very scattered and not feeding particularly well.

You can still target the fishing with herring on down-rods in 15-30 feet, but trolling with umbrella rigs is also a good way to cover water. 

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 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 3

Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 437.78 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is pretty normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-70s. 

An improvement was expected earlier than this, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the bass fishing has still been brutally tough on Lake Greenwood. In the college bracket tournament it only took 11-12 pounds for the win, and in team tournaments of Greenwood locals 11.5 pounds has been a winning weight. Stan can only really describe the fishing as being in an early fall lull.

As proof of this most of the better fish have still been caught out deep on main lake brush, and anglers have had a tough time getting bit shallow. They have been able to scratch out a few fish with shaky head around docks, but bites are still few-and-far-between. 

However, with the storm over the weekend and then the dip in temperatures this week there’s little doubt that fish will be moving up shallower as well as back into the creeks very, very soon. Stan wouldn’t be afraid to throw a white buzzbait or a Whopper Plopper around the banks all day long right now. 

Continue to keep your eyes open for schooling fish.

 

September 29

Lake Greenwood water levels are down 438.32 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is pretty normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid to upper-70s. 

The crappie fishing appears to have picked up a little on Lake Greenwood, and there have been some nice limits of fish caught recently. Over the last few days veteran tournament angler Will Hinson reports that people have been pulling more fish out of the lake, and even though they still aren’t giants getting 50 or 60 fish in the ½ to ¾ pound range is doable. 

Fish are still basically grouped up on brush close to the bottom, and it probably won’t be until temperatures really drop that depths change.  At the top of the lake in the dirtier water fish are suspended 14-18 feet down in 18-20 feet of water, while in the clearer lower lake fish are suspended 22-28 feet down over brush in 28-32 feet of water.

Minnows and Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue and pearl white are both working. 

The striped bass are still really slow, but Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that things could improve after the storm. For now patterns are the same and the best way to catch them continues to be with herring on down-rods in 15-30 feet, but it is really hard to get bites. 

Until water temperatures drop more the catfish also shouldn’t move much on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish are still 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. 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, and as temperatures drop the flathead bite should really improve.  

Bass report to follow.

September 15

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.99 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is pretty normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 80s. 

As we get some cooler nights the Lake Greenwood bass are moving into fall patterns, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that as the shad start to bunch up and move back into the creeks the fish are beginning to follow them. So far Stan is not seeing a lot of schooling activity, but the bass are in the mouths of the creeks and will very soon be moving further back. They should also starting schooling. The best bets are to target them with a Shad Rap or lipless crankbait, and you can also fish a topwater lure even when fish are not breaking. 

Of course it’s also worth flipping docks in the same areas where the bait is holding, and going down the banks with a buzzbait can also be a good pattern. 

The crappie fishing is still pretty tough on Lake Greenwood, at least for big fish, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson reports that in last weekend’s tournament the winning 7-fish limit was 9 pounds, and there was an 8-pound bag, but most people averaged 1 pound or below. 

Fish are still basically grouped up on brush, but the key depth varies greatly across the lake.  At the top of the lake in the dirtier water fish are suspended 14-15 feet down in 18-20 feet of water, while in the clearer lower lake fish are suspended 22-24 feet down over brush in 29-32 feet of water.

Minnows and Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue and pearl white are both working. 

The striped bass are still really slow, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that it will be some time before the fishing picks up. The patterns are the same and the best way to catch them continues to be with herring on down-rods in 15-30 feet, but it is really hard to get bites. 

Until water temperatures drop more the catfish shouldn’t move much on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson(864-992-2352) reports that fish are still 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. 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, and as temperatures drop the flathead bite should really improve.  

September 8

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

It looked like fall fishing was going to come on faster that it has, and maybe it is just days away, but for now veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that bass are still basically in summer patterns. In the mornings you can catch some fish with a topwater lure around points and seawalls, but during the day by far the best way to catch bass has been with a drop shot. The bass are mostly around brush in 15-18 feet on points. The catch is mostly spotted bass but you can pick up some largemouth this way. 

But things will change and so it continues to be worth looking in the back of creeks for bait and possible schooling activity as shad start to move up the water column and into some of the backs. When some fish move towards the banks fishing a buzzbait will be a good bet, and there should be increasing numbers of fish on docks. Shakey heads and jigs will still work.

No matter where you are fishing, keep your eyes open for schooling activity because it can happen anywhere for the next couple of months. 

Water temperatures will need to drop a few degrees before patterns change very much with the crappie, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson reports that the mid-lake section from the lower trussell to the state park is still fishing the best. Crappie are mixed between brush and bridges, with 15-25 feet still generally the best depth range. 

Minnows and Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue, pearl white and blue dew can all catch fish.

The striped bass are still really slow, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that it will be some time before the fishing picks up. The patterns are the same and the best way to catch them continues to be with herring on down-rods in 15-30 feet, but it is really hard to get bites. 

Until water temperatures drop the catfish shouldn’t move much on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish are still 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 31

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.02 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-80s. 

As with most species on Lake Greenwood, water temperatures will need to drop a few degrees before patterns change very much with the crappie. Veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that it’s still hard to catch big fish right now, but the mid-lake section from the lower trussell to the state park has been fishing the best. Crappie are mixed between brush and bridges, with 15-25 feet still generally the best depth range. 

Minnows and Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue, pearl white and blue dew can all catch fish. 

It’s still a transition period with the bass on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports it continues to be worth looking in the back of creeks for bait and possible schooling activity, as shad are starting to move up the water column and into some of the backs. With some fish moving towards the banks fishing a buzzbait is a good bet, and there are increasing numbers of fish on docks. Shakey heads and jigs will still work.

At the same time, even as fish start to transition one of the best patterns is still to fish main lake points. It’s hard to go wrong dragging a shakey head or a jig. 

No matter where you are are fishing, keep your eyes open for schooling activity because it can happen anywhere for the next couple of months. 

The striped bass are still really slow, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that it will be some time before the fishing picks up. The patterns are the same and the best way to catch them continues to be with herring on down-rods in 15-30 feet, but it is really hard to get bites. 

The catfish remain in a pretty typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish 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 22

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.15 (full pool is 440.0) and water clarity is more stained than normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 80s. 

Seasonal changes are underway with the bass on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that even though water temperatures are still warm there are some early fall patterns starting to develop.  Especially with recent rains it’s worth starting to look in the back of creeks for bait and possible schooling activity, as shad are starting to move up the water column and into some of the backs. With some fish moving towards the banks fishing a buzzbait is a good bet, and there are now a lot more fish on docks than just a couple of weeks ago. Shakey heads and jigs will still work.

At the same time, even as fish start to transition one of the best patterns is still to fish main lake points. It’s hard to go wrong dragging a shakey head or a jig. 

Keep your eyes open for schooling activity because it can happen anywhere for the next couple of months. 

August 19

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.12 (full pool is 440.0) and water clarity is pretty normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-80s. 

Last weekend’s crappie tournament on Lake Greenwood was as tough as expected, but veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that a couple of teams did manage to catch a 1-pound average. However, there were no really big weights and most people struggled.

The fish are mostly in the 15-25 foot range, and while brush is still holding a predictable number of fish the deeper sections of bridges may be the best place to look right now. Fish are back in the shade under the bridges.

Minnows will work but Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue, pearl white and blue dew are also very good. 

There doesn’t seem to be any clear section of the lake that holds the most fish right now, and crappie are scattered all over. However, soon they will start migrating shallower and up the lake. 

As feared the striped bass are now feeding like it’s August, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that on Greenwood that means the fishing has gotten super tough. The patterns are the same and the best way to catch them continues to be with herring on down-rods in 15-30 feet, but it has gotten really hard to get bites. 

The catfish remain in a pretty typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish 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. 

Bass report to follow. 

August 4

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.14 (full pool is 440.0) and water clarity is pretty normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid to upper-80s. 

It’s still a pretty tough bite for bass on Lake Greenwood, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the catch is still mainly small spotted bass and the occasional largemouth.  For the first 1-2 hours in the morning fish can be found around seawalls, as well as stalking bream beds, but as soon as the sun starts to rise it’s over. Buzzbaits, Whopper Ploppers, and Pop-Rs have been the best shallow baits. 

Offshore brush still has lots of small spotted bass that can be targeted with a drop shot, while to increase your chances of catching a deep largemouth fish a big worm around brush in 18-25 feet.  

There are a very few areas where Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) can still find hungry striped bass on Lake Greenwood, but overall it appears that fish have entered a late summer slowdown. Every year around the beginning of August the combination of hot water and low oxygen quality in this relatively shallow lake really degrades the bite, and it will be some time before it picks up again. 

The best pattern continues to be herring on down-rods in 15-30 feet, but there are no guarantees that fish will bite even if you locate them. 

The Greenwood crappie are still on brush, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that in the rivers the best brush is still in 15-22 feet. That’s where the best numbers are, but the bigger fish continue to be down the lake in the clearer water on the lower end in 27-30 feet of water. Minnows will work but Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue, pearl white and blue dew are also very good. 

If there’s a bright spot in the report it’s that the catfish remain in a pretty typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish 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 21

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.24 (full pool is 440.0) and water clarity is pretty normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid to upper-80s.  

It seemed to happen almost overnight, but Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that in the last few days the striped bass fishing has gotten much tougher. Every year around the beginning of August the combination of hot water and low oxygen quality in this relatively shallow lake really degrades the bite. It’s possible it could be the moon phase or the mini-fronts we are experiencing, and it will get better in a day or two, but there’s a good chance the fishing is slowing down for its annual late-summer slump. Daniel isn’t quite ready to pack up and move his guide business over to Clarks Hill but it might be close.

For now the best pattern continues to be herring on down-rods. Fish are still roaming 15-30 feet down from where the rivers come together to the dam, and finding them isn’t really the hard part.  Getting them to bite is!  

The Greenwood crappie are still on brush, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that in the rivers the best brush is still in 15-22 feet. That’s where the best numbers are, but the bigger fish continue to be down the lake in the clearer water on the lower end in 27-30 feet of water. Minnows will work but Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue, pearl white and blue dew are also very good. 

The catfish remain in a pretty typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish are scattered all over the lake and 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 19

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.24 (full pool is 440.0) and water clarity is pretty normal. Morning surface water temperatures are about 85 degrees.   

It’s still a pretty tough bite for bass on Lake Greenwood, but tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the spotted bass at least have shown some signs of life in the last few days. They have been catching quite a few fish on drop shots fished around brush piles, even though most of them are small. It doesn’t really matter how deep the brush is, if it’s offshore it should have spots on it. To increase your chances of catching a deep largemouth fish a big worm around brush in 18-25 feet.  

Even though the largemouth bite has been slow everywhere, there have been some decent catches up shallow for the first 1-2 hours in the morning. Fish can be found around seawalls, as well as stalking bream beds, but it’s got to be early. The shallow bite is almost totally shutting down as soon as the sun starts to rise. Buzzbaits, Whopper Ploppers, and Pop-Rs have been the best baits. 

July 14

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.23 (full pool is 440.0) and water clarity is pretty normal. Morning surface water temperatures are about 85 degrees.   

They have taken over the lake and showed up everywhere, but tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that even the spotted bass have gotten a little tough to catch recently. The winner of the bracket championship this past week had three fish for 9 pounds, and pretty much everyone is finding difficult conditions right now.

Fish are in a very typical summer pattern, and you can find a few fish around the banks including seawalls and docks early. They will take topwater lures and buzzbaits, and after that you pretty much need to fish deeper. The brush piles in 18-25 feet are pretty heavily pressured by this point, but you can still pull out some fish with soft plastics. 

Fortunately the striped bass bite is still very good on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that they continue to haul in the fish with herring on down-rods. Fish are roaming 15-30 feet down from where the rivers come together to the dam, and one day they will be in the channel and one day they will be running the ridges. The lake is so shallow that fish don’t just sit in one place and they have to move around. 

Finding the fish is electronics-intensive, and you generally want to fish in areas where you mark bait or obviously fish. 

Depending on moon phases and other factors the best times vary, but the morning bite has been very good this week. 

Weights were a little down in the most recent crappie tournament on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports it took seven fish weighing about 9 pounds for the win. Fish are still on brush, and in the rivers the best brush is in 15-22 feet. However, even while the best numbers are up the rivers the bigger fish continue to be down the lake in the clearer water on the lower end. They are deeper in 27-30 feet of water. Minnows will work but Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue, pearl white and blue dew are also very good. 

The catfish remain in a pretty typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish are scattered all over the lake and 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 and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots can produce more. 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 1

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.21 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is more stained than last week. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-80s. 

With the cooler weather this week the bass fishing has picked up, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that in the last few days there have been a lot more fish caught. Most of the catch is still spots, but there have also been more largemouth – including some good 4- and 5-pound fish – caught this week. 

Pretty much everyone is fishing deep brush in 18-25 feet of water, and worms and drop shots are the most popular baits. There are also some fish being caught on deep-running crankbaits. 

It doesn’t help in night tournaments, but some of the most aggressive fish can still be found around sea walls in the morning where they will take a Pop-R.  

The striped bass bite is still very good on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that they continue to haul in the fish with herring on down-rods. Fish are roaming 15-30 feet down from where the rivers come together to the dam, and one day they will be in the channel and one day they will be running the ridges. The lake is so shallow that fish don’t just sit in one place and they have to move around. 

Finding the fish is electronics-intensive, and you generally want to fish in areas where you mark bait or obviously fish. 

Depending on moon phases and other factors the best times vary, but generally there is a good early morning bite. It is certainly the most pleasant time to fish!

Most of the crappie on Lake Greenwood are still stacked up on brush, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that in the rivers you should fish brush in 15-22 feet. That’s where the numbers of crappie are, but the better fish continue to be down the lake in the clearer water on the lower end. They are much deeper in 27-30 feet of water. Minnows will work but Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue, pearl white and blue dew are also very good. 

The catfish remain in a pretty typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish are scattered all over the lake and 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 and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots can produce more. Dip baits, shrimp and cut herring will all work well. 

Anchoring

June 23

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.25 (full pool is 440.0) and the whole lake is clear.  Morning surface water temperatures are about 88 degrees. 

There’s no denying that the bass fishing on Lake Greenwood has gotten really tough, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that head-to-head night tournament are routinely being won with a 3-fish limit of 5 pounds. Team tournaments are taking about 15 pounds to win, but the weights drop off sharply after the top.

It doesn’t help that on Greenwood pretty much everyone is fishing the same stuff, and honestly the catches are starting to feel kind of random. Everyone is moving around the same offshore brush piles over and over, and at this point the fish have seen so many lures, particularly deep-running crankbaits and worms, that they are getting hard to catch.  And it’s only June!

Some of the most aggressive fish can still be found around sea walls in the morning where they will take a Pop-R.  Because of water temperatures this is not an evening pattern.  The bream bed bite has been sporadic, and often you will find bream beds with no bass on them. Sometimes the fish are on the docks adjacent to bream beds and so flipping docks can be effective. 

Fortunately the striped bass bite is still as hot as the weather on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that they continue to kill them with herring on down-rods. Fish are roaming 15-30 feet down from where the rivers come together to the dam, and one day they will be in the channel and one day they will be running the ridges. The lake is so shallow that fish don’t just sit in one place and they have to move around.  

Finding the fish is electronics-intensive, and you generally want to fish in areas where you mark bait or obviously fish. 

Depending on moon phases and other factors the best times vary, but generally there is a good early morning bite. It is certainly the most pleasant time to fish!

There’s not much change in the crappie fishing, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that in the summer heat the crappie have gotten a little less catchable. They are still on brush and the best fish are coming in the lower lake on deeper stuff. Casting jigs and then fishing minnows vertically when that action slows down has been the best way to catch fish. 

The catfish remain in a pretty typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish are scattered all over the lake and 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 and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots can produce more. 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. 

June 17

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.21 (full pool is 440.0) and the whole lake is clear.  As predicted morning surface water temperatures have risen to about 88 degrees with the heat wave!

The striped bass bite is as hot as the weather on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that they are killing them with herring on down-rods. Fish are roaming 15-30 feet down from where the rivers come together to the dam, and one day they will be in the channel and one day they will be running the ridges. The lake is so shallow that fish don’t just sit in one place and they have to move around.  

Finding the fish is electronics-intensive, and you generally want to fish in areas where you mark bait or obviously fish. 

Depending on moon phases and other factors the best times vary, but generally there is a good early morning bite. It is certainly the most pleasant time to fish!

The catfish remain in a pretty typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish are scattered all over the lake and 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 and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots can produce more. 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. 

June 13

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.23 (full pool is 440.0) and the whole lake is clear.  Morning surface water temperatures are surprisingly low at around 81-82 but will shoot up this week. 

The bass fishing on Lake Greenwood is a little tough if you want to catch big fish, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that in a tournament this weekend the winners had about 16 pounds. But that doesn’t mean it’s hard to catch fish, and Lake Greenwood is so eat up with spotted bass at this point that getting bites is easy.

Stan and his tournament partner elected to fish deep brush and never caught anything over 3 pounds, and of the five fish they weighed four were spotted bass. The biggest fish was a 3-pound spot, and spots up to 5 pounds have been caught this year. But weeding through the small ones is tough, and whether you fish deep or shallow or main lake or in the creeks there seem to be spots everywhere.  They caught fish over brush on big worms and crankbaits, but fishing a jerkbait over the top of brush piles also worked really well. 

Even though there are spotted bass everywhere, the best fish this weekend were caught fishing sea walls in the main lake or big water sections of creeks. Pop-Rs in dark or bream colors are working very well. Right at the full moon and for a few days afterwards there should also be fish around bream beds, but they weren’t much this weekend. 

A few weeks ago tournament veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reported that big fish were hard to find but there were crappie on every single brush pile.  Saturday in the Fish On! crappie tournament big fish were still hard to find, but numbers were also a lot tougher to locate.  Will and his partner had 7 fish for around 7 pounds, but a lot of the brush didn’t have anything on it. 

They were fishing up the river, and there was such a pronounced thermocline that they couldn’t even see the bottom four feet.  All the fish were off the bottom above that.  Perhaps some of the brush was absent of fish because of water quality issues, and there weren’t even bream on much of it. 

The best limits of fish came down around the dam on deeper brush, and the top teams would all cast jigs at a brush pile they knew had fish on it before getting right over it and fishing with minnows vertically. The first place team had about 10 pounds for an average just under 1.5 pounds. 

June 9

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.21 (full pool is 440.0) and water clarity is normal.  Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 80s. 

It’s an excellent time for striped bass fishing on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that by now down-lines are the weapon of choice. Fish are roaming 15-30 feet down from where the rivers come together to the dam, and one day they will be in the channel and one day they will be running the ridges. The lake is so shallow that fish don’t just sit in one place and they have to move around. 

Finding the fish is electronics-intensive, and you generally want to fish in areas where you mark bait or obviously fish. 

Depending on moon phases and other factors the best times vary, but generally there is a good early morning bite. It is certainly the most pleasant time to fish!

Lake Greenwood crappie have moved a little deeper, and Guide Daniel Skipper reports that they are mostly on brush in 15-25 feet of water. With such a strong population of crappie they can be in literally any section of the lake right now. Both jigs and minnows are working, but the fish are particularly showing a preference for Fish Stalker jigs in chartreuse colors. 

The catfish are now in a pretty typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish are scattered all over the lake and 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 and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots can produce more. 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. 

Bass report to follow. 

May 24

Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 439.26 (full pool is 440.0) and even though water levels are rising most of the lake is still pretty clear.  Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 80s. 

Hot water temperatures have pushed the Lake Greenwood bass into summer patterns, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that there are basically two ways you can approach the fish. Early in the morning there is a shallow sea wall bite, and for the first couple of hours you can catch fish around them on a Whopper Plopper, buzzbait, or Pop-R. After the suns gets up those fish leave, and your choices are either to flip docks or go deep.

The deep pattern is fishing around brush piles in the 15-20 foot range in both the creeks and the main lake. He uses a big worm like a green pumpkin-colored Ole Monster or a deep-diving crankbait for these fish. 

While a lot of people prefer to fish the shallow bite and then head deep, Stan finds that the deep fish are always out there and the best feeding windows are about the same both shallow and deep. Therefore, a lot of times Stan will skip the shallow window and start out on deep brush. 

Lake Greenwood crappie are still ganged up on brush, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that there are massive schools which can be found on brush from 13 feet out to 21 plus feet. While big tournament fish are not easy to catch, the lake is full of good “eaters” right now. 

The biggest fish seem to be on the deeper end of the depth range in 18-21 feet, around the wooden part of the upper train trestle, and out in the middle of the upper river run. The fish down the lake in the channel, shallower, and in the mouths of creeks are mostly smaller.

Fish Stalker jigs in glimmer blue and pearl white are both working very well, but you can also use minnows.

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. 

As it gets very hot it’s the time of year where the catfish bite transitions into a summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattering all over the lake 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 and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots will produce 7 or 8 fish. 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. 

May 19

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.14 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is basically as clear as it gets from one end to the other.  Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 70s. 

The Lake Greenwood bass are in that period where fish can be found both shallow and deep, and tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that while fish are in transition you may need to fish both areas to put together a good day of fishing. Recent tournaments have been won with about 15 or 16 pounds and that seems to be how the top bags were caught.

Particularly early there are fish shallow, and running the banks with a buzzbait (Stan prefers a buzzfrog or a buzzbait with a swimbait trailer on Greenwood) can be a good pattern. It’s also worth fishing a floating worm or a Pop-R around sea walls early, and of course there are still fish on docks. 

Better numbers are also starting to get out on brush piles in the 15-18 foot range, in both the creeks and the main lake. Stan recommends fishing a big worm or a deep-diving crankbait for these fish. Deep fish will be most aggressive early in the season when they first get out there. 

There is an unbelievable population of crappie right now on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that this Saturday in a Fish On! tournament they caught between 175 and 200 fish. Most of the brush piles they pulled up on had 800-900 fish on them, almost regardless of depth. They caught fish on brush that was from 13 feet out to 21 plus feet. 

While it was an incredible day of fishing, the catch was that finding bigger crappie is tough. The winning 7-fish limit was just under 10 pounds, and Will and his partner had just under 8 pounds. Crappie in the 1 ½ pound range were as precious as gold. 

The reasons for that are not clear, but the biggest fish seemed to be on the deeper end of the depth range in 18-21 feet. They also found some good fish around the wooden part of the upper train trestle, and the better crappie also seemed to be out in the middle of the upper river run. While they found fish down the lake in the channel and in the mouths of creeks these were mostly smaller.

They caught everything on Fish Stalker jigs and glimmer blue and pearl white worked the best.

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. 

As it gets very hot it’s the time of year where the catfish bite transitions into a summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattering all over the lake 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 and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots will produce 7 or 8 fish. 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. 

 

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.  

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.  

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.

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 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.

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 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. 

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.  

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.

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. 

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