September 21

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.13 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal. Surface water temperatures are around 79. 

At long last there is some real improvement with the bass fishing conditions on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that even though tournament weights remain pretty low numbers are going up and fish are starting to school – especially in the morning. They can be found down the lake wherever there is bait around bridges and other normal places they school, including over brush piles and points. The bait is generally small and so a Tiny Torpedo has been working very well.

Fish can also be caught with a drop shot and shaky head around brush piles, and there are starting to be more active fish around docks. Finally, after dark green lights have been productive. 

The striped bass are also starting to school, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that from the mid-lake to the dam he is seeing a lot of fish on top. Other than that the patterns haven’t changed too much, but they will as water temperatures continue to drop. 

On down-rods and weighted free-lines the action remains pretty good about 15-30 feet down mostly in the lower third of the lake. The fish are mostly related to schools of bait, with some of the fish suspended out over deeper water and others near the bottom at that depth off the side of the channel – again around bait. 

But unfortunately the crappie fishing is still slow, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the whole lake is still fishing tough – both for size and numbers.  

While they may be a little shallower up the lake, on most of the lake the fish are suspended over brush in 20-30 feet of water and holding 10-20 feet down. Just off the main channel and the mouths of creeks are holding the most crappie, and neither jigs nor minnows are very productive. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish are scattered all over the lake and feeding pretty well. 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. 

September 7

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.09 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal. Surface water temperatures are in the mid-80s again.   

It’s still pretty awful bass fishing conditions on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that there really isn’t a good pattern. Water quality is low and fish just aren’t feeding much. 

You can still try fishing brush in 15-25 feet on the main lake or front of creeks, and deeper docks are also worth a shot. Early in the morning you can possibly find a fish feeding around bream up shallow, and then those fish will usually recover to the nearest dock if they don’t go out deep.

But we’d be lying if we said anything was very good, or that it is likely to get much better until temperatures cool significantly. 

But the striped bass are still feeding pretty well, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that the action remains pretty good about 15-30 feet down mostly in the lower third of the lake. The fish are mostly related to schools of bait, with some of the fish suspended out over deeper water and others near the bottom at that depth off the side of the channel – again around bait. Down-rods have been the best way to catch them, although weighted free-lines can also work.

Schooling activity should start any day now but it hasn’t taken off yet.  

But it’s a different story with the crappie, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the crappie fishing has gone the direction of the bass fishing. It usually turns on after Labor Day, but perhaps because of the lack of much rain recently (and prolonged heat) the briefly cooler weather did nothing for the bite.  Now the whole lake is fishing tough, and even up the lake you can’t find numbers of fish. Or better ones. A ¾ - 1 pound fish is about is big as you will find feeding right now. 

While they may be a little shallower up the lake, on most of the lake the fish are suspended over brush in 20-30 feet of water and holding 10-20 feet down. Just off the main channel and the mouths of creeks are holding the most crappie, and neither jigs nor minnows are very productive. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish are scattered all over the lake and feeding pretty well. 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 24

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.19 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal. Surface water temperatures are in the mid-80s and higher.   

Even though he has a motive to encourage everyone to come over to Lake Murray and support a worthy cause this weekend, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda isn’t exaggerating when he says the bass fishing is pretty horrible. It’s just that time of year on Greenwood. The rare good catches are usually coming in deep water, but due to pressure and oxygen issues that bite always slows down in August. And with the heat the shallow action is almost non-existent.  

It may be that the bass on brush in 15-25 feet are looking for something more finesse-oriented by late August, but Stan still suggests throwing everything including big crankbaits, big worms and jigs at them to see if you can trigger a strike.

Of course it’s still worth seeing if anything is around the seawalls first thing or on docks eating bream, but overall neither has been a very productive pattern. 

But fortunately the lake has striped bass, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that the action is pretty good about 15-30 feet down mostly in the lower third of the lake. They are mostly related to schools of bait, with some of the fish suspended out over deeper water and others near the bottom at that depth off the side of the channel – again around bait.  Down-rods have been the best way to catch them, although weighted free-lines can also work.

Schooling activity should start any day now but it hasn’t taken off yet.  

Lake Greenwoood is still fishing like two pretty distinct lakes for crappie, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that up the lake it’s easy to catch numbers of fish. They are shallow in 10-18 feet of water on structure, and they could be only 8 feet down or less. But while there are ton of fish up there to be caught, they are mostly smaller.

Down the lake the quality is better but the fishing is pretty tough, and in the most recent tournament a 7-fish limit only went about eight pounds. That’s down from July when Roland and his partner won with almost eleven. The fish are scattered on main lake brush in 20-30 feet of water, and they are mostly about 10-20 feet down.

It’s tough to say whether jigs or minnows are fishing better, and one days jigs will be better but then another day minnows will be. Some days they both fish about the same. The best bet is to try both to see if the fish express a preference on a given day. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish 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 18

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.15 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal. Surface water temperatures are about 85 or more first thing. 

Lake Greenwoood is fishing like two pretty distinct lakes for crappie right now, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that up the lake it’s easy to catch numbers of fish. They are shallow in 10-18 feet of water on structure, and they could be only 8 feet down or less. But while there are ton of fish up there to be caught, they are mostly smaller.

Down the lake the quality is better but the fishing is pretty tough, and in the most recent tournament a 7-fish limit only went about eight pounds. That’s down from July when Roland and his partner won with almost eleven. The fish are scattered on main lake brush in 20-30 feet of water, and they are mostly about 10-20 feet down.

It’s tough to say whether jigs or minnows are fishing better, and one days jigs will be better but then another day minnows will be. Some days they both fish about the same. The best bet is to try both to see if the fish express a preference on a given day. 

While the occasional 19- or 20-pound bag is still showing up on Lake Greenwood, overall veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that in terms of the bass there’s no doubt it’s the dog days of summer. Most anglers are struggling, with the shallow bite having almost totally disappeared and the deep fishing not much better. While the rare good catches usually come in deep water, it’s not unusual for the deep bite to slow down late in the summer. It’s probably a combination of pressure and oxygen issues.

It may be that the bass on brush in 15-25 feet are looking for something more finesse-oriented by late August, but Stan still suggests throwing everything including big crankbaits, big worms and jigs at them to see if you can trigger a strike.

Of course it’s still worth seeing if anything is around the seawalls first thing or docks with bream, but overall neither has been a very productive pattern. 

It continues to be a good striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that fish are still in the lower third of the main lake with most of them suspended 15-20 feet down over deeper water. They are feeding very well, and he doesn’t expect them to significantly move locations until we get some cooling after Labor Day. Herring on down-rods are the best pattern. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish 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 4

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.11 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is normal. Surface water temperatures are about 85 or more first thing. 

A few really good bags at the top can make the bass fishing on Lake Greenwood look better than it really is, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that overall it’s definitely the dog days of summer out on the lake. The shallow bite has basically disappeared, a few fish are being picked up on deep brush in 15-20 feet with soft plastics, and some bass are being caught off docks. In fact, the dock bite may be the best thing going and the last tournament was won with a 7-pounder and 4-pounder that came off the same dock. 

It continues to be a really good striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that fish are still in the lower third of the main lake with most of them suspended 15-20 feet down over deeper water. They are feeding very well, and he doesn’t expect them to significantly move locations until we get some cooling after Labor Day. Herring on down-rods are the best pattern. 

The crappie are still unusually shallow on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the bite is still atypically good for late summer. The most active fish are 10-12-15 feet deep over 10-20 feet of water on the main lake. There are also fish in their typical late July haunts on the main lake in 20 plus feet, but they aren’t biting very well right now. 

Jigs and minnows are both fishing similarly, and in jigs Roland is fishing Fish Stalker glimmer blue (monkey milk), Mountain Dew, blue dew and ugly green. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish 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 27

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.29 (full pool is 440.0) and clarity is above average. Surface water temperatures are about 85 or more first thing. 

It continues to be a really good striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that fish are still in the lower third of the main lake with most of them suspended 15-20 feet down over deeper water. They are feeding very well, and he doesn’t expect them to significantly move locations until we get some cooling after Labor Day. Herring on down-rods are the best pattern. 

The deep bass bite around brush piles in 15-20 feet on the main lake and front of creeks has improved a little according to veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda, but the fish have gotten pretty finicky and you aren’t necessarily going to catch them with big worms, crankbaits, jigs and other large presentations. Instead, the best action is coming on drop shots. 
It's still worth looking for an early bite around sea walls but with the heat the bulk of the fish are clearly staying out. 

The crappie are still unusually shallow on Lake Greenwood, but Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the bite has picked up. There are lots of fish in their typical late July haunts on the main lake in 20 plus feet, but they aren’t biting very well right now. Instead the most active fish are 10-12-15 feet deep over 10-20 feet of water on the main lake. The big rain in June appears to have done something with the oxygen and fish don’t want to be deep. 

Jigs and minnows are both fishing similarly, and in jigs Roland is fishing Fish Stalker glimmer blue (monkey milk), Mountain Dew, blue dew and ugly green. 

Even though he is on Clarks Hill more these days, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that catfish 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 13

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.24 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake has cleared up nicely. Surface water temperatures are about 85 first thing. 

We are happy to resume the striped bass updates again this week, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that fish have moved fully into a summer pattern. They are in the lower third of the main lake, and most of them are 20-30 feet deep on the bottom. The thermocline is at about 20 feet. Bait is everywhere, but fish are concentrated around the river channel and main lake points and humps off it. Live herring just off the bottom are working very well. 

But Josh isn’t just a striper guide, and last night he and his tournament partner won the 3-fish bass event with an impressive 15 pounds!  For them deep brush has been pretty hit-or-miss, and all the fish they caught were relatively shallow on points in about 12 feet. They can only get bit on a Texas rig or Carolina rig.

That’s consistent with the report from veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda, who also reports that the deep bite is off. However, while it doesn’t help in night tournaments they have found a pretty outstanding bite for about an hour and a half each morning on sea walls. Whopper Ploppers, poppers and chuggers will all work until the sun gets up. 

It's a weird time for crappie fishing on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service(864-980-3672) reports that they are certainly still catching messes of fish but the quality of the bite has slowed, like normally happens in August.  But the fish are still running behind their normal routine, and only just getting into summer patterns. Often the water is 87 or more by lunch and so he wonders if getting so hot so fast is responsible for the quality of the bite.  

Even as fish move into summer spots there are still some fish pretty shallow, although by now most of the fish are on the main lake. They are generally in 15-25 feet of water, usually holding 10-15 feet down. The thermocline is at about 20 feet, and there seem to be some oxygen issues (earlier than usual). Jigs and minnows are both fishing similarly, and in jigs Roland is fishing Fish Stalker glimmer blue (monkey milk), Mountain Dew, blue Dew and ugly green. 

While you can certainly catch catfish fan-casting dip baits to various depths around humps and points in 5-25 feet of water, Josh Wilson is also picking up a ton of big channels on live herring in the same areas on the same pattern that is catching striper.  

June 29

Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 439.12 (full pool is 440.0) and the upper end is muddy after recent rains. Water temperatures are in the lower 80s. 

It’s a mixed report regarding bass fishing on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that as temperatures heat up there is no doubt the fishing is getting better. More fish are getting on brush piles in 15-20 feet of water on the main lake, main part of creeks, around underwater islands and off points. You can catch them on deep-diving crankbaits or big worms, and for spots (and the occasional largemouth) you can fish with a drop shot. However, while significantly improved the bite isn’t great. 

At the same time, there is still a decent topwater bite very early around sea walls with Pop-Rs and floating worms, and particularly early you can also catch fish on bream beds.

The most surprising action has come from docks, and on deeper, main lake docks good action is continuing through the day with a jig or worm.  Some recent tournaments have been won on docks. 

Even though it has finally gotten hot, Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that it just hasn’t been hot long enough for the patterns to significantly change. Fish are still mostly related to brush in 15-20 feet of water in both the creeks and the main lake, from the main river channel to the very backs, although up the rivers they may be in only 5-10 feet of water. They are still taking jigs very well.

Most of the fish have been suspended about 8-12 feet down, although with LiveScope they are learning that depths can change from day to day and even minute to minute. When water temperatures hit the mid-80s they expect fish to first move down the water column, and then they will go deeper. Eventually most of the fish should be suspended on main lake brush in 18-30 feet. However, that depends on boat traffic and weather conditions, and rain and dirty water could keep them in shallower water longer or move them up or down the water column. 

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 should be 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. 

Striped bass report to follow after July 1.   

June 22

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.68 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures are in the upper 70s. The lake is getting dirty with all this rain. 

The bass fishing is still a little tough on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that with the weather moving backwards he’s not sure some of the fish haven’t actually come back to the banks that had moved offshore. The last tournament was won off a dock, and there are still fish being caught in the morning throwing a popper or floating worm around sea walls. There are also largemouth (and a bunch of spotted bass) that can be caught with worms or crankbaits on brush in the main lake or front of creeks in 15-18 feet, but this bite still hasn’t gotten very good.   

Finally, don’t overlooking fishing around bream beds with a swim jig, buzzbait, or Pop-R. 

The crappie pattern is still strong on Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that fish are related to brush in 15-25 feet of water in both the creeks and the main lake, from the main river channel to the very backs. Relatively few fish are just swimming around in open water. Jigs are working the best.

It's a broken record, but with still-moderate water temperatures fish still have no reason to move to deeper, main lake brush. 

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 should be 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. 

Striped bass report to follow after July 1.   

June 15

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.05 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures have risen into the upper 70s.    

Even though it’s still not easy there is some marginal improvement with the bass fishing this week on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that a few more fish seem to be getting out deep on brush.  Of course you still have to wade through a ton of small spotted bass, but there are more largemouth that can be caught with worms or crankbaits on brush in the main lake or front of creeks in 15-18 feet. 

Very early there are still fish being caught in the morning throwing a popper or floating worm around sea walls, and there are also some fish on deeper docks in the main lake.

Even away from a moon phase bream bedding activity seems to be picking up as temperatures rise, and particularly in low light conditions you can catch fish with a swim jig, buzzbait, or Pop-R around bream beds. During hotter parts of the day the bass feeding on bedding bream will often retreat to nearby docks, even shallow ones, and you can flip for them there. 

The crappie pattern is still strong on Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that fish are related to brush in 15-25 feet of water in both the creeks and the main lake, from the main river channel to the very backs. Relatively few fish are just swimming around in open water. Jigs are working the best.

With still-moderate water temperatures Roland thinks we still have some time before fish move onto deeper, main lake brush. 

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 should be 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. 

Striped bass report to follow. 

June 8

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.05 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is pretty clear on the lower end but has some stain from the mid-lake up.  Morning surface water temperatures have risen to 74 or 75 degrees, but you can see 81 in the late afternoon!   

It’s still tough bass fishing conditions on Lake Greenwood, and in the Wednesday afternoon tournament yesterday it only took 12.80 pounds for the win. There are lots of small spotted bass that can be caught, but overall veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that it seems like the lake might be in a down-cycle. 

It doesn’t help that fish are still in an in-between stage, and while some are going deep those fish are still pretty few and far between. You just have to bit brush piles with a worm or crankbait until you find a good one. 

Even though it’s not great the best pattern may be fishing sea walls in the morning with a floating worm or popper, and deeper docks on the main lake are also holding some fish. Another pattern worth trying is to fish a swim jig, buzzbait, or Pop-R around bream beds. 

Once it warms up the deep numbers will improve.

The striped bass fishing on Lake Greenwood has been really hit-or-miss this week, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that one day they will catch a couple dozen fish, then they will struggle to get ten, and then the next day they will have thirty again. Fish are going deeper and the best pattern is targeting the lower third of the river channel in 20-40 feet, with the fish suspended around points, humps or any other good ambush point in the river channel. They are catching most everything on down-lined herring but there has been some sporadic schooling activity. 

The crappie pattern is about the same but the fishing has been good, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the biggest change is that fish have moved a bit deeper.  They are still related to relatively shallow brush, with a few straggler fish just swimming around in open water. The best brush is now in 15-25 feet of water, and it doesn’t seem to make any difference whether it is the main lake or the creeks. They are catching fish from the main river channel all the way to the backs of creeks. Jigs are working the best.

With low water temperatures Roland thinks we are still a couple of weeks away from fish moving onto deeper, main lake brush. 

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 should be 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. 

June 1

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.06 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is pretty clear on the lower end but stained from the mid-lake up.  Morning surface water temperatures range from about 68-72. 

The bass are still at in-between stage on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that overall fishing is very tough. More so than last week fish are all over the place, and there are a few fish holding in several different types of places and others transitioning. Bass can be caught around the banks and particularly sea walls early with Pop-Rs, floating worms and Whopper Ploppers, and there are also some fish on docks. Stan even had one friend catch two off the bed this past weekend!

There are also some good fish starting to get on offshore brush, but they are not loaded up out there and the fish are few and far between. You basically have to keep jumping from one brush pile to another with crankbaits and big worms and hope you catch a fish off of one of them. 

Unfortunately the cool front slowed down the striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood this week, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that they are still getting decent numbers in the morning but it’s not like last week. The best pattern is targeting the river channel in 20-40 feet, and fish are suspended around points, humps or any other good ambush point in the river channel. The mid-lake area has been best and they are catching everything on down-lined herring. 

The cool weather has also slowed the crappie fishing this week, even as Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the pattern has not changed.  Fish are still related to relatively shallow brush and there are even still some straggler fish just swimming around in open water. The best brush is in 10-20 feet of water, and it doesn’t seem to make any difference whether it is the main lake or the creeks. They are catching fish from the main river channel all the way to the backs of creeks. Jigs are working the best.

With low water temperatures Roland thinks we are still a couple of weeks away from fish moving onto deeper, main lake brush. 

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 should be 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 26

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.06 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are in the low 70s.

In the week or two before last Saturday and Sunday’s ABA 2-day bass tournament on Lake Greenwood tournament angler Andy Wicker of Pomaria reports a pretty rough practice, but by the tournament the bite had improved. He had 18 pounds the first day and a little over 14 the second.

Most notably the early bite with topwater lures around sea walls materialized during the tournament, and Andy was able to catch fish on Whopper Ploppers, buzzbaits and Pop-Rs the first two hours each day. After that he moved to docks, and caught fish on a weightless Senko as well as a Texas-rigged worm. He caught a lot of small fish this way, but there were also some good ones around docks. Many of the dock fish were clearly guarding fry, and pulling a bait through the fry ball would often trigger strikes. 

Overall it was pretty clear that the offshore brush bite had not really started yet.

Andy was also pleasantly surprised to catch about 70% largemouths versus only 30% spotted bass. 

It’s been a fantastic striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood this week, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that they are wearing out the fish targeting the river channel in 20-40 feet. Fish are suspended around points, humps or any other good ambush point in the river channel. The mid-lake area has been best, but the whole lake is fishing pretty well. They are catching everything on down-lined herring. 

The crappie pattern is lagging behind on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that fish are still related to relatively shallow brush and there are even still some straggler fish just swimming around in open water. The best brush is in 10-20 feet of water, and it doesn’t seem to make any difference whether it is the main lake or the creeks. They are catching fish from the main river channel all the way to the backs of creeks. Jigs are working the best.

With low water temperatures Roland thinks we are still several weeks away from fish moving onto deeper, main lake brush. 

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 should be 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 11

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.07 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake has cleared some in the past week. The lower end is pretty clear but as you go up the lake it gets progressively dirtier to muddy. Morning surface water temperatures are around 71 degrees.

Another week and another major change with the striped bass on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that the fish have generally left the rivers and come back to the mid-lake around Goat Island and Cane Creek. Now they are catching them in the main river channel, mostly in 15-30 feet of water with free-lines and down-lines. Most of the fish are suspended. 

The bite has been very good this week and they are usually catching 25-30 fish in three or four hours. 

At the same time the bass fishing has been tough, and multiple sources including veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that getting bites is pretty difficult. It seems that the action around the bank is slowing down, and while you can still throw a Pop-R or floating worm around sea walls the better fishing has come in 10-20 feet of water. Spinnerbaits have been working pretty well, but at this point Stan has the most confidence fishing around brush piles in the 15-foot range with big worms or crankbaits like a 6XD. Both creek and main lake brush can hold fish.

The crappie migration to brush has accelerated this week on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that there are still some fish in open water but by now far more fish are over brush in 10-20 feet. Some fish are in the creeks and main lakes, but the creeks may be a little better. By mid-June there will probably be more on the main lake, but of course it all depends on weather.

Generally casting or dropping jigs is the best pattern, but it’s good to have minnows available. 

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 should be 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 439.04 (full pool is 440.0) and the upper end is pretty dirty. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid to upper 60s. 

The patterns for striped bass have changed on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that the fishing has slowed down the lake as most of the action has moved from the river forks up. This is a typical spring pattern, and the fact that there is a lot of current is also having an effect. It’s not really about a particular depth, and basically the fish are looking for ambush points. Any deeper pool where the channel drops off, or point, could hold fish. Free-lines, planer boards, and cut bait on the bottom are all working. 

In bass fishing news, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that fishing is surprisingly tough.  Night tournaments are only taking about 13 pounds.  Anglers report seeing a lot of fish cruising, but they are very spooky.  It seems that fish are in a post-spawn funk, and there hasn't been a significant enough shad spawn with the weather to really turn them back on.  Hopefully that will come later this week.  There are also a few bass that have yet to spawn, but those numbers are dwindling.  

Overall fish are on the bank, and the best bet is to fish something fairly subtle like a floating worm (bubble gum, white, or methiolate) or a small Pop-R.  You can also experiment with a Whopper Plopper.  Try the topwater baits around sea walls, especially before the sun gets very high.  Fishing a shakey head around docks is another good pattern.  

With about 6 inches of rain in the Upstate stay from the mid-lake down because the upper end will be dirty – while the lower end is still good.  They actually had the floodgates open last weekend and that may not have helped the bass fishing. 

Keep looking for the shad spawn, and when it gets going it will be around points with riprap early. 

The crappie are making a pretty big change on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that they are starting to move onto brush. There are still some in open water, but more of the fish are setting up on an early summer pattern over brush in 12-20 feet. Some fish are in the creeks and main lakes, but the creeks are fishing better. By mid-June there will probably be more on the main lake, but of course it all depends on weather.

Generally casting or dropping jigs is the best pattern, but it’s good to have minnows available.  

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 21

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.05 (full pool is 440.0) and water clarity is pretty good. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 60s to lower 70s.

It’s been a weird week for striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that as recently as last Thursday the fishing was really good, but then like a light switch the fish turned off. The rain may not have helped. You can still pick up a few fish on down-lines in 20-30 feet of water, but now the best pattern has been putting the boat in about 15-20 feet of water on points and humps and fan-casting cut bait. You want to cover from 10-12 feet out to 30 and everything in between. 

As on Lake Murray you can fish about however you want for bass on Lake Greenwood right now, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that there are still some fish bedding as well as plenty of feeding post-spawn fish. It’s hard to go wrong fishing a floating worm or topwater around spawning pockets and flats, and with the shad spawn getting underway you also want to target points, riprap and black dock floats early with your favorite bait that imitates a shad. Once the sun gets up that pattern drops off but bass will generally stay in the same area where they can be caught on a worm on the bottom.

But for general fishing right now a floating worm is hard to beat.

There’s no significant change with the crappie this week on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the majority of the fish are back in open water. They are generally deep, and Roland’s boat is catching them in 20-40 feet of water off the main channel or in the mouths of creeks. He is catching them with jigs fished 10-15 feet down.

Fish have not yet started get on brush.

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 11

Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 438.95 (full pool is 440.0) and the upper end is getting dirty after the rain while the mid- to lower lake is still clear. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 50s and lower 60s. 

The cold front over the weekend was just a blip, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that overall the bass fishing remains in a strong spring pattern on Lake Greenwood. Fish can be found at all three stages of the spawn, and basically all your traditional spring-time techniques will work. A floating worm has been fishing very well, topwaters are working, and of course you can bed fish. Docks and spawning pockets have been fish magnets. 

Before the cold snap a shad spawn was getting started, and within days it should be coming back online. Look around riprap and points with baits that imitate shad like spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and swimbaits.

It’s a very good striped bass bite on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Josh Wilson (864-871-6305) reports that they are catching fish on main lake points with down-rods and some free lines. The fish are generally in about 20-30 feet of water, and most of them are holding about halfway down the water column. They have not seen much schooling yet.

The creeks are so insignificant on Greenwood that much of the year the best striper fishing is related to the main river channel.  

The crappie spawn is about over on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service(864-980-3672) reports that the majority of the fish are back in open water on the main lake. They are generally deep, and Roland’s boat is catching them in 20-40 feet of water off the main channel or in the mouths of creeks. He is catching them with jigs fished 10-15 feet down.

Rising water temperatures should soon improve the catfish bite on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that fish are scattered out and should be feeding  all along the river channel and deep flats in 10-30 feet of water. Drifting with cut herring or white perch is a good pattern. 

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

When water temperatures rise a few more degrees then fish should move shallower.