December 22
Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 435.82 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are around 54 degrees. There is a slight stain on the upper end.
Recent trips have confirmed that Lake Greenwood bass are in winter patterns, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that means that most of the fish have pulled out of the creeks and set up on the main lake. There will also be some fish in the very front of major creeks.
That doesn’t mean that everything will be deep, and even though bass want deep water nearby they will also move up shallow or inhabit middle depths. Boat ramps can be very productive, and fishing an Alabama around docks is a strong pattern right now, especially around docks with 10-12 feet of water.
But the best catches right now are coming in deep water. Casting an Alabama rig and retrieving it over brush in 15-18 feet has been working very well.
With the huge population of spotted bass Stan will also be fishing a drop shot around brush, and a jerkbait will also work for these fish.
While most of the time in the early winter Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) will be fishing up the Reedy River for striped bass, right now he reports that they seem to be scattered out all over the lake. With water conditions habitable for fish everywhere they can be anywhere on the lake from inches of water up a river or creek to the dam on the bottom, and so it can require a lot of searching. Luckily seagulls and loons are present and provide the best clues to finding the fish. Anglers should also keep their eyes open for other visual cues as well as checking their graph. Trolling swimbaits and umbrella rigs, casting Alabama rigs and live bait can all work.
While Daniel still hasn’t spent much time targeting crappie right now on Lake Greenwood, from what he has seen the best fishing right now is around bridges and particularly the 72 Bridge. Try both minnows and jigs to see what the fish prefer.
On the catfish front, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with baitfish starting to gather up pretty thick in or near the main river channel and some of the big feeder creek channels the catfish are right there with them. On the upper half of the lake they are in 15-25 feet, and on the lower half they are in 25-35 feet. Drift the areas with the best concentrations of bait with cut herring, perch or shad.
December 16
Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 436.28 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-50s.
The bass on Lake Greenwood are starting to get into winter patterns, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that means he is concentrating on a few different things. He will be throwing Alabama rigs around deeper docks, main lake points and main creek points, looking for areas with about 10-12 feet of water. Some fish will be shallower than that but they want deeper water nearby.
With the huge population of spotted bass he will also be concentrating on deeper brush piles, and fishing a jerkbait over the brush is a good way to target fish. Drop shots will also work.
Finally, he will also be working a jig around any likely cover from shallow to deep including docks, brush piles and boat ramps.
Without much change in water temperature the striped bass are still in similar patterns, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that the key is to find the birds and the bait. Fish will go very shallow chasing bait and so more often that Daniel is studying his graph he is looking for signs of fish. By now he is concentrating most of his fishing activity up the Reedy River.
The best way to target fish is trolling swimbaits and umbrella rigs as well as casting them.
While Daniel hasn’t spent much time targeting crappie right now on Lake Greenwood, from what he has seen the best fishing right now is around bridges and particularly the 72 Bridge. Try both minnows and jigs to see what the fish prefer.
On the catfish front, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with baitfish starting to gather up pretty thick in or near the main river channel and some of the big feeder creek channels the catfish are right there with them. On the upper half of the lake they are in 15-25 feet, and on the lower half they are in 25-35 feet. Drift the areas with the best concentrations of bait with cut herring, perch or shad.
December 2
Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 436.81 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 50s.
The bass fishing has been fair on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that recently it’s taken about 14-15 pounds to win tournaments. With water temperatures in the ideal range fish can be about anywhere right now, but he is still concentrating his efforts in the creeks – particularly around rocks and docks. Square-billed crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and of course Alabama rigs will all work, and the key zone is 5-10 feet.
Of course now that there are so many spotted bass in Lake Greenwood you can also fill the boat fishing a drop shot around deep brush piles. These are great for getting a line pulled, but most of them are smaller.
On the catfish front, Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with baitfish starting to gather up pretty thick in or near the main river channel and some of the big feeder creek channels the catfish are right there with them. On the upper half of the lake they are in 15-25 feet, and on the lower half they are in 25-35 feet. Drift the areas with the best concentrations of bait with cut herring, perch or shad.
November 19
Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 438.18 (full pool is 440.0) and the lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures are about 58.
One of the best bass bites of the year is just starting on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that means Alabama rig time. This is the fall period where water temperatures are ideal for bass to be in the creeks as well as the main lake, and so Stan says that right now he will be throwing an A-rig both places. He will be fishing it around docks, shallow rock, and shallow brush from the bank out to about 10-15 feet in basically the same ways he would throw a crankbait.
If areas are too shallow or very dirty he will also throw a spinnerbait, and a squared-billed crankbait or Shad Rap can also be good. But Greenwood fish really seem to love the A-rig.
You can also catch some fish on deeper brush with a drop shot, but this is mainly a lot of spotted bass.
It’s a good time for crappie on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fish can be found from one end of the lake to the other as well as in the creeks following bait.
In the upper half of the lake where most of the bridges are located you can catch fish around the pillars on minnows as well as Fish Stalker Slab Tail jigs. Sometimes the fish will be close to the bottom, while some days they will be high in the water column, and you just have to tinker around with it until you locate the feeding fish.
Brush in general is also producing some fish, but brush off the ends of docks in about 5-15 feet of water is perhaps the best.
The striped bass bite is also on the upswing, and Daniel reports that at this time of year the key to catching fish is to look for bait. Fish could be so shallow that they are sticking their fins out of the water, and so instead of studying his graph he is often using his eyes to look for life. When he is relying on electronics Daniel isn’t always looking for fish as the Greenwood bait is often so thick that’s all you can see.
The best way to target fish is trolling swimbaits and Alabama rigs as well as casting them, and Daniel notes that while the lower end can hold fish by Thanksgiving he is usually fishing up the Reedy River. Birds are just starting to arrive.
The Lake Greenwood catfish are still eating well in a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best pattern is still drifting between main lake flats and the river channel. The best drifts will criss-cross the river channel and the flats so that you can locate the fish on a particular day, but 20-30 feet is often the sweet spot. Cut herring, white perch and shrimp will all work.
Through the end of this month should still be a really good time to catch a big flathead on live bait fished early, late and at night around brush.
November 11
Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 438.40 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 60s.
Finally the fishing is picking up on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that the action for crappie has improved from one end of the lake to the other. There are also more fish getting into the creeks following bait.
In the upper half of the lake where most of the bridges are located you can catch fish around the pillars on minnows as well as Fish Stalker Slab Tail jigs. Sometimes the fish will be close to the bottom, while some days they will be high in the water column, and you just have to tinker around with it until you locate the feeding fish. Brush in general is also producing some fish, but brush off the ends of docks in about 5-15 feet of water is perhaps the best.
The striped bass bite is also on the upswing, and Daniel reports that at this time of year the key to catching fish is to look for bait. Fish could be so shallow that they are sticking their fins out of the water, and so instead of studying his graph he is often using his eyes to look for life. When he is relying on electronics Daniel isn’t always looking for fish as the Greenwood bait is often so thick that’s all you can see.
The best way to target fish is trolling swimbaits and Alabama rigs as well as casting them, and Daniel notes that while the lower end can hold fish by Thanksgiving he is usually fishing up the Reedy River. Birds have not shown up yet but they should be soon.
The bass fishing appears to also be improving on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that as shad are getting into the creeks there are now more bass back there. Methiolate floating worms and buzzbaits are still worth throwing, but Rattle Traps, square-billed crankbaits and jerkbaits are also coming on. And as almost always, you can also pick up some fish on a shakey head worm around docks.
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 5
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.99 (full pool is 440.0) and the rivers are heavily stained. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 60s.
It’s been a slow transition to fall fishing on Lake Greenwood, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the shad are finally starting to move back into the creeks and the bass are following them. It’s still worth checking the main lake and cuts off of it, but starting at the mouths of the creeks and working your way back is now productive. For right now a buzzbait and a methiolate floating worm are really effective, and most any creek docks, wood or rock cover is worth throwing at. Pretty soon the surface bite will disappear and then Shad Raps, Rattle Traps, square-billed crankbaits and jerkbaits will be the baits of choice.
The Lake Greenwood catfish are eating well in a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best pattern is still drifting between main lake flats and the river channel. The best drifts will criss-cross the river channel and the flats so that you can locate the fish on a particular day, but 20-30 feet is often the sweet spot. Cut herring, white perch and shrimp will all work.
Until water temperatures get very cold this can also be a really good time to catch a big flathead on live bait fished early, late and at night around brush.
It’s unlikely that too much will change for striper and crappie on Lake Greenwood until the lake finishes turning over this fall, and as a result Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fishing brush in 15-25 feet is still the best pattern for crappie – while for striper there doesn’t seem to be anything very good right now. If you want to target striper fishing down-lines on the lower end is probably as good as anything.
October 20
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.99 (full pool is 440.0) and the rivers are heavily stained. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-70s.
With water temperatures finally dropping veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the bass fishing is just starting to pick up on Lake Greenwood, and even though the fishing is not easy the fish are definitely moving around and eating more. There is starting to be a migration of shad into the creeks and pockets, and Stan suggests starting out fishing there and looking for bait. Fishing Whopper Ploppers and buzzbaits should get some surface bites, particularly around sea walls and walkways on pole docks. Fishing a shakey head is also a good bet.
Most of the largemouth should have left deeper brush, but if you are looking to get a lot of bites from spotted bass targeting them with a drop shot will work.
The Lake Greenwood catfish are eating well in a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that the best pattern is still drifting between main lake flats and the river channel. The best drifts will criss-cross the river channel and the flats so that you can locate the fish on a particular day. Cut herring, white perch and shrimp will all work.
This can also be a really good time to catch a big flathead on live bait fished early, late and at night around brush.
It’s unlikely that too much will change for striper and crappie on Lake Greenwood until after the lake turns over this fall, and as a result Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fishing brush in 15-25 feet is still the best pattern for crappie while for striper there doesn’t seem to be anything very good right now. If you want to target striper fishing down-lines on the lower end is probably as good as anything.
October 7
Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 439.28 (full pool is 440.0) and recent rains are starting to muddy the upper end. The lower lake has been so clear it will take a lot for the dirty water to affect its clarity. Morning surface water temperatures are about 76 or 77 degrees.
As on many area lakes, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the bass fishing is still tough on Lake Greenwood. The best bet is probably still to fish sea walls with a topwater bait and then head out to deeper points and creek channels where there is some brush, but very soon anglers should be able to fish the creeks.
Shad are just starting to move back into the creeks, and there is already starting to be more bait in small pockets off the main lake where the bait usually heads first. Soon the shad will be back in the creeks and the fish will be following them, and a Rattle Trap, jerkbait, square-billed crankbait, Chatterbait or anything else that imitates shad will work.
A good strategy during this transition period can be to target docks with a jig or worm, watching closely to see where the bait is.
It’s a little early yet, but Stan loves to fish a buzzbait in the fall on Greenwood and that time is coming.
The crappie fishing remains at best fair on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that more and more of the fish are starting to move off brush and roam. Still, the most catchable fish are on brush in 15-25 feet of water, particularly earlier in the day. By late afternoon the brush bite slows down and fish move towards bridges or suspend.
While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or Glimmer Blue on very clear days), minnows are still working better.
The Lake Greenwood catfish have started to move into a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson(864-992-2352) reports that means he will be drifting between main lake flats and the river channel. The best drifts will criss-cross the river channel and the flats to locate the fish on a particular day. Cut herring, white perch and shrimp will all work.
This can also be a really good time to catch a big flathead on live bait fished early, late and at night around brush.
The striped bass fishing is still tough on Greenwood and Daniel Skipper is still taking his trips for linesides over to Clarks Hill.
September 29
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.10 (full pool is 440.0) and the water is relatively clear. Surface water temperatures range from 78 in the morning to about 82 in the afternoon.
Even though morning surface water temperatures have dropped into the 70s, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the bass fishing is still tough on Lake Greenwood. For the minute the best bet is probably still to fish sea walls with a topwater bait and then head out to deeper points and creek channels where there is some brush, but fortunately there are some signs that is already changing.
It appears that the shad may be starting to think about moving back into the creeks, and there is already starting to be more bait in small pockets off the main lake where the bait usually heads first. Soon the shad will be back in the creeks and the fish will be following them, and a Rattle Trap, jerkbait, square-billed crankbait, Chatterbait or anything else that imitates shad will work.
A good strategy during this transition period can be to target docks with a jig or worm, watching closely to see where the bait is.
It’s a little early yet, but Stan loves to fish a buzzbait in the fall on Greenwood and that time is coming.
The crappie fishing is at best fair on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that more and more of the fish starting to move off brush and roam. Still, the most catchable fish are on brush in 15-25 feet of water, particularly earlier in the day. By late afternoon the brush bite slows down and fish move towards bridges or suspend.
While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or Glimmer Blue on very clear days), minnows are still working better.
The Lake Greenwood catfish have started to move into a fall pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that means he will be drifting between main lake flats and the river channel. The best drifts will criss-cross the river channel and the flats to locate the fish on a particular day. Cut herring, white perch and shrimp will all work.
This can also be a really good time to catch a big flathead on live bait fished early, late and at night around brush.
The striped bass fishing is basically non-existent right now on Greenwood and Daniel Skipper is still taking his trips for linesides over to Clarks Hill.
September 16
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.18 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-80s.
It’s still a really tough time for bass fishing on Lake Greenwood, and the frank report from veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda is that you are better off heading over to Lake Murray right now! However, if you are set on fishing Greenwood then the best bet is to fish shallow in the mornings around the sea walls with a topwater bait and then head out to deeper points and creek channels, especially where there is some brush. You can also target deeper docks with jigs and worms.
Nothing is very good right now but when temperatures drop into the mid-70s there should be some significant improvement.
The crappie fishing is still fair on Lake Greenwood, but Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that some of the fish are starting to move off brush and roam. Still, the most catchable fish are on brush in 20-25 feet of water, particularly earlier in the day. By late afternoon the brush bite slows down and fish move towards bridges or suspend.
While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or Glimmer Blue on very clear days), minnows are still working better.
Without much change in water temperature the catfish remain in a typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattered all over the lake anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch channel catfish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around. Both dip baits and cut herring are working well.
There can also be a good flathead bite at night on live bait around brush.
The striped bass fishing is basically non-existent right now on Greenwood and Daniel Skipper is still taking his trips for linesides over to Clarks Hill.
September 3
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.05 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures remain in the mid-80s.
We wish we had better news to share, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the bass fishing is still just tough on Lake Greenwood. Tournament weights in the small local tournaments still going on have been low, and as on some other in-state lakes there isn’t really a good shallow or deep pattern right now. If you want to scratch something together you probably need to look everywhere.
Even though the water quality isn’t great in the depths, and the fish have been beat on all summer long, you could still pick something up on the same brush piles everyone has been fishing with soft plastics. You could also get bit for the first hour or so with a topwater baits around sea walls, or a buzzbait or floating worm just going down the bank.
You can also fish main lake or creek points with a Texas rig, Carolina rig or big crankbait, and of course keep your eyes open for schooling activity.
The crappie fishing is still fair on Lake Greenwood, but Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that some of the fish are starting to move off brush and roam. Still, the most catchable fish are on brush in 20-25 feet of water, particularly earlier in the day. By late afternoon the brush bite slows down and fish move towards bridges or suspend.
While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or Glimmer Blue on very clear days), the bite has transitioned to more of a minnow bite by this stage of the summer.
The catfish remain in a typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattered all over the lake anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch channel catfish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around. Both dip baits and cut herring are working well.
There can also be a good flathead bite at night on live bait around the same brush where bass fishermen were throwing worms.
The striped bass fishing is basically non-existent right now on Greenwood and Daniel Skipper has mostly been on Clarks Hill since Greenwood became a bath tub.
August 19
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.97 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures remains very hot.
The bass fishing still hasn’t picked up much on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports there isn’t really a great pattern right now. Tournament weights reflect that reality.
For the first hour or so you can fish topwater baits around sea walls, but that bite plays out pretty fast, and the brush piles are so beat up by this stage of the summer that not much is coming out there.
Probably the best pattern right now is to fish main lake or creek points with a Texas rig, Carolina rig or big crankbait. It doesn’t hurt if they have brush on them, but rock will hold just as many fish, and sometimes the fish are on points where there is no cover at all.
Keep your eyes out for schooling fish as they are on top periodically.
The crappie fishing is fair on Lake Greenwood, but Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that the fish have gone a little deeper. They can be caught over brush in 20-25 feet of water, particularly earlier in the day. By late afternoon the brush bite slows down and fish move towards bridges or suspend.
While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or Glimmer Blue on very clear days), the bite has transitioned to more of a minnow bite by this stage of the summer.
The catfish remain in a typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattered all over the lake anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch channel catfish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots will produce 7 or 8 fish. Both dip baits and cut herring are working well.
There can also be a good flathead bite at night on live bait around the same brush where bass fishermen were throwing worms.
The striped bass fishing is basically non-existent right now on Greenwood.
August 5
Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 439.08 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures are in the upper 80s.
Fishing remains a little slow on Lake Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that the striped bass are no exception. They are still about 25 feet down in the middle and lower lake, either on the bottom or suspended, and what they are catching is still coming on down-lines.
The deep bite for bass on Lake Greenwood remains off, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that dropping water quality is probably to blame for making fish suspend. This happens late every summer, and fishing pressure around brush probably also doesn’t help.
While a lot of the fish are suspended and hard to target, some fish can still be caught shallow first thing on the seawalls. Pop-Rs and floating worms are both good options, and a Whopper Plopper can also work.
The crappie fishing remains a little slow on Lake Greenwood, but Daniel still reports that fish can be caught over brush in 12-25 feet of water. The brush bite is better in the morning into the middle of the day, and by later afternoon to evening it slows down. Sometimes but not always the bigger fish will be on brush at the deeper end of the range, but big crappie are also less likely to be in large schools.
The fish frequently move onto bridges late in the day and into the night.
While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or Glimmer Blue on very clear days), the bite has transitioned to more of a minnow bite by this stage of the summer.
The catfish remain in a typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattered all over the lake anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch channel catfish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots will produce 7 or 8 fish. Both dip baits and cut herring are working well.
There can also be a good flathead bite at night on live bait around the same brush where bass fishermen were throwing worms.
July 28
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.24 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures are as high as 92 degrees.
With water temperatures that high it’s unsurprising that the striped bass bite has gotten tougher on Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that a thermocline has set up about 25 feet down. The striper are around that depth in the middle and lower lake, either on the bottom or suspended. They are still catching everything on down-lines, but fish don’t really seem to be related to anything in particular and it’s still important to rely on electronics.
As predicted last week, by now it’s clear that the deep bite for bass on Lake Greenwood is turning off as veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that dropping water quality is causing them to suspend. This happens late every summer, and fishing pressure around brush probably also doesn’t help.
While a lot of the fish are suspended and hard to target, some fish can still be caught shallow first thing on the seawalls. Pop-Rs and floating worms are both good options, and a Whopper Plopper can also be good.
The crappie fishing remains a little off on Lake Greenwood. Daniel still reports that fish can be caught over brush in 12-25 feet of water, and the brush bite is better in the morning into the middle of the day. By afternoon and evening it slows down. Sometimes but not always the bigger fish will be on brush at the deeper end of the range, but big crappie are also less likely to be in large schools.
The fish frequently move onto bridges late in the day and into the night, and anglers can have some good catches on the bridges. While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or Glimmer Blue on very clear days), the bite has transitioned to more of a minnow bite by this stage of the summer.
The catfish remain in a typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattered all over the lake anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch channel catfish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots will produce 7 or 8 fish. Both dip baits and cut herring are working well.
There can also be a good flathead bite at night on live bait around the same brush where bass fishermen were throwing worms.
July 23
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.13 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are around 85 degrees.
There are still basically two ways to fish for bass on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that you either have to fish for them deep or shallow. The deep bite continues to slow down, probably in part as a result of fishing pressure, but perhaps also because of oxygen levels. It’s not unusual for the fish to move off of brush around this time and start to suspend or pull up shallower looking for better water quality. Regardless, drop shot rigs may be the best way to approach the deeper fish that are still there.
As the deep bite drops off the shallow bite seems to be fishing a little better right now, particularly first thing on the seawalls. Pop-Rs and floating worms are both good options, and a Whopper Plopper can also be good.
The striped bass bite has been pretty good on Greenwood, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fish are in about 25 feet of water where they are still biting well in the middle to lower lake. They could be on the bottom and they could be suspended. They are catching everything on down-lines, but fish don’t really seem to be related to anything in particular and it’s still important to rely on electronics.
The crappie fishing remains a little off on Lake Greenwood. Daniel still reports that fish can be caught over brush in 12-25 feet of water, and the brush bite is better in the morning into the middle of the day. By afternoon and evening it slows down. Sometimes but not always the bigger fish will be on brush at the deeper end of the range, but big crappie are also less likely to be in large schools.
The fish frequently move onto bridges late in the day and into the night, and anglers can have some good catches on the bridges. While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or Glimmer Blue on very clear days), the bite has transitioned to more of a minnow bite by this stage of the summer.
The catfish remain in a typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattered all over the lake anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch channel catfish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots will produce 7 or 8 fish. Both dip baits and cut herring are working well.
There can also be a good flathead bite at night on live bait around the same brush where bass fishermen are throwing worms.
July 8
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.07 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are around 85 degrees.
The bass fishing on Lake Greenwood has shifted again, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the deep fish have been hammered both day and night. Whether fun fishing or tournament angling, everybody is fishing the same brush piles and sometimes there is more or less a literal line to fish them. You can still catch bass on brush, but instead of pulling big crankbaits or Texas rigs through the brush you often need a different presentation and drop shot rigs have been working well. It doesn’t have to be a finesse bait, and you can use a heavier rig, but a different approach seems to pay off.
At the same time that the deep bite has slowed down, there have been some good fish caught first thing on the seawalls. Plenty of 3-4 pound fish are coming on a Pop-R, as well as smaller ones, and there is always the chance for a really big bite. Catching 17-18 pounds off sea walls is very possible.
Finally, some good fish are coming off deeper docks.
With rising water temperatures there has been a bit of change with the striped bass bite, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that fish have moved a little bit deeper into about 25 feet of water where they are still biting well in the middle to lower lake. They could be on the bottom and they could be suspended. They are catching everything on down-lines, but fish don’t really seem to be related to anything in particular and it’s still important to rely on electronics.
By July the fishing often starts to slow down, but this year everything has been running behind a bit so the bite could stay good a little later into the month.
At the same time that bass and striper are cooperating, the crappie fishing seems to be slowing down a little on Lake Greenwood. Daniel Skipper still reports that fish can be caught over brush in 12-25 feet of water, but they aren’t biting quite as well as earlier in the season when they first moved out to brush. The brush bite is better in the morning into the middle of the day, and by afternoon and evening it slows down. Sometimes but not always the bigger fish will be on brush at the deeper end of the range, but big crappie are also less likely to be in large schools.
The fish frequently move onto bridges late in the day and into the night, and anglers can have some good catches on the bridges. While fish will take Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew (or glimmer blue on very clear days), the bite is transitioning to more of a minnow bite as we get later in the summer.
The catfish remain in a typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattered all over the lake anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch channel catfish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots will produce 7 or 8 fish. Both dip baits and cut herring are working well.
There can also be a good flathead bite at night on live bait around the same brush where bass fishermen are throwing worms.
June 24
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.03 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 80s.
It’s hard to know exactly what to expect with the bass on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that a couple of days ago the fishing had gotten tougher again. The topwater bite wasn’t very good around seawalls and was at best lasting about an hour after daybreak, and they weren’t seeing a whole lot of bream up shallow to draw the bass in. Pretty much the only pattern going was fishing deep.
But with the full moon this week there should be a lot more bream on the banks, and as a result there should be more bass being caught on Pop-Rs, prop baits and Senkos. Still, on Greenwood this is usually mostly an early pattern and so when the sun gets up you probably want to look around brush in 15-18 feet of water in the creeks or the main lake. While deep-diving crankbaits should catch some fish, worms are working better right now.
With water temperatures basically stable there is not a lot of change in the striped bass bite, but Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that they are still filling coolers about 20 feet down near the bottom in the middle to lower lake. They are catching everything on down-lines, but fish don’t really seem to be related to anything in particular. They could be around a hump, ditch, high spot, point, or just roaming, and basically you have to spend a lot of time on your electronics to locate them.
The crappie action is also still really good over brush in 15-25 feet of water, and they are catching them basically from the rivers to the dam as long as you are fishing deep brush. How high the fish are sitting varies according to factors such as the height of the brush, but most all brush in that depth is holding fish. There are also some fish around bridges at the same depth.
Minnows are working well and Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew are also really good.
The catfish remain in a typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattered all over the lake anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch channel catfish. Anglers should stay about 30-45 minutes in a spot to see if fish are around and expect to catch 1-3 fish – although some hot spots will produce 7 or 8 fish. Both dip baits and cut herring are working well.
There can also be a good flathead bite at night on live bait around the same brush where bass fishermen are throwing worms.
June 18
Lake Greenwood water levels remain high at 439.05 (full pool is 440.0) and the water is still pretty clear. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-80s.
In last weekend’s Outdoor Dream Foundation Benefit Tournament on Lake Greenwood veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda got half of what he had hoped for. There were some monster sacks of bass caught, but it wasn’t his team that caught them! A 25-pound bag ended up winning, but while Stan caught a ton of fish it was hard to get anything over about 2 ½ pounds.
While a few 3 plus pound fish were caught on sea walls and other shallow areas, the biggest fish all came out deep in 15-18 feet of water around brush or rock. There were also some good ones caught in 6-10 feet very close to deep water in areas that drop off sharply.
Big crankbaits and worms seem to be fishing the best right now.
June 11
Lake Greenwood water levels remain high at 439.13 (full pool is 440.0) and the water is relatively clear; once the lake gets this full it generally stays clear even when there is rain. Morning surface water temperatures are around 83 degrees.
The Outdoor Dream Foundation Benefit Tournament is on Lake Greenwood this weekend, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda is hopeful that there will be some big bags caught. In recent night tournaments there have been some 18-20 pound sacks.
The speculation is that those better sacks are coming fishing out deep, and around brush in 15-18 feet of water some good ones can certainly be caught on big worms and crankbaits. However, Stan has found the best bites early around sea walls where he caught fish like this 7-pounder on a Pop-R.
While most people will be fishing the banks and then brush, Stan has also had some good bites on deeper rock.
The striped bass bite is heating up and seems to be on the verge of getting really good, and Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that most of the fish seem to be around 20 feet down near the bottom in the middle to lower lake. They are catching everything on down-lines, but fish don’t really seem to be related to anything in particular. They could be around a hump, ditch, high spot, point, or just roaming, and basically you have to spend a lot of time on your electronics to locate them.
The crappie action has been really good over brush in 15-25 feet of water, and they are catching them basically from the rivers to the dam as long as you are fishing deep brush. How high the fish are sitting varies according to factors such as the height of the brush, but most all brush in that depth is holding fish. There are also some fish around bridges at the same depth.
Minnows are working well and Fish Stalker jigs in Blue Dew are also really good.
The catfish remain in a typical summer pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that with fish scattered all over the lake anchoring in 5-25 feet of water around humps and points and fan-casting baits to various depths will catch 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. Both dip baits and cut herring are working well.