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The newest Lake Greenwood fishing report can be found at: http://www.anglersheadquarters.com/ahq-insider-lake-greenwood-sc-summer-2019-fishing-report/
June 3
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.04 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures are 82 first thing. Clarity is good.
It’s not often that a veteran angler reports the best day of fishing of his life on a lake he regularly fishes, but that’s exactly what Stan Gunter of Saluda reports happened this Saturday on Lake Greenwood. He and his partner landed at least 40 fish, most in the 2 ½ to 3 ½ pound range and plenty bigger, on the way to a 27+ pound bag and first place in the Outdoor Dream Foundation benefit tournament. They threw back at least three fifteen pound limits! While no one caught them like they did, fishing is excellent overall right now and there were several other big bags caught. 2ndplace had 25 pounds, 3rdhad 19, and there were several 18-pound bags.
First thing in the morning they caught a limit of fish throwing a Pop-R shallow around sea walls, and even though they ultimately culled all of these fish some other anglers had good limits that came shallow including a 6-pounder.
However, it’s the deep bite that is on right now and most of the fish they caught came in about 18 feet around rock. 15-20 feet is a good depth range, and brush, rock flats, and humps will all produce.
Right now the fish are very aggressive, and good fish including a 5-pounder and a 7-pounder came on a deep running crankbait. But they actually hit a big Ole Monster worm Texas-rigged even better, and a 6-pounder came on the worm. Early in the year when fish first go deep they will take big power baits, while later in the season once fish have been pressured Stan advises switching to more finesse baits like a drop shot.
May 9
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.96 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures are in the lower 70s. The whole lake is fishable, with the lower end clear and the upper end only mildly stained.
With an SC Bass Federation tournament upcoming on Lake Greenwood there is only so much information that can be given out, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the majority of the fish seem to be shallow while a few are just starting to go deep to brush. The topwater bite early around sea walls has been pretty good, and there has also been good action around bream beds during the day. During the day you can also fish docks, where both Senkos and jigs will catch fish.
April 26
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.99 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures are in the upper 60s. Water clarity is normal.
There are still some bass on beds at Lake Greenwood, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the spawn is winding down. You can still catch some fish back in spawning pockets, but the better late-spawning fish seem to be bedding in flat pockets just off the main lake.
One of the best patterns to catch post-spawn fish is throwing a wacky-rigged Senko around docks, and they will also take a shakey head. There is also starting to be some good topwater action early around sea walls, where you can throw a Pop-R, Devil’s Horse, or floating worm. Some good fish have also been caught in the eel grass across from the state park throwing a jig.
April 2
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.31 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures are 60-64 degrees depending upon area of the lake. Before today’s rain the backs were cleaner than the main lake, but the whole lake is fairly clear.
Many bass fishermen look forward to the spawning season all year, but sometimes around the thick of the spawn fishing can get tough. Veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that is exactly what is going on right now, and it has only taken about 13 pounds to win recent tournaments. Stan believes that fish may be more focused on getting ready to spawn than eating right now, and as a result weights have been down.
While the last couple of days of cold weather may have backed fish off a little, Stan suggests looking for fish on the bed. By the next full moon he expects the spawn to be completely wide open. He also suggests fishing shallow with a floating worm, Bang-O-Lure, or buzzbait. They will also take a spinnerbait or a jerkbait.
March 22
Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 437.66 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures are around 58-59 degrees. Visibility varies over the lake, and there are some unusual dynamics such as areas where the backs of creeks can be cleaner than the main lake. While the whole lake is fishable overall it is pretty dirty.
There are lots of big bass being caught on Greenwood right now, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that fish are moving up. While they have been relatively shallow for most of the winter because of muddy water, fish are moving even shallower and they are also heading to the very backs. Fish are moving towards spawning pockets, and they could be found off secondary points, docks, or down the gut of pockets where they will slide over to the bank to spawn. Most of the fish are in 1-8 feet of water.
A variety of baits are catching bass, including Rattle Traps, crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Jigs have also been catching some big ones, like the 7 ½ pound fish below.
Once temperatures rise a few more degrees the first round of bedding should take place.
March 5
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.65 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures are in the mid-50s but dropping. The upper half of the lake is very muddy, and soon the whole lake will be.
There are some good bags of bass being caught on Greenwood right now, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that it has been taking 18-20+ pounds to win most recent tournaments. However, weights drop off significantly below the top and some very good fishermen are happy to catch two-pounders.
Pretty much everything is being caught shallow in the 3-5 foot range, with square-billed crankbaits and Alabama rigs the two best reported patterns. Fish are setting up off points and docks, and the best action has been in the main lake or the front of creeks. The mid-lake has been fishing the best.
February 22
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 437.53 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures are around 53 degrees. The lake has gotten very dirty again.
Even though weather conditions have not generally been pleasant for fishing, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that there have been some big sacks caught on Lake Greenwood. 28 pounds won a recent tournament, and 18 pounds did not even cut a check.
Owing to the calendar, fast rising water levels, and a general upwards creep in temperatures fish are starting to move towards the banks. The 3-5 foot range is the best depth to fish. Fish are mainly setting up off secondary points, and pockets off the main lake as well as the front of creeks will hold fish. Start at the front of creeks and work your way back. A #5 or #7 Shad Rap in fire tiger or clown color is a good option, but spinnerbaits and chatterbaits may work better going forward.
There are still some fish being caught on an Alabama rig thrown round docks, and you can also catch fish just going down the bank with an Alabama rig and throwing it like a spinnerbait.
February 6
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 434.92 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures are around 50 degrees but rising. The lake is clearing but still dirty in places.
Lake Greenwood bassfishing has been pretty tough, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda expects that the warm weather this week should make the fish more active. The best pattern remains fishing crankbaits in shallow, rocky areas, but some fish are also starting to be caught throwing Alabama rigs or spinnerbaits around docks. When water temperatures reach the low to mid-50s spinnerbaits should get good.
As dirty as the lake has been Stan has not seen or heard of much deep activity.
January 24
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 435.07 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures remain in the lower 50s. The lake is still very dirty and especially with the latest round of rain they should continue to pull a lot of water through the lake.
Lake Greenwood fishing has not changed much this week, although tournament weights are slightly down. Still, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that bass continue to bite and a shallow pattern still dominates. This week there have been some good reports on spinnerbaits, and of course a lot of anglers are still fishing a crankbait in shallow, rocky areas. Alabama rigs, usually so popular at this time of year, are still worth throwing but just not as good in the dirty conditions.
Continue to follow the birds to locate fish and keep your eyes open for schooling striped bass.
January 15
Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 434.84 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures are back in the lower 50s. The lake is still very dirty and they have been pulling a lot of water through the lake.
Lake Greenwood water conditions remain about the same, save for a few degrees colder, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that bassremain in a shallow pattern. Most anglers are still fishing a crankbait in shallow, rocky areas. Alabama rigs, usually so popular at this time of year, are still worth throwing but just not as good in the dirty conditions. You can also try a spinnerbait particularly during warming trends.
Follow the birds to locate fish, and continue to keep your eyes open for schooling striped bass.
January 9
Lake Greenwood water levels are down to 435.07 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures have risen into the mid-50s. The lake is still extremely dirty and they are pulling a ton of water through the lake.
Lake Greenwood has only gotten muddier in the last week, and as a result veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that bass have gotten even more solidly into a shallow pattern. When they can’t see they really have no choice but to go to the banks, and the water is not cold enough to force them to think about going deep. The shallows may actually be warmer.
Most anglers are still fishing a crankbait in shallow, rocky areas. Alabama rigs, usually so popular at this time of year, are still worth throwing but just not as good in the dirty conditions. You can also try a spinnerbait particularly during warming trends.
Follow the birds to locate fish, and continue to keep your eyes open for schooling striped bass.
January 1
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 437.39 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures are in the lower 50s. Most of the lake remains muddy, but for now the lower lake is a bit cleaner although they are pulling so much water that the mud is quickly making its way down.
Bassfishing has gotten tough on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that in the most recent ABA tournament it took a little over 14 pounds to win. While you can still catch fish, the action has gotten spotty and finding them is a challenge.
With all the mud a deep bite seems almost nonexistent, and most anglers have been turning to a crankbait in shallow, rocky areas. Alabama rigs, usually so popular at this time of year, are still worth throwing but just not as good in the dirty conditions. You can also try a spinnerbait but it’s gotten a little cold for that.
Follow the birds to locate fish, and keep your eyes open for schooling striped bass. The striper bite has been significantly better than the action for largemouth.
December 20
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.29 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures have fallen into the lower 50s. Most of the lake is muddy but the lower lake is a little better.
Even though the water is cold and muddy, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that bass fishing is very good right now. Probably because of the water conditions, fish seem to be shallow in less than 10 feet of water around rocky points. Some boats are even sitting inside of the shoal markers casting to very skinny water.
Alabama rigs, swimbaits and shallow-running crankbaits are working well, and some striped bass are also being picked up while bass fishing. It seems that birds have followed the bait shallow in places and they can be seen diving into very little water.
There will be a deeper jigging spoon bite when the water settles out but for now it is too muddy to seem worth looking deep.
November 28
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 437.16 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures have dropped into the mid-50s. The lower end has decent visibility at 2-3 feet, while the upper half gets much dirtier ranging to muddy at the top of the lake.
It never seems to fail that bass fishing on Lake Greenwood gets better when it’s cold, and FLW angler Andy Wicker of Pomaria reports that in a weekend tournament they found a really good bite for numbers of solid fish. Fishing a half day before motor issues they were able to catch around 30 fish, with a solid 15-pound limit of near-clones at about 3 pounds each. 16 ½ won the tournament. About 75% of the fish they caught were spotted bass.
They pretty much stuck to the lower end of the lake below the railroad trestle, and they only fished 10 feet or less. However, almost all the fish were in steep areas close to deep water. Pretty much everything came on an Alabama rig and a shakey head.
Veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda also advises sticking to the more fishable lower lake, and in addition to Alabama rigs he suggests spinnerbaits. The deep fish are hard to target right now but it’s worth fishing most shallow structure on the lower end.
November 15
Lake Greenwood water levels are up to 439.26 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures have fallen into the lower 60s, with the riverine sections colder than the lower lake. There is a ton of muddy water coming down the lake.
Fresh off a 4thplace finish in the SC BASS Federation two-day championship on Lake Greenwood, and a 2nd place finish for his son Bryan, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda is just the person to update us on the Greenwood fish. Fishing is okay, but out of about 30 boats only 7 individuals finished with a limit both days. It took about 28 pounds over two days for the win on the boater side.
Fish can be caught from 2 feet to 25 feet, and with a range like that as expected there are a bunch of different patterns going. While it’s mainly catching small fish right now you can run docks with an Alabama rig, and Stan says they did catch a 3 ½ pounder that way. As good at the A-rig is already working, when it’s really not cold enough to peak, Stan thinks that bite is about to get awesome.
There is also another shallow pattern fishing jigs around shallow laydowns and brush, but the best fish seemed to come out of deep water. The winning angler apparently caught everything on a jigging spoon in 25 feet, and the Gunters found their best fish around brush in 15-18, and sometimes 20, feet of water. They caught them on spinnerbaits, jigging spoons, drop shots, Texas rigs and shakey heads. Some of the best fish came on a shakey head, which was outfishing an Ole Monster.
Fish seem to be closer to the main lake in the fronts of creeks to about halfway back, but Stan anticipates that more fish will get into the very backs as the temperatures drop a few more degrees.
Finally, it’s worth noting how prolific spotted bass have become on the lake. It’s much easier to catch spots than largemouth now, but there are also starting to be some big spots in the 3-4 pound range weighed in. And even bigger ones are almost certainly swimming around.
October 19
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 439.06 (full pool is 440.0) and water temperatures are in the mid to upper 70s. The lower end has cleared after the storm.
Bass fishing on Lake Greenwood is by no means strong right now, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter reports that some fish have been caught flipping docks in shallow water in the river area with big Ole Monster or Mag 2 worms. As water temperatures drop more fish will come to the banks, and soon a buzzbait should work well all day.
September 21
Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.08 (full pool is 440.0).
It’s typical for the Lake Greenwood offshore bass bite to deteriorate this late in the season due to a variety of factors, including a long summer of fishing pressure and reduced water quality. Add in the effects of recent rains and SC BASS team boater Stan Gunter of Saluda says that it’s a no-brainer to start shallow in the creeks and up the rivers and fish the dirtiest water you can find. Stan has had success lately fishing square-billed crankbaits, buzzbaits, and flipping cover, keying on any wood or shallow docks he can find. However, you want to fish areas with some deep water nearby and not very shallow, flat creeks.