September 24

Lake Keowee is at 98.6% of full pool and water clarity is still very high on the main body of the lake. Morning surface water temperatures remain in the low to mid-80s over most of the lake. 

Water temperatures have held steady this past week, and as a result N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the fishing patterns have also remained fairly stable. 

An early bite on points with a small crankbait, topwater, or spinnerbait is working for the first hour or so of daylight.  Some schooling activity is happening in the backs of major creeks early in the morning and some sporadic schooling on the main lake is also underway throughout the day.  This pattern should increase when the water cools a few more degrees.  Long points with drop-offs on the end are good places to look for these fish with a topwater and then a drop shot when they are on the bottom. 

Expect the fishing to get even better in the next few weeks when the water temperature finally falls below 80.

Our apologies for the sporadic fishing reports in recent weeks. We will do everything we can to get back on track with weekly updates, but one of our children is getting through a significant health challenge which has occupied a great deal of our time and kept us out of work.  

September 18

Lake Keowee is at 98.1% of full pool and water clarity is still very high. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-80s over most of the lake. 

At most water temperatures are falling very slowly on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that with stable weather the past week the bass are continuing their fall migration patterns.  An early bite on points with a small crankbait, buzzbait, or topwater will catch a few fish.  As the sun rises, look in or near the backs of long creeks for fish chasing schools of shad.  While a lot of these fish will be on the small side, they are fun to catch with a topwater bait. 

Bigger fish are still out on the main lake on long points and anywhere schools of bait are found – this can be over deep water on Keowee so keep an eye out for schooling fish. 

A shallow bite around docks or any structure will produce using a shaky head or similar soft plastic.  

September 10

Lake Keowee is at 97.1% of full pool and water clarity is very high, especially on the main lake. Morning surface water temperatures have dropped to the low 80s over most of the lake. 

As water temperatures continue to slowly fall on the lake, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that fish continue to make their transition to fall.  An early bite on points or back in creeks is productive with a small crankbait or buzzbait.  Some good early morning topwater action with a walking bait can also be found back in the major creek arms in early and mid-morning. 

Some schooling activity is being found on the main lake and expect this to increase in frequency over the coming weeks.  A walking bait or swimbait can be used to target these fish and the location is dependent on schools of baitfish being present.  On Keowee, this can mean topwater action over deep water if bait is congregated there. 

Overall fishing is good and should only improve as the water continues to cool.

September 4

Lake Keowee is at 97.2% of full pool and water clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures have dropped to the low to mid-80s over most of the lake. 

Back on the water after an extended hiatus, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that things have changed a bit in the last few weeks.  As a result of dropping water temperatures, a variety of techniques are working in the cooler conditions. 

Some big largemouth have been caught around bream beds and laydowns shallow.  An early bite on points with a lipless crankbait, topwater, or buzzbait is a good option for starting.  Fish are also holding off long points and chasing bait, with some surface activity beginning to occur throughout the day.  A swimbait or topwater can be used on these fish.  When these same fish are down in the water column a drop shot or shaky head can be used. 

Overall, fishing has improved and this trend will likely continue into the fall.

August 21

Lake Keowee is at 97.9% of full pool and the lake has cleared significantly. Morning surface water temperatures are back in the mid-80s. 

There are a number of different ways to catch black bass right now on Lake Keowee, and Guide Lane Clark (864-254-8614) reports that probably his number one current pattern is fishing bream beds. The mid-lake area around the hot hole and skimmer wall is a lot flatter and so it is usually easier to find bream beds there, and he would target the bass hanging around them with a buzzbait or Pop-R. Another strong pattern is to go behind the Jocassee dam and fish the moving water. Fish the walls with a shaky head or drop shot, and in the morning throw a topwater or buzzbait.

Of course perhaps the largest group of fish will be offshore, and while these fish are harder to target and not as likely to be feeding as, for example, a fish sitting off a bream bed, they can be caught a number of different ways.  Fishing with a drop shot or throwing a minnow-type soft plastic bait on a jighead will work, but Lane is more likely to target them with a topwater or fluke for fish feeding up.

August 9

Lake Keowee is at 97.8% of full pool and the main lake remains clear while the backs of major creeks are stained/ dirty from all the recent rain.  Morning surface water temperatures have dropped a few degrees with mid- to upper 80s now found over most of the lake. 

After unusually cool weather and an influx of freshwater runoff from heavy rainfall, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that some anglers report catching more black bass shallow this week.  Still, overall fish remain in a summer pattern and at first light fishing on points with a small crankbait or buzzbait remains a good starting technique.  After the sun gets up, soft plastics such as a drop shot in 35-50 feet of water around humps and drop-offs will produce. 

For shallow water anglers, target bream beds or wolf packs of spotted bass roaming the shoreline with a popper or wacky rig.  Very little topwater action has been noted the past week. 

Nighttime anglers are targeting rock and green lights in tournaments.

July 31

Lake Keowee is at 98.2% of full pool and water clarity remains high. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 80s to low 90s over most of the lake.

With water temperatures at or near their summer highs, it’s no surprise that N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that black bass fishing has gotten tougher after the high temperatures over the past couple of weeks.

A weak early morning bite on points with a small crankbait or topwater will produce a few fish before the sun gets up.  For shallow water anglers, there are some bass cruising the shorelines at times or around bream beds.  A more consistent bite is present with a drop shot rig in 25-45 feet of water or a shaky head in 15-25 feet around any structure or brush.  Some topwater action can still be found at the Jocassee dam but this has also slowed down.

There are some large schools of spotted bass suspended and/or roaming over very deep water where baitfish are present. These can be targeted with a jigging spoon or drop shot. 

July 25

Lake Keowee is at 97.2% of full pool and water clarity remains high. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 80s to low 90s over most of the lake.

Unsurprisingly, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that with these temperatures catching black bass has gotten tougher over the past week. With the intense heat forecasted over the next week expect the water temperatures to reach their summertime peak soon. 

An early bite on points before the sun gets up will produce some bass on small crankbaits or swimbaits.  Some topwater action can still be found north of the highway 11 bridge to the Jocassee dam in the mornings. 

After the sun gets up, shallow-water anglers can use a frog or popper to target bass around bream beds.  Otherwise, a drop shot or soft plastic in the 35-50' range around humps and drop-offs is a good strategy.  Some spotted bass have been caught this past week suspended over deep water (75 plus feet) with a jigging spoon but these fish are hard to find as the locations are random in nature. 

Overall, fishing has slowed with the high water temperatures and not much is expected to change until we get some relief from the hot weather.

July 18

Lake Keowee is at 96.8% of full pool and water clarity remains high. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 80s over most of the lake.

With water temperatures near their summer peak, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the pattern for catching black bass is stable with fish in a summertime pattern. 

An early bite on points with a topwater or small crankbait will produce some fish at daybreak.  After the sun gets up, there are two basic patterns – fishing shallow around bream beds and wolf packs, or deep with a drop shot or soft plastic.  For the deep bite, targeting 25-50 or so feet off points and drop-offs and any structure is the best bet.  For shallow fish, use a Pop-R or your favorite bait for fishing bream beds. 

For those who like night fishing this is a good option to avoid the heavy boat traffic.  

July 10

Lake Keowee is at 98.3% of full pool and water clarity remains very high on the main body of the lake. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 80s over most of the lake.

With hot weather and lots of holiday traffic on Keowee this past week, it’s unsurprising that N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) isn’t reporting a dramatic uptick in the black bass fishing.  Fish remain in a summertime pattern with a shallow bite early on points with a small swimbait or crankbait; however, this bite is not nearly as strong as it was a couple of weeks ago.  After the sun gets up, a dropshot in 25-55 feet of water along drop-offs and long points and any brush is a good bet. 

For shallow water anglers, the bream bed bite is an option along with targeting fish cruising the bank. 

And for something different fishing below the Jocassee dam can be a good pattern, although that bite is much better when water is moving and with no schedule published it’s mostly unpredictable. 

Overall, fishing has gotten tougher with the high water temperatures although some big fish have been caught shallow and at the Jocassee dam. 

July 3

Lake Keowee is at 97.7% of full pool and water clarity remains very high. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the upper 80s over most of the lake.

Unsurprisingly between the heat and holiday boat traffic, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports the black bass fishing has gotten tougher in the past week.  Every day boat traffic is heavy by noon, and so fishing early and at night remain the best options. 

Fish remain in a summertime pattern with an early shallow bite on points with a small crankbait or topwater.  After the sun gets up, a drop shot in 30-50 feet along points and drop-offs and any structure is the best bet given the warm water.  Some fish are also suspended over very deep water and can be caught with a spoon, but these fish are difficult to find and are in random spots. 

June 26

Lake Keowee is at 97.6% of full pool and water clarity remains very high. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the low to mid-80s over most of the lake.

The recent extreme heat has not been favorable for fishing on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that as water temperatures continue to climb the black bass fishing has slowed some. 

An early bite on points and shallow flats with a small crankbait or topwater is still a good starting point.  As the sun gets up, the topwater bite can continue to work off long points or at the Jocassee dam.  After that, a deeper bite with a dropshot out to 45 or so feet on long points and humps is a good option. 

Boat traffic is heavy on the lake so getting off the lake by late morning is a good idea.  Night fishing is also a good option at this time to avoid the boat traffic.

June 19

Lake Keowee is at 97.5% of full pool and water clarity remains very high on the main lake. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-80s over most of the lake, although mid-70s can be found near the Jocassee dam.  

Water temperatures are on the rise on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that black bass are now in summertime mode and a few different patterns can be used. 

An early bite on shallow points with a small crankbait or topwater is producing well for the first ninety minutes of daylight each morning.  After that, the topwater bite can be extended well into the morning off main lake points and secondary points. 

After the sun gets up, a drop shot in 25-40 feet of water on the same points and around any brush is working. 

Finally, shallow water fisherman can use a bream bed pattern to target those fish, with a much better chance of catching a largemouth.   

June 11

Lake Keowee is at 98.5% of full pool and water clarity remains very high on the main lake. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 70s over most of the lake. 

Water temperatures have only inched slightly higher on Lake Keowee with some mild early summer weather, and overall N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the black bass pattern has largely stayed the same as well.  There continues to be an early bite on points using a small crankbait or topwater.  The topwater bait, on points, can be used as a pattern throughout the day for schools of spotted bass.  For deeper fish, a drop shot or similar soft plastic presentation fished out to 40 feet or so around any brush or structure is effective. 

Boat traffic is heavy on the lake, particularly on weekends, so some night tournaments are now happening on the lake. 

Expect patterns to hold for the next few weeks until the water gets into the 80s.

May 29

Lake Keowee is at 98.4% of full pool.  Water clarity is high on the main lake with some stain in the back of major creeks. Morning surface water temperatures remain in the mid- to upper 70s over most of the lake. 

With water temperatures holding steady this week on Lake Keowee, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that black bass remain in a post-spawn and early summer pattern.  An early bite on points with a topwater or small crankbait is working.  The topwater bite can last all day by running points and any structure in 15-30 feet of water as fish are feeding on schools of baitfish. 

Another good strategy is soft plastics out to 30 or so feet around points, docks, and any structure. 

Some schooling activity is occurring on the lake in areas holding bait so have a topwater handy if fish come up on the surface. 

Boat traffic is heavy on the weekends so fishing early and at night are the best options for the remainder of the summer season.

May 21

Lake Keowee is at 97.5% of full pool.  Water clarity is high on the main lake although there is some stain in the backs of major creeks which is clearing quickly. Morning surface water temperatures have risen to the mid- to upper 70s over most of the lake. 

While there are still a few black bass which have yet to spawn on Lake Keowee, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the bass are now overwhelmingly in a post-spawn and early summer pattern.  An early bite on points with a topwater, swimbait, or small crankbait is working before the sun gets up.  The topwater bite is extended throughout the morning on points and coves with schools of baitfish present. 

Otherwise, a soft plastic bait such as a Texas rig or shaky head out to 25 or so feet is a good choice. 

Deeper fish, out to 40 feet, around any structure can be targeted with a dropshot.

May 14

Lake Keowee is at 98.9% of full pool.  Water clarity is high on the main lake but stained in the backs of major creeks from heavy rains the past couple of days. Morning surface water temperatures remain in the low to mid-70s over the vast majority of the lake. 

The black bass continue to move into summer patterns on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the bite is overall good.  An early bite on points with small crankbaits and topwaters is effective before the sun gets over the horizon.  Some schooling activity is being noted, but it is not widespread or long-lasting at this point.  However, the topwater bite can now be run all day on points and humps where bait is being chased by spotted bass.  A walking bait is a good choice. 

Soft plastics out to 20 feet or so are working around docks, rocky points, and humps.  And a deeper bite on the points with a drop shot out to 35 or so feet is another option.  

May 7

Lake Keowee is at 98.9% of full pool.  Water clarity is very high on the main lake and pollen levels are finally dropping. Morning surface water temperatures remain in the low to mid-70s over the vast majority of the lake. 

There are still a few black bass that can be found spawning on Lake Keowee, but N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the great majority of the fish are now in a post-spawn and early summer pattern.  Spotted bass are beginning to group up on points early for any shad/herring spawn and can be targeted with a small crankbait, spinnerbait, or topwater.  The topwater bite can continue throughout the day on points and creeks where large schools of baitfish are present.  A walking bait or swimbait or fluke is a good choice. 

Fish can also be caught on soft plastics in the 10-25 foot range on points, humps, and around docks.  Some fish are also cruising the shallows looking for bream beds so that provides another option for shallow water anglers. 

Overall, fishing is good and should remain strong in the next few weeks as the post-spawn fish begin feeding heavily.

April 30

Lake Keowee is at 98.6% of full pool and water clarity is very high on the main lake. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the low to mid-70s over the vast majority of the lake. 

Black bass are moving quickly into their early summer (post-spawn) patterns on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that, while there are certainly still some fish who have yet to move up and spawn, a lot of the fish being caught now are showings signs of coming off the bed. 

An early topwater bite is developing but somewhat inconsistent – keep moving and hitting points early to find some active fish.  The topwater bite can continue well into the morning in areas holding schools of baitfish.  A small crankbait or spinnerbait can also produce at first light each morning. 

After the sun gets up, a fluke is working as well as soft plastics out to 30 feet or so on points and humps and around docks.  While the shallow bite has slowed up this past week, expect to see the spotted bass begin to school up in larger groups and chase bait throughout the day.

 

April 23

Lake Keowee is at 98.8% of full pool and water clarity is very high on the main lake. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the low 70s over most of the lake. 

Things are changing this week on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that they have been catching a lot of post-spawn black bass this past week.  While there are still fish on the bed and probably some more still to come up, a lot of fish are transitioning to early summertime patterns. 

An early bite on points with a topwater is now productive, and this can be a good bite back in coves and pockets holding bait as well.  After the sun gets up, the topwater bite is extended on long points where the spotted bass are chasing baitfish.  Soft plastics around docks and on points out to 20 feet or so are still working as well. 

Expect to see a good topwater bite over the next few weeks.

Looking for something different with a slow blue cat bite on Lake Hartwell,Captain Bill Plumley reports that he has been targeting the catfish on Keowee. In the spring he finds that the blues comes into the creeks on Keowee, and he has been catching them in about 21 feet of water anchoring with cut bait. Meanwhile he has found channel catfish in 57 feet of water that wanted dip baits!

April 18

Lake Keowee is at 98.6% of full pool and water clarity remains high on the main lake, although pollen is still present. Morning surface water temperatures remain in the mid- to upper 60s over most of the lake with low 70s found near the nuclear station.     

Black bass are still in all three phases of the spawn on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that as a result a variety of techniques are still working on the lake.  An early bite on points with a topwater, swimbait, or spinnerbait is a good starting point.  And some fish continue to chase bait a while after the sun gets up, so keep a topwater handy. 

Soft plastics for fish in water out to 16 feet or so on points, flats, and around docks will work all day. 

Overall, it continues to be a good time to be on the lake.

April 9

Lake Keowee is at 98.7% of full pool and water clarity is high on the main lake, but with the backs of major creeks stained to muddy. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the mid-60s over most of the lake and the upper 60s mid-lake.   

With black bass in all three phases of the spawn on Lake Keowee, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that therefore a variety of techniques can be used from bed fishing to targeting bass in open water.  An early bite on points with a swimbait or small crankbait is starting to pick up.  Some topwater action is also present throughout the day, particularly in the mid-lake section.  Soft plastics such as a shaky head or Texas rig are working out to 20 feet or so, and fishing around docks with soft plastics or a jig is productive as this is a prime bedding area for many bass on Keowee. 

Fishing remains strong on the lake and should continue to be very good over the next few weeks.

 

April 3

Lake Keowee is at 98.5% of full pool and water clarity is high on the main lake (absent the pollen). Morning surface water temperatures are now in the mid-60s over most of the lake. 

It’s an outstanding time to catch black bass on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the spawn is in full swing on the lake with an excellent shallow bite underway.  Docks, rocky banks, and spawning flats are all holding fish with more bass moving up every day. Any soft plastic is effective on these pre-spawn and spawning bass.

Some fish can also be found on brush in 15-25 feet of water, where a drop shot is effective. 

In the mid-lake area some bass are chasing bait on the surface at times – look for any birds diving as a good indication of where a school of bass may be located.  A topwater bait or swimbait can be used on these fish. 

Overall, it’s a great time to catch numbers on Keowee!

With a relative absence of shallow cover on Keowee the crappie spawn is a bit of a mystery, but Guide Casey Jones of Jocassee Charters (864-280-9056) reports that they continue to catch fair numbers and a few very large fish suspended in trees in the creeks.  Minnows are working. Perhaps some fish are currently spawning around floating docks, but regardless decent numbers remain offshore. Some of these fish are full of eggs and so at least some fish are still pre-spawn.  They are picking up relatively few spotted bass, another indicator most spots have gone shallow.

March 27

Lake Keowee is at 98.0% of full pool and water clarity is very high on the main lake, even with pollen concentrations. Morning surface water temperatures have now reached the low 60s over most of the lake with mid-60s found near the nuclear station. 

It remains very good black bass fishing on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that, while some fish may now be post-spawn, the great majority of the bass are either in spawn or pre-spawn stages.  The spawn takes many weeks to unfold on Keowee due to the water temperatures and impact of the nuclear facility, but most fish are now moving toward their traditional spawning areas on the lake such as docks, rocky points, shallow coves, etc. 

An early bite with a spinnerbait or jerkbait is a good place to start, and then using soft plastics around likely spawning or staging areas will produce fish.  Some topwater action, particularly mid-lake, can also be found in the morning.  Fishing windy banks in the afternoon with a jerkbait is working later in the day. 

Overall, fishing is very good on the lake currently and should remain that way for several weeks. 

March 20

Lake Keowee is at 98.0% of full pool and water clarity is very high on the main lake although a lot of pollen is now accumulating as well – and definitely having an effect on forward-facing sonar for the next few weeks! Morning surface water temperatures have inched up to the low 60s over most of the lake with mid-60s found near the nuclear station. 

It's a very good time to fish for black bass on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that fish are in heavy pre-spawn and spawning phase primarily, while some fish mid-lake may have already finished the spawn.  An early bite with a spinnerbait or small crankbait on points is developing and should get stronger in the coming weeks, but that is a good place to start at first light.  A swimbait or jerkbait is working for fish chasing bait on the surface during the morning hours. 

Soft plastics out to 20 or so feet on points and around/between docks is a very consistent pattern currently and will produce all day.  Fishing should remain very strong for the next few weeks.

March 13

Lake Keowee is at 98.9% of full pool and water clarity is very high on the main lake with some stain found in the very back of major creeks.  Morning surface water temperatures have now reached the low to mid-60s in the mid-lake region over the past few days, with most of the lake now in the upper 50s. 

With the water warming quickly this week, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that black bass have now been caught off the bed in the mid-lake area.  Expect to see more significant movement to shallow water in the next week.  However, the spawn on Keowee is always extended and many fish still remain in ditches and creeks in 30 plus feet of water. 

An early bite with a swimbait or jerkbait is producing in areas holding bait.  After the sun gets up, soft plastics around pre-spawn and spawning areas is working in 6-15 feet of water.  Deeper fish can be targeted with a drop shot or similar bait. 

In the last few tournaments, 14 pounds has generally been in the money, but those weights may go up with more fish on the bed being targeted in the coming weeks.

March 5

Lake Keowee is at 98.0% of full pool and water clarity is normal.  Morning surface water temperatures in the low 60s can be found mid-lake with temperatures in the mid- to upper 50s now found throughout the rest of the lake. 

Water temperatures continue to slowly rise on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that black bass continue to move up into shallower water with the warmer weather.  Some fish are now being seen on the bed, particularly mid-lake, in 3-6 feet of water.  Most of the largemouth will be that shallow while some of the spotted bass will be and some will be deeper.  Fish can be targeted with swimbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics as they are making their way to spawning locations. 

Some sporadic surface activity has been seen in the past week – and this will increase in the coming week – so a topwater bait should also be on the deck. 

Fishing depth is largely determined by how one wants to fish now, with a shallow bite in a few feet of water out to 30 feet or so with deeper plastics and swimbaits.  

February 27

Lake Keowee is at 97.6% of full pool and water clarity is very high on the main lake but there is some stain in the back of major creeks.  Morning surface water temperatures remain in the upper 50s on the north and south ends, while temperatures in the low 60s can be found mid-lake. 

With water temperatures on the rise, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that black bass can be targeted a number of ways as the transition to shallow water seems to have begun.  A crankbait bite in the stained water is good with a mid-running bait in shad or red colors.  Soft plastics in the 10-20 foot range are working around docks and rocky points.  Some deeper fish in the 20-40 feet range can be targeted with swimbaits or drop shots. 

Overall, fishing has begun to improve and this trend should continue as fish move into the pre-spawn and spawn.

February 19

Lake Keowee is at 98.8% of full pool and water clarity is normal on the main lake but stained to muddy in the back of the major creeks due to recent rainfall.  Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 50s over most of the lake, with the warmest water at 60 degrees near the power plant.

With the cold weather that has moved back in, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that not much has changed with black bass fishing on the lake in the past week.  While fish continue to transition from deeper water, the process is slow. 

A swimbait, jerkbait, or soft plastics on points are good baits to try right now.  On sunny days, try docks with a shaky head or jig as the floats warm up.  Some deeper fish (40 feet or so) can still be caught on a dropshot. 

Expect to see more fish move up in the next couple of weeks.

February 12

Lake Keowee is at 99.1% of full pool and water clarity is very high on the main lake.  Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 50s on the southern and northern ends of the lake, and low 60s can be found in the mid-lake area. 

After a brief warm spell, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that winter has decided to return this week and water temperatures have dropped a degree or two in places. The black bass fishing pattern has not changed much with the cooler temperatures returning. 

Some fish are continuing to move up in the water column and out of the deeper creeks.   These fish can be targeted with a swimbait or soft plastics in 20-35 feet of water.  Other fish still remain in the creeks with the best depth being 35-50 feet of water.  A dropshot or small swimbait is the best bet for these fish. 

We should continue to see a slow progression of fish moving shallower over the next couple of weeks.

February 6

Lake Keowee is at 98.2% of full pool and water clarity is very high, with visibility more than 10 feet on the main lake.  Morning surface water temperatures are now back to the mid- to upper 50s on the southern and northern ends of the lake, with low 60s in the mid-lake area. 

After a number of very warm days, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that things are rapidly changing as water temperatures are rising.  The deep bite that has been so prevalent over the winter seems to be dying out quickly with fish now starting to move out of the deeper water.  There are still fish in the 30-50 foot range, but the very deep bite has dropped off significantly. 

A shallower bite with soft plastics such as a shaky head and a small swimbait is picking up – expect this trend to continue.  With no really cold nights forecast in the next week, expect to see more fish moving up around points, humps, and docks, especially mid-lake.

 

January 29

Lake Keowee is at 98.6% of full pool and water clarity is very high.  Morning surface water temperatures are now in the upper 40s to low 50s over most of the lake.

Water temperatures are now at or near their winter low on Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that, with the lake colder this year than the past few winters, in the recent BFL event most fish were caught in deep water on drop shots, Damiki rigs, spoons, and more.  For the deep bite, 60 plus feet is still working in areas holding baitfish.  A shallow bite with a shaky head or jig also produced some fish along with a swimbait.  Very few largemouth were weighed in the tournament – an indication of the cold water temperatures. 

This pattern is likely to hold for at least the next couple of weeks until we see some uptick in the water temperatures.  However, expect to see some fish moving up, particularly on sunny afternoons around docks or rocky areas. 

That’s consistent with the report from tournament angler Andy Wicker of Pomaria, who finished second in the BFL event on the strength of a couple of two better fish.  Andy agrees that the vast majority of the fish are out deep right now, but he notes that the few fish which are shallow are often good ones.  Both of his big fish came around docks – and as Charles said, he caught them later in the day!  

January 22

Lake Keowee is at 98.8% of full pool and water clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures are now around 50 over most of the lake, with 40s back in some of the long creeks. Around the nuclear plant temperatures are in the mid-50s.    

We are having a truly wintery January in the Upstate, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that cold weather has limited time on the lake and the number of black bass anglers practicing for the upcoming BFL has been very low because of the frigid temperatures. 

With the low temperatures, expect a lot of spotted bass to be stuck on the bottom in ditches or around structure in depths from 40-80 feet.  Finding bait in these areas increases the likelihood of spotted bass being nearby.  A drop shot or Damiki rig worked slowly is the best bet for these fish. 

Some fish will chase bait on the surface at times back in pockets so have a topwater handy if they come up. 

Finally, a jig worked slowly or a jerkbait (also worked slowly) is another good wintertime option on the lake.

January 10

Lake Keowee is at 98.6% of full pool and water clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the low to mid-50s over most of the lake, although in the backs of some creeks you can find 40s while the area around the power plant remains near 60.  

Water temperatures continue to slowly fall on Lake Keowee, and as they approach their low for the season N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that fish are deep in a wintertime pattern.  A lot of black bass are now in ditches, creek channels and drop-offs in 40 plus feet of water, usually holding close to the bottom.  Finding bait in any of these areas will often mean spotted bass are nearby and can be caught with a drop shot, small spoon, or dragging a jig on the bottom. 

A shallower bite with a jerkbait, shaky head, or small swimbait can be found around docks and points with the best area being mid-lake in the warmer water. 

While there are not a lot of birds on Keowee during the winter, any activity with loons or gulls means bait is present and a good spot to take a look.

January 2

Lake Keowee is at 97.8% of full pool and water clarity is normal.  Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 50s, although in the mid-lake there is still some water in the lower 60s.      

Water temperatures continue to slowly fall on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that as a result winter black bass fishing patterns are now dominant with many fish in deeper water on the bottom or around schools of bait fish.  A dropshot, spoon, or jig in depths from 35-70 plus feet will work in areas holding bait.  Creek channels, drop-offs, and deeper holes are best. 

A shallower bite with a jerkbait or swimbait on points or back in creeks is also an option.

Much cooler weather is forecast over the next two weeks so expect fish to slow down and get even deeper.