January 26

Lake Wateree is at 94.7% of full pool and the entire lake is still muddy. Water temperatures are around 50 degrees. 

The crappie on Lake Wateree are still out in open water not really related to anything, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that he is still fishing the lower end mostly. The biggest change is that fish are starting to get into deeper creeks and stage in the very fronts of them. Whether on the main lake or in creek he is finding fish in 18-30 feet of water, from 10-19 feet down. On sunny days they are more likely to be higher in the water column. 

If you are fishing the upper end there are still crappie up there, but they are still tucking out of the worst current in areas like the mouth of Taylors Creek where the river channel swings in but they can also escape the worst current. 

The fish are not active right now, and while they will occasionally take a jig dangled in front of them the best way to catch them has been with an extremely slow-moving minnow. Tight-lining or casting with LiveScope are the preferred methods. 

Will has heard that around February 6 they are going to bring the lake up for a couple of weeks then bring it back down again, which could have interesting effects on the fish. 

There’s not much change in the bass fishing patterns right now, and tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports that he is still targeting shallow but steep, main lake rock with deep water nearby. There are also some fish hanging around docks that have water, and the brush in front of docks is also holding bass. 

Shallow-running crankbaits, jigs and shakey heads are all decent options but nothing is hot right now. 

It’s a pretty good catfish bite on Lake Wateree when the water is rising, while Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) points out that fish don’t seem to be bite as well when the water is receding. This is especially true for shallow patterns, and they are still finding the best action in the backs of creeks and shallow flats which have been warmed by the sun. The occasional striped bass is also showing up. Anchoring baits in 6-15 feet is the best pattern, and gizzard shad is hard to beat. Gizzards are more difficult to catch in winter but they can be found near the state park deep in 23-26 feet of water.

The best place to drift for catfish on the main lake right now is on the 20-foot flats at the mouth of June Creek

With low water levels exercise caution on Wateree, especially in the creeks, and be alert for stumps and long shallow points. 

January 19

Lake Wateree is at 93.5% of full pool and most of the lake is still muddy, nasty and trashy. Water temperatures are in the lower 50s. 

The crappie have not moved this week on Lake Wateree, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that water conditions still have fish very scattered. 

Will is still spending the most time fishing on the lower end of the of the lake in the mouths of coves from 18 feet to the bottom in 30-35 feet of water. There are still fish on the upper end, but they are trying to find ways to tuck in out of the current such as going into the mouth of Taylors Creek, where the river channel swings in but they can also escape the worst current. Again they will be suspended from about 18 feet to the bottom in 27-28 feet of water. 

The fish are not active right now, and while they will occasionally take a jig dangled in front of them the best way to catch them has been with an extremely slow-moving minnow. 

It’s a pretty good catfish bite on Lake Wateree right now, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that they are still catching 6-24 pound fish in the backs of creeks and shallow flats which have been warmed by the sun. The occasional striped bass is also showing up. Anchoring baits in 6-15 feet is the best pattern, and gizzard shad is hard to beat. They are more difficult to catch in winter but can be found near the state park deep in 23-26 feet of water.

The best place to drift for catfish on the main lake right now is on the 20-foot flats at the mouth of June Creek

With low water levels exercise caution on Wateree, especially in the creeks, and be alert for stumps and long shallow points.

Bass report to follow.  

January 13

Lake Wateree is up to 93.8% of full pool and the whole lake is muddy from end to end, although some of the creeks are a bit clearer. Water temperatures are in the lower 50s. 

It’s a pretty good catfish bite on Lake Wateree right now, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that they are catching 6-24 pound fish in the backs of creeks and shallow flats which have been warmed by the sun. The occasional striped bass is also showing up. Anchoring baits in 6-15 feet is the best pattern, and gizzard shad is hard to beat. They are more difficult to catch in winter but can be found near the state park deep in 23-26 feet of water.

The best place to drift for catfish on the main lake right now is on the 20-foot flats at the mouth of June Creek

With low water levels exercise caution on Wateree, especially in the creeks, and be alert for stumps and long shallow points. 

January 12

Lake Wateree is down to 93.3% of full pool and the whole lake is muddy from end to end, although some of the creeks are a bit clearer. Water temperatures are in the lower 50s. 

The main lake is so muddy that it looks like you could walk on it, and so it’s unsurprising that the best bass fishing is coming shallow right now – where Wateree fish often feed the best in the winter regardless of water conditions. Tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports that the best action is on the main lake around rock, and with low water levels there’s little to no grass in the water right now. There are also some fish hanging around docks that have water, and the brush in front of docks is also holding bass. The best areas continue to have deep water nearby, and steep rocky points or humps are particularly good.  

In calmer conditions Dearal’s go-to bait right now is a Buckeye Lures Ballin’ Out Jig, either in black and blue or PB&J colors. He pairs it with a green pumpkin Speed Craw. In windier conditions Dearal is throwing a Buckeye spinnerbait with double willow blades in chartreuse and white or plain white. In addition to offering flash the willow blades keep the bait down where the fish are feeding. 

Finally, a #5, #7, or #8 Shad Rap in crawdad or shad colors is another good option. 

It’s continues to be tough conditions for crappie fishing on Lake Wateree, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that water conditions and weather have fish very scattered. The lake is as muddy as he’s ever seen it, and even though the backs of some creeks are clearer that’s not where the fish are right now. 

Will is still spending the most time fishing on the lower end of the of the lake in the mouths of coves from 18 feet to the bottom in 30-35 feet of water. Even while winter usually groups the fish up the lake he hasn’t been up there much with all the current, but there are still fish on the upper end. They are trying to find ways to tuck in out of the current such as going into the mouth of Taylors Creek, where the river channel swings in but they can also escape the worst current. Again they will be suspended from about 18 feet to the bottom in 27-28 feet of water. 

The fish are not active right now, and while they will occasionally take a jig dangled in front of them the best way to catch them has been with an extremely slow-moving minnow. 

January 5

Lake Wateree is at 94.8% of full pool and the whole lake is muddy from end to end. Water temperatures were in the 40s but are now back up to about 54 degrees. 

It’s honestly been some tough conditions for crappie fishing on Lake Wateree, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that water conditions and weather have fish very scattered. 

Will has been spending the most time fishing on the lower end of the of the lake in the mouths of coves from 18 feet to the bottom in 30-35 feet of water. Even while winter usually groups the fish up the lake he hasn’t been up there much with all the current, but there are still fish on the upper end. They are trying to find ways to tuck in out of the current such as going into the mouth of Taylors Creek, where the river channel swings in but they can also escape the worst current. Again they will be suspended from about 18 feet to the bottom in 27-28 feet of water. 

The fish are not active right now, and while they will occasionally take a jig dangled in front of them the best way to catch them has been with an extremely slow-moving minnow. 

From what tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden has seen there has been very little bass fishing activity on Lake Wateree, but unlike on some area lakes a warming trend on Wateree in January is almost always a good thing. It will usually activate the fish to bite better, and more will be found shallow. 

The most catchable fish are still in 10 feet of water or less, and they will still have deeper water nearby. Look for fish on main lake rock near steep drop offs – 45 degree banks are ideal. They could also be around brush, but not many docks have much water. Shakey head worms, jigs and even jerkbaits could work if the water is clear enough. 

Striped bass and catfish report to follow.

December 22

Lake Wateree is at 93.8% of full pool and the lake is muddy. Water temperatures are in the lower 50s.

There’s finally been a big movement with the crappie on Lake Wateree, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that most of the fish have now left structure like brush and gotten out in open water on the main lake. Some of the fish are higher in the water column, but most of them are near the bottom. With most of the bait pretty deep he is finding the most fish in 28-30 feet of water, although he has found them as deep as 34 feet. Pretty much nothing is less than 28 feet.  The majority of the fish are on the upper end between June Creek and Wateree Creek, but some fish are both further up and further down the lake – still on the main channel. 

While you can catch them tight-lining with multiple rods, Will is targeting big fish by casting at them with forward-facing electronics.  Minnows seem to be working a little better than jigs.  

While he’s not fishing for them Will is also marking a ton of striped bass, and most anglers seem to be getting limits. He has seen the biggest concentrations from just above the dam to Colonel Creek in the middle of the lake, and the birds give them away. There has also been a lot of action right around the Dutchman Creek bridge in the deep water. 

While the cold may change the bite a little Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) agrees that the striper bite is very good. Drifting live baits, casting to schools, and trolling swimbaits from Rochelle Creek southwards is his preferred pattern. There’s no specific depth, but watch for the birds to let you know where to fish. Most fish are in the 3-7 pound range. 

While there has been some decent bass fishing on Lake Wateree recently, tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports that the extreme cold coming in is likely to really slow down the fishing. While the most catchable fish will probably still be in 10 feet of water or less, they will have deeper water nearby. Look for fish on main lake rock near steep drop offs. They could also be around brush, but not many docks have much water.  Shakey head worms, jigs and even jerkbaits could work if the water is clear enough. 

Just like with the striper, Rodger advises that to find catfish you should look for the feeding gulls and cormorants to locate bait and feeding fish. Again, depths vary, with some fish on the bottom in deep water and some up shallow. Both drifting and anchoring are producing well. 

Note that the with the polar air coming in the fish should move deeper, although there is always the chance to catch a big one shallow on Wateree in the winter. 

Exercise care on Lake Wateree with very low water levels.    

December 17

Lake Wateree is all the way down to 93.2% of full pool and the whole lake is muddy from dam to dam. Water temperatures are in the lower 50s.

Some days it’s just fair striped bass fishing on Lake Wateree, but Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that other days the action is very good.   

Drifting live baits, casting to schools, and trolling swimbaits from Rochelle Creek southwards is the best pattern. There’s no specific depth, but watch for the birds to let you know where to fish. Most fish are in the 3-7 pound range.  

The same holds true for the catfish, and Rodger advises looking for the feeding gulls and cormorants to locate bait and feeding fish. Again, depths vary, with some fish on the bottom in deep water and some up shallow. Both drifting and anchoring are producing well.  

Exercise care on Lake Wateree with very low water levels.    

December 15

Lake Wateree is at 93.7% of full pool and the whole lake is now muddy from dam to dam. Water temperatures are about 54 degrees but expected to drop sharply. 

The Lake Wateree crappie are in a very stable position from two weeks ago, but veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt again reports that the bite has really changed. Most of the fish are still feeding in open water from about 16 feet to the bottom in roughly 28 feet of water, and the best concentrations are from June Creek to Wateree Creek on the river channel. However, they are now wanting a very slow presentation and you basically have to sit the bait right on top of them to get bit. They will move a maximum of about 2 feet to eat, and they are now taking minnows a little better than jigs. 

While you can catch them tight-lining with multiple rods, Will is targeting big fish by casting at them with forward-facing electronics. 

There are also still some fish on structure in 14-28 feet of water in the main lake, and even if the fish wanted to be in the creeks there generally isn’t enough water there. But they are not suspended on the structure and the crappie are basically holding flat on the bottom. 

While cold weather may change the bass patterns in the coming week, Lugoff Bassmaster Jim Timmerberg reports that in their recent club tournament he took second place and caught big fish by concentrating on the front half of major creeks. The most catchable, active fish were very shallow, and rocks and docks were the most productive cover. Shakey heads, jigs and Shad Raps all caught fish. 

Catfish report to follow. 

December 2

Lake Wateree is down to 93.3% of full pool and up the lake is muddy while Colonel Creek down is clear. Up the lake morning surface water temperatures are about 53 degrees, while towards the dam they are about 55-56. With the low lake levels check on ramp access before travelling, and be careful of underwater dangers such as long points and stumps. 

To confirm Rodger’s update, The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports a really good striped bass bite on Lake Wateree right now. He caught a cooler full of fish free-lining live bait over deep water on the lower end of the main lake (where you are least likely to run into obstructions), but another boat that was with them caught fish chasing the birds and casting Rattle Traps and Alabama rigs at the fish in the same areas. Pick your days, and on sunny days they usually only school early and late while on cloudy days they can go all day.

December 1

Lake Wateree is at 93.8% of full pool and up the lake is muddy while Colonel Creek down is clear. Up the lake morning surface water temperatures are about 53 degrees, while towards the dam they are about 55-56. With the low lake levels check on ramp access before travelling, and be careful of underwater dangers such as long points and stumps. 

The Lake Wateree crappie are on the move, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt again reports that a large number of fish have moved up the lake into the river channel from above Wateree Creek down to June Creek. They are sitting from 16 feet down to the bottom in about 28 feet of water. While you can catch them tight-lining with multiple rods, Will is targeting big fish by casting at them with forward-facing electronics. Minnows tipped with jigs are working. 

There are still fish on main lake structure in 14-28 feet of water, but the creeks remain pretty desolate. Most of the bait is in the middle of the lake. 

The bass bite may have picked up a little again on Lake Wateree, and tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports that the best action has been coming on rock on the main lake. The fish are shallow but on steeper stuff. He has also been getting some bites on docks.  While it helps to find bait in an area, it’s not as important right now as more fish should be eating crayfish.

Naturally a jig has been good, as has a crankbait with tight wobble. You can also catch fish on a shakey head or a Carolina rig. 

With the low water levels Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) has stayed off Lake Wateree, but usually at this time be targets catfish on the drift from the state park to Clearwater Cove. Some large blues can also be taken between the islands just south of Colonel Creek in 25 to 44 feet of water. Gizzard shad is the bait of choice if you can get it. 

Also, look for striped bass action in the same areas as the blue cats. Down-lining live shad or big minnows 15 to 18 feet down should bring them to the boat. Soft plastics and bucktails cast to surface schools should also begin to work soon.

November 17

Lake Wateree is down to 93.2% of full pool and morning surface water temperatures are around 59 degrees.  With the low lake levels check on ramp access before travelling, and be careful of underwater dangers such as long points as right now nothing is very well-marked.   

Turns out the bass bite wasn’t quite as good as hoped, and tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports that in the two-day Federation tournament it only took about 12 pounds a day for the win. The winning angler only had eight fish, and most people struggled!

With the grass high and dry the pattern is pretty much fishing rocks and docks, and even though the fish that are feeding mostly seem to be shallow they want deep water close by. 45-degree banks on the main lake are about the best place to look, and if they are rocky with stumps that’s ideal. 

Fish seem to be more interested in crankbaits, jigs and shakey head worms than anything else right now. 

You may have to fish a little further out to find the right depth with the dropping water, but veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt again reports that the crappie patterns haven’t changed too much, the bite is still on fire, and they are still catching really good fish. The biggest difference is that more fish have moved up the rivers, confirming that they will make that run this year even with dropping water levels. However, there are still plenty of fish on structure all over the lake in 14-28 feet of water, with some of them are on the bottom while others are suspended. 

Fish Stalker jigs in Mountain Dew, Ugly Green, and Glimmer Blue are all working but right now Will is only fishing Mountain Dew.   

The striped bass continue to offer plenty of excitement, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that he is having excellent success for 18-24 inch fish just drifting around on the lower end. He is rigging freelines with shad on a small treble hook weighted only by a split shot, and unless it is dead still he is just letting the wind push the boat around on lower lake flats which he knows hold fish in 19-22 feet of water. When you find the fish they are going crazy, and they don’t seem to be boat shy at all. 

On the catfish front, Rodger reports that fish are still very scattered and so the key is to drift and cover water. A good depth range is about 18-25 feet, and his boat is concentrating on flats and the islands between Colonel Creek and Clearwater. Cut gizzard shad are working well. 

Look for the anchored bite to pick up once the water cools a bit more. 

November 10

Lake Wateree is down to 94.0% of full pool and the lake is very clear with the dropping levels. Morning surface water temperatures are around 64 degrees.  With the low lake levels check on ramp access before travelling – as of writing Molly Creek and Clearwater Cove are both still open. And be careful of underwater dangers such as long points as right now nothing is very well-marked.   

The wind has been blowing this week, and perhaps for that reason tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports a shockingly good bass bite the last few days. Recently Dearal has been reporting that a lot of fish are shallow but they are spooky, but in the windy conditions they don’t seem scared to bite at all. 

More information will be available following the Federation tournament this weekend, but for now Dearal reports that perhaps because of the dropping water levels everything he is finding is shallow but on the main lake where the fish are chasing shad. Lures that imitate shad such as swimbaits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are all working. 

With mild temperatures there are also still some bream around docks and so you can get bit flipping docks. But a grass bite is non-existent with the low water. 

You may have to fish a little further out to find the right depth with the dropping water, but veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that the crappie patterns haven’t changed, the bite is still on fire, and they are still catching really good fish!

Fish are still on structure in 14-28 feet, and some of them are on the bottom while others are suspended. Without a drop in water temperatures they haven’t really left the main lake, and with water levels dropping less fish may go into the creeks this fall. 

It’s also not clear if they will make their annual run up the rivers this winter, as a lot of places up there will get shallow fast.

Fish Stalker jigs in Mountain Dew, Ugly Green, and Glimmer Blue are all working. 

The striped bass continue to offer plenty of excitement, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that he is having excellent success for 18-24 inch fish just drifting around on the lower end. He is rigging freelines with shad on a small treble hook weighted only by a split shot, and unless it is dead still he is just letting the wind push the boat around on lower lake flats which he knows hold fish in 19-22 feet of water. When you find the fish they are going crazy, and they don’t seem to be boat shy at all. 

On the catfish front, Rodger reports that fish are still very scattered and so the key is to drift and cover water. A good depth range is about 18-25 feet, and his boat is concentrating on flats and the islands between Colonel Creek and Clearwater. Cut gizzard shad are working well. 

Look for the anchored bite to pick up once the water cools a bit more. 

November 3

Lake Wateree is at 94.8% of full pool and the lake is very clear with the dropping levels. Morning surface water temperatures are around 64 degrees.  

There’s not a lot of good news with the bass on Lake Wateree, and tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports that the fishing is still tough.  The dropping water levels are not helping, and it’s unclear if things will have stabilized some by the time of the big Federation tournament in a couple of weeks. 

Even though water levels are dropping the fish are still shallow, they are just spookier in the clear water. The best shallow pattern that Dearal has found recently is fishing a buzzbait in low-light conditions, and he is finding the fish around shad that are relatively shallow on the main lake and in the coves and creeks. However, the fish are hanging around steeper stuff instead of flat areas. Points also seem to be holding fish right now. 

Another good option can be a finesse-oriented bait like a shakey head worm. 

There are also a fair number of fish suspended and following the bait around. If you see them come up and manage to hit a topwater, square-billed crankbait or even a spinnerbait right on them you can catch them. 

Fortunately the crappie are more cooperative, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that the bite has been on fire. Sizes have been particularly good.

Fish are still on structure in 14-28 feet, and some of them are on the bottom while others are suspended. Without a drop in water temperatures they haven’t really left the main lake, and with water levels dropping less fish may go into the creeks this fall. 

It’s also not clear if they will make their annual run up the rivers this winter, as a lot of places up there will get shallow fast.

Fish Stalker jigs in Mountain Dew, Ugly Green, and Glimmer Blue are all working.

 

The striped bass continue to offer some additional excitement, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that there are still good schools of 3-6 pound fish on the lower end around Colonel Creek. Occasionally the fish are hitting the surface, but they have gotten the best action fishing free-lines and planer boards out in open water. At times the birds will point the way to the fish but not always.

On light tackle they provide some really good action. 

On the catfish front, Rodger reports that the fishing is still good drifting cut shad from Rochelle Creek to the islands below Colonel Creek for blues. The magic depth has been 22-25 feet.

Look for the anchored bite to pick up once the water cools a bit more. 

October 27

Lake Wateree is down to 95.4% of full pool and the lake is very clear with the dropping levels. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-60s. 

The water is clear on Lake Wateree, and tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports that it’s probably too clear. It also isn’t helping the bass fishing that the lake level is dropping, which is pulling fish out from the banks. There is also less cover for the fish to be in. Even with less prime stuff to fish the fishing should improve once water conditions stabilize, but for now the fish are pretty spooky and not biting particularly well.  They are more likely to be suspended and roaming than hanging around the banks.

The best pattern that Dearal has found recently is fishing a buzzbait in low-light conditions, and he found the fish around shad that are relatively shallow on the main lake and in the coves and creeks. However, the fish are hanging around steeper stuff instead of flat areas. Points also seem to be holding fish right now. 

October 20

Lake Wateree is down to 96.2% of full pool as the yearlong drawdown has begun. Around Clearwater Cove the lake is pretty clear and morning surface water temperatures are about 64 degrees. 

The crappie are still on a brush pattern, but veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that some of the fish are starting to move shallower. In fact, Will has found some of the better fish on brush in about 18 feet of water. The best depth range is now about 15-27 feet, with the deeper brush seemingly loaded up with more, smaller fish. 

While most of the fish are still out on the main lake Will has found some fish at the mouths of major creeks like Colonel Creek. These fish were around an underwater island that rose up to only 12 feet below the surface – but they were on the deeper edge. 

Both minnows and jigs are working pretty well, with Fish Stalker Slab Tail Jigs in Mountain Dew most effective. 

The striped bass continue to offer some additional excitement, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that there are still good schools of 3-6 pound fish on the lower end around Colonel Creek. Occasionally the fish are hitting the surface, but they have gotten the best action fishing free-lines and planer boards out in open water. At times the birds will point the way to the fish but not always.

On the catfish front, Rodger reports that the fishing is still good drifting cut shad from Rochelle Creek to the islands below Colonel Creek for blues. The magic depth has been 22-25 feet.

Look for the anchored bite to pick up once the water cools a bit more. 

Bass report to follow. 

October 13

Lake Wateree is at 97.0% of full pool and clarity is pretty normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 60s. 

The striped bass have offered some additional excitement this week, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that they have found some good schools of 3-6 pound fish on the lower end around Colonel Creek.  Occasionally the fish are hitting the surface, but they have gotten the best action fishing free-lines and planer boards out in open water. At times the birds will point the way to the fish but not always.

There’s not a lot of change with the bass fishing this week as temperatures have been pretty stable, and tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports that fish are still moving into the creeks and coves and the grass isn’t holding much right now. Secondary points are holding some fish, especially rocky points. But the key to getting bit right now may be to pay attention to the wind direction and find coves that have some wind blowing into them. 

Spinnerbaits, shallow-running crankbaits, Pop-Rs, buzzbaits and frogs can all work. However, with the fish on relatively small bait it can be a good idea to downsize your lures right now.  

The crappie have also not moved this week, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that they continue to bite pretty well. A few fish are in the mouths of creeks and getting closer to shallow water, but the majority of the fish are still in the main lake and they are almost all still in 20-27 feet of water. Will is still finding them close to the bottom in 18-25 feet of water. 

They are relating to cover, and as is often the case on Wateree some of the better fish are on more isolated cover instead of big brush piles. Underwater islands with some cover have fished particularly well lately.   

Both minnows and jigs are working pretty well, with Fish Stalker Slab Tail Jigs in Mountain Dew most effective. 

On the catfish front, Rodger reports that the fishing is still good drifting cut shad from Rochelle Creek to the islands below Colonel Creek for blues. The magic depth has been 22-25 feet.

Look for the anchored bite to pick up once the water cools.

October 6

Lake Wateree is at 96.5% of full pool and over most of the lake the water is pretty clear. Water temperatures have dropped to 69-72 degrees between cold nights and the cold freshwater inflow. 

Lake Wateree will be dropping down to 93-94% of full pool, which should make for some really interesting fishing conditions, but veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that so far the crappie haven’t really moved much. However, they are biting a little bitter and aren’t quite as stubborn. 

While a few fish are in the mouths of creeks and getting closer to shallow water, the majority of the fish are still in the main lake and they are almost all still in 20-27 feet of water. Will is still finding them close to the bottom in 18-25 feet of water. 

They are relating to cover, and as is often the case on Wateree some of the better fish are on more isolated cover instead of big brush piles. Underwater islands with some cover have fished particularly well lately.   

Both minnows and jigs are working pretty well.

On the catfish front, Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the fishing is still good drifting cut shad from Rochelle Creek to the islands below Colonel Creek for blues. The magic depth has been 22-25 feet.

Look for the anchored bite to get hot once the water cools, and for striped bass activity to turn on as well.

October 4

Lake Wateree is at 96.6% of full pool and at least in the middle and lower lake the water is still pretty clear after the storm. So far not a ton of water has come into the system. Morning surface water temperatures are down to about 75 degrees. 

Even with some up-and-down water levels related to the storm and lake management, tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports that the bass bit a little better this weekend. A very impressive (after last weekend) 14 pounds won on Saturday, and Dearal has found improved action out on the water.

While they have found some fish out on the main lake it seems like more of them have started to move into the creeks and coves, but the grass isn’t holding much right now. Secondary points are also holding some fish, especially rocky points.  But the key to getting bit right now may be to pay attention to the wind direction and find coves that have some wind blowing into them. 

Spinnerbaits, shallow-running crankbaits, Pop-Rs, buzzbaits and frogs can all work.  However, with the fish on relatively small bait it can be a good idea to downsize your lures right now.