March 16
Lake Wylie is at 97.0% of full pool and the lake is fairly clear again. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 50s.
The cold snap this week will slow the progression of crappie to the banks for a few days, but The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that it won’t last long because the urge to spawn has kicked in so much by the middle to end of March. For now most of the fish are in 20-25 feet of water in the creeks, and they will continue to slowly but surely move further back into the creeks in preparation for the spawn in 2-3 weeks. Long-lining jigs remains the best way to catch a mess of fish.
Likewise the same is true for the bass on Lake Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that the cold snap will at most pause the progression to the banks but it’s not going to send the fish back to deeper water. Since they weren’t actually on beds yet even when it was very warm it has at most stalled their forward progress.
The best areas continue to be points with stumps and rocks, docks, and just outside of spawning pockets. You can also just beat the bank with a shaky head or wacky rig and get bites right now. The best action seems to be in the creeks for bass as well.
The catfish bite rates as good right now, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the creek shallows are still where the best fishing is. The fish are biting well on fresh cut gizzard shad anchored in 6-15 feet of water on afternoons when the water warms, and they are getting some good-sized fish up to the mid-20s.
March 9
Lake Wylie is at 96.9% of full pool and the lake is fairly clear again. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 50s in the main channel but in the low 60s in the creeks.
By now the crappie are in the creeks in a progression that will continue to move the fish towards the banks unless a cold snap drops water temperatures back into the 50s, and The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that with each passing week the fish continue to move a little shallower. Now most fish are being caught in 15-25 feet of water long-lining or deep trolling with jigs. They have not yet moved shallow towards the banks, but it’s coming.
Likewise the bass on Lake Wylie are all staging and in pre-spawn phase, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that the fishing has been pretty good. It has been taking 18-19 pounds to win tournaments.
The best areas have been points with stumps and rocks, docks, and spawning pockets – even though Reid doesn’t believe any fish are actually bedding yet. You can also just beat the bank with a shaky head or wacky rig and get bites right now. The best action seems to be in the creeks for bass, too.
The catfish bite rates as good right now, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that with the channel much cooler than the creek shallows that’s also where the best fishing is. The fish are biting well on fresh cut gizzard shad anchored in 6-15 feet of water, and they are getting some good-sized fish up to the mid-20s.
February 24
Lake Wylie is at 96.9% of full pool and some areas of the lake are stained. Morning surface water temperatures have jumped into the mid-50s.
It’s still good bass fishing on Lake Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that pretty much all the recent tournaments have been won with 18-20 plus pounds of bass. That’s a far cry from where things were a few months ago!
Even as the water warms fish are still pretty far away from spawning, but they are definitely getting into pre-spawn mode. Largemouth are moving into the creeks and setting up on staging areas like secondary points, channel swings and hard spots. Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and Alabama rigs will all work, and on the bottom you can fish a worm or a jig.
The crappie bite continues to change on Wylie, and The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that the fish are really moving back into the creeks. The trolling bite has picked up as the fish moved shallower this week. Generally the best pattern has been pulling jigs 10-12 feet deep in 15-20 feet of water. As surface temperatures continue to jump fish will get higher in the water column.
Seasonal factors also continue to push the catfish shallower, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the bite has really improved as fish are feeding up – especially on rising water. The best action is now back in the creeks, and fish are set up in 6-10 feet of water. Cut gizzard shad is the best bait.
February 15
Lake Wylie is at 98.0% of full pool and the lake is no longer muddy but it varies between a light stain and a darker stain, with the creeks generally dirtier. Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 40s in the main channel but start out in the lower 50s and the creeks and have gotten as high as 54 or so.
Fresh off a big win in the Fishin’ 4 Real tournament this Saturday on Lake Wylie, tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that several different patterns helped them get to 19.98 pounds of bass. Overall warming temperatures are starting to push fish back into the creeks, and they even found some fish schooling in the backs. Some anglers report catching three and four bass at a time throwing an Alabama rig. They also caught some fish on a shakey head around docks and points.
Finally, when there is current on the main lake there can be a good a crankbait bite and they weighed several fish caught his way. Other anglers had success fishing the same pattern with a Chatterbait.
Rain and rising water levels have pushed the catfish shallower, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the bite has really improved as fish are feeding up – especially on rising water. The best action is now back in the creeks, and fish are set up in 6-10 feet of water. Cut gizzard shad is the best bait.
As water temperatures begin to rise, and crappie start to prepare for the spring spawn, The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that the fish are moving off the main lake and out of the mouths of creeks and properly into the creeks. You can still catch them tight-lining minnows 20-30 feet deep, but fish are also being caught long-lining jigs. Some of the fish are on the bottom but approximately half of them are suspended in the middle of the water column.
As water temperatures continue to warm it will switch over to more of a long-lining bite.
February 2
Lake Wylie is at 97.2% of full pool and much of the lake is still muddy. Morning surface water temperatures are around 50-52 degrees.
If the lake would stay muddy then that would be one thing, and if it would clear that would be another. But tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that the constant variation from muddy to cleaner is wreaking havoc on the bassfishing as the fish never settle down enough to really feed well.
Besides the patterns up the river, the best action is coming relatively shallow on main lake and secondary points in the creeks fishing in 5-15 feet of water. There are some fish deep, but they don’t seem to be very catchable.
In muddier conditions Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits are working, while when water conditions permit Alabama rigs and jerkbaits are working in cleaner water.
With water temperatures still cold The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that there isn’t much change in the patterns, and both crappie and white perch as still stacked up together in 25-30 feet on main lake flats and at the mouths of creeks related to bait. Some days they are on the bottom while some days they will be suspended 10-15 feet or more down. You still want to fish the cleanest water you can find.
The preferred method for catching them has been a two-hook rig with minnows fished vertically with a heavy weight, but they are also starting to pick up some fish long-lining jigs behind the boat. When water temperatures get into the mid- to upper-50s then fish will move into the creeks and it will mostly be a long-lining bite.
Overall it’s still a fair catfish bite right now, but Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the quality of the bite seems to depend on whether the water level is rising or dropping. On rising water the fish seem to feed best, while on receding water they slow down. For now most fish they are catching are in the 8-16 pound range, but they are still getting the occasional big blue cat in the 30-pound range.
As on Lake Wateree, the best fish are still being caught anchored in shallow sections of the creeks in 4-12 feet of water in the afternoons. Gizzard shad is the most productive bait.
There can also be a drift bite on deep ledges in 22-34 feet of water.
January 26
Lake Wylie is at 98.2% of full pool and more mud is on the way. Morning surface water temperatures are around 50 degrees.
Before this most recent round of rain The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that Wylie was starting to clear, but after yesterday’s rain the backs of creeks are already muddy this morning and it is moving towards the mouths. Both crappie and white perch as still stacked up together in 25-30 feet on main lake flats and the mouths of creeks related to bait, and the key to locating them is really to ride around and find pockets of cleaner water trapped and then fish the clearest water you can. Some days they are on the bottom while some days they will be suspended 10-15 feet or more down.
The preferred method for catching them has been a two-hook rig with minnows fished vertically with a heavy weight, but they are also starting to pick up some fish long-lining jigs behind the boat.
It seems now that after every big rain the lake gets striped with mud in certain areas, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that it seems to be a management thing where they are just pulling the water so quickly that it doesn’t stay in one area anymore. After another round of rain the best bass fishing continues to be found in the rivers, with winning 14-16 pound bags repeatedly coming from that section.
Besides the rivers fish can also be caught around bait in deeper, main lake wintering areas such as drops and secondary points. Alabama rigs have been fishing the best as well as jerkbaits.
The other strong pattern has been fishing a crankbait around shallow rock, particularly in muddy areas – which are not hard to find right now.
Overall it’s still a fair catfish bite right now, but Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the quality of the bite seems to depend on whether the water level is rising or dropping. On rising water the fish seem to feed best, while on receding water they slow down. For now most fish they are catching are in the 8-16 pound range, but they are still getting the occasional big blue cat in the 30-pound range.
As on Lake Wateree, the best fish are still being caught anchored in shallow sections of the creeks in 4-12 feet of water in the afternoons. Gizzard shad is the most productive bait.
There can also be a drift bite on deep ledges in 22-34 feet of water.
January 19
Lake Wylie is at 96.7% of full pool and the lake is still pretty muddy. Morning surface water temperatures are around 50 degrees.
Even as conditions start to improve the crappie and white perch are still pretty hesitant to eat, and The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that you still need to fish very slowly and keep the minnow in front of their mouths as long as possible.
Both species are still stacked up together, and they can be caught in open water in the front half of the creeks in 25-30 feet related to bait. Some days they are on the bottom while some days they will be suspended 10-15 feet or more down.
The preferred method for catching them is with a two-hook rig with minnows fished vertically, and Captain Chris likes to use at least a 1.5 ounce bell weight to make sure it hangs exactly how deep the fish are sitting.
Again, move slowly.
Overall it’s still a fair catfish bite right now, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that most fish are in the 8-16 pound range but they are getting the occasional big blue cat in the 30-pound range.
As on Lake Wateree, the best fish are still being caught anchored in shallow sections of the creeks in 4-12 feet of water in the afternoons. Gizzard shad is the most productive bait.
There can also be a drift bite on deep ledges in 22-34 feet of water.
Bass report to follow.
January 13
Lake Wylie is at 97.1% of full pool and sections of the lake are muddy from end to end. Water temperatures are in the lower 50s.
With a ton of freshwater having flowed into Wylie over the last week or two the lake the lake ranges from dingy to muddy, and it can best be described as striped. Overall it’s a fair catfish bite right now, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that most fish are in the 8-16 pound range but they are getting the occasional big blue cat in the 30-pound range.
As on Lake Wateree, the best fish are being caught anchored in shallow sections of the creeks in 4-12 feet of water in the afternoons. Gizzard shad is the most productive bait.
There can also be a drift bite on deep ledges in 22-34 feet of water.
There’s not a lot of change with the bass on Lake Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that the biggest bags continue to be caught up the river with all the current ripping into the lake. Recent tournaments have been won with about 16 pounds.
Fish can also be caught around bait in deeper, main lake wintering areas such as drops and secondary points. Alabama rigs have been fishing the best as well as jerkbaits.
The other strong pattern has been fishing a crankbait around shallow rock, particularly in muddy areas – which are not hard to find right now.
Even with the mud it’s still a good bite for crappie and white perch, and The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that really the only adjustment anglers need to make with the water conditions is to slow way down and really dangle a minnow in front of their mouths. Both species are still stacked up together, and they can be caught in open water in the front half of the creeks in 25-30 feet related to bait. Some days they are on the bottom while some days they will be suspended 10-15 feet or more down.
The preferred method for catching them is with a two-hook rig with minnows fished vertically, and Captain Chris likes to use at least a 1.5 ounce bell weight to make sure it hangs exactly how deep the fish are sitting.
Again, slow way down.
January 5
Lake Wylie is at 99.3% of full pool and the lake is muddy. Water temperatures are in the lower 50s.
Before yesterday about ¾ of Lake Wylie was muddy, but you could still find some clearer creeks. Tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that those were fishing the best for bass, but with the monsoon yesterday the whole lake is bound to be blown out and you won’t be able to concentrate fishing activity in relatively clean water.
As expected fish have finally moved fully into winter patterns, and the best bags seem to be coming fishing around bait in deeper, main lake wintering areas such as drops and secondary points. Alabama rigs have been fishing the best as well as jerkbaits. There have been some pretty good catches up to about 17 pounds fishing this way.
The other strong pattern has been fishing a crankbait around shallow rock, and Reid has had the most success this way. Muddy conditions all over the lake could make this bite the best thing going.
It’s a really good bite for crappie and white perch, and The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that both species are still stacked up like cord wood. They can be caught together with similar techniques. The best fishing remains in open water in the front half of the creeks in 25-30 feet related to bait. Some days they are on the bottom while some days they will be suspended 10-15 feet or more down.
The preferred method for catching them is with a two-hook rig with minnows fished vertically, and Captain Chris likes to use at least a 1.5 ounce bell weight to make sure it hangs exactly how deep the fish are sitting.
Catfish report to follow.
December 22
Lake Wylie is at 98.6% of full pool and the rivers are muddy. There is also significant color and even muddy areas all the way to the dam. Morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 50s.
The bass are still in a transition period between fall and winter patterns on Lake Wylie, but tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill has little doubt that the coming weather will push fish solidly into a winter pattern. When that happens most of the fish will come out to the main lake and they will be found in their deeper wintering holes like main lake drop and secondary points. Alabama rigs will get even stronger and jerkbaits and small swimbaits should also fish well.
For now the bank fishing has improved a little with higher, muddy water, and cranking around rocky points has been pretty good. Up the rivers a lot of fish have been related to current breaks. Alabama rigs have also been working pretty well for the large numbers of fish that are suspended.
A recent tournament was won with 22 pounds including four big spots and so some good fish are still in the lake!
The crappie and white perch remain in a similar pattern, and The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that both species can still be caught together with similar techniques. They can be found in open water in the front half of the creeks in 25-30 feet related to bait. Some days they are on the bottom while some days they will be suspended 10-15 feet or more down.
The preferred method for catching them is with a two-hook rig with minnows fished vertically, and Captain Chris likes to use at least a 1.5 ounce bell weight to make sure it hangs exactly how deep the fish are sitting.
The coming cold weather could push both species deeper.
They are also catching some good white perch on the boat with Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828), who reports that the fishing is still consistently excellent. He is spider-rigging with minnows in 25-32 feet of water to catch fish.
Overall the action is still fair to good for catfish on Lake Wylie, although Rodger does expect some changes with the cold coming. For now whe best action has been coming in the middle of major creeks anchoring and fan-casting baits around vertical drops in 15-25 feet of water. However, Rodger advises that the polar air will probably push fish deeper and towards the main lake and so anglers need to be able to adjust accordingly.
Any fresh cut bait should continue to work.
December 17
Lake Wylie is way up to 98.7% of full pool and after another round of rain the upper reaches of the river and creeks are muddy. Morning surface water temperatures are down to 53.4.
It’s overall a fair to good bite for catfish on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that at times the bite is slow but other times it can be pretty strong. The best action has been coming in the middle of major creeks, and the best pattern has been anchoring and fan-casting baits around vertical drops in 15-25 feet of water. Any fresh cut bait is good.
Meanwhile the white perch bite is consistently excellent, and Rodger reports that sizes are strong with fish up to 11 inches. Spider-rigging with minnows in 25-32 feet of water is working well.
December 15
Lake Wylie is at 97.7% of full pool and after recent rains the lake is almost striped with muddy then clear then muddy then clear sections. Morning surface water temperatures are still in the mid-50s.
It’s still a tough time for catching bass on Lake Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that even though the fish are trying to progress from fall to winter patterns they are basically stuck. Temperatures just have not really changed enough for them to move.
As a result the fish seem to be super scattered and roaming, but the one predictable thing is that they seem to be everywhere except the bank. As a result the fishing is very electronic-intensive. Fish are either in open water or related to points in 8-25 feet, and Alabama rigs, jerkbaits, and swimbaits are variously being thrown.
Overall weights have been really low and a recent tournament was won with 12 pounds including a 6-pounder!
The crappie remain in a similar pattern, but The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that the biggest change this week is that the big white perch are now mixed in with the crappie and so you can catch both species using similar techniques.
The fish are generally in open water in the front half of the creeks in 25-30 feet related to bait. Some days they are on the bottom while some days they will be suspended 10-15 feet or more down.
The preferred method for catching them is with a two-hook rig with minnows fished vertically, and Captain Chris likes to use at least a 1.5 ounce bell weight to make sure it hangs exactly how deep the fish are sitting.
Fish are still a little scattered, but otherwise Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the catfish on Lake Wylie are moving into typical winter patterns. He has caught 20-pound range fish at 38 feet drifting the main channel in 20-40 feet, but then he has also caught good ones in the very back of creeks anchored in less than 10 feet of water. Particularly in the afternoons some big fish will move shallow.
Cut white perch and gizzard shad have both been working.
As bait and fish get more grouped up patterns may get more specific, but for right now you have to be willing to try different things.
December 2
Lake Wylie is high at 98.6% of full pool and the backs are already muddy, with more mud seeming to be making its way down the lake. Morning surface water temperatures are about 57 degrees.
Even though fish are still a little scattered, Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the catfish on Lake Wylie are starting to get into typical winter patterns. He has caught 20-pound range fish at 38 feet drifting the main channel in 20-40 feet, but then he has also caught a 19-pounder in the very back of a creek anchored in just 8 feet of water. Particularly in the afternoons some big fish will move shallow.
Cut white perch and gizzard shad have both been working.
As bait and fish get more grouped up patterns may get more specific, but for right now you have to be willing to try different things.
With water temperatures in the mid- to upper-50s the crappie have made their move out of the backs, and The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that they have pulled back to the front half of the creeks in 20-30 feet of water. They will probably stay there for the next month or so. Some days they will be within a few feet of the bottom, some days they will be suspended 10-15 feet or more down, and you really just have to use your electronics to locate them. Crappie tend to suspend horizontally and so if you see a line of fish at one depth that’s where they are.
The preferred method for catching them is with a two-hook rig with minnows fished vertically, and Captain Chris likes to use at least a 1.5 ounce bell weight to make sure it hangs exactly how deep the fish are sitting.
These fish are in open water related to bait, but the other major pattern right now is fishing brush in 15-25 feet of water. Brush at that depth anywhere in the lake could hold fish.
They are still catching plenty of bass on Lake Wylie but getting big ones remains tough, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that about 14 pounds took the last tournament. The best pattern recently has been fishing an Alabama rig on main lake points in about 10-17 feet of water. However, with the mud coming in there should be some better fishing up shallow in the muddy backs, or even on the banks in the main lake as the dirty water makes its way down. Throwing a crankbait, spinnerbait or Chatterbait in the muddy water should produce fish.
As always some fish can also be caught flipping docks.
November 17
Lake Wylie is up to 97.5% of full pool and in some places there is some color in the water. Morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 60s!
This week we are very fortunate to be joined by Lake Wylie’s resident crappie expert, The Carolina Angler Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951). Chris says that we are on the verge of a major transition, and the crappie that have been in the back half of the creeks will head out to the front of the creeks when water temperatures drop below 60. It’s as if a light switch goes off as the shad leave the backs!
The fish will head to deeper water, and generally they will be in the front half of the creeks in 20-30 feet of water where they will stay for the next month or so. Some days they will be within a few feet of the bottom, some days they will be suspended 10-15 feet or more down, and you really just have to use your electronics to locate them. Crappie tend to suspend horizontally and so if you see a line of fish at one depth that’s where they are.
The preferred method for catching them is with a two-hook rig with minnows fished vertically, and Captain Chris likes to use at least a 1.5 ounce bell weight to make sure it hangs exactly how deep the fish are sitting.
These fish are in open water related to bait, but the other major pattern right now is fishing brush in 15-25 feet of water. Brush at that depth anywhere in the lake could hold fish.
The bass fishing is still pretty tough on Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that the most recent CATT took modestly more at 13 pounds to win but still nothing incredible. While the best action still seems to be coming on the main lake around points in 10 feet or less with crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jerkbaits, the biggest change this week is that with some color in the water it’s worth fishing a crankbait or spinngerbait in the shallow, dirty water in the creeks.
As always some fish can also be caught flipping docks.
It’s still hard to rate the blue catfish bite on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that some days are very good while others are just fair. However, a constant is that the fish are very scattered. As a result really the only option is drifting, and they are usually concentrating on 20-35 feet. Some days the fish are in the creeks, some days they are in the main lake, and really you just have to go fishing right now.
Cut white perch and gizzard shad have both been working.
Once temperatures get cold enough to bunch the shad up more the bite should get better, and then anchoring will again be an option.
November 10
Lake Wylie is at 96.0% of full pool and clarity is good. Morning surface water temperatures are back up to about 67 degrees!
Fresh off a win in this weekend’s CATT tournament, tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that – surprisingly for early November – all the bait and bass they found were on the main lake. They spent enough time looking in the creeks to realize that wasn’t where the best action was, and from there concentrated on main lake points in 10 feet or less. Perhaps the low water levels are to blame, and perhaps the water temperatures.
Most of their bites came on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jerkbaits, but they also caught a few fish flipping docks.
While they got plenty of bites, a big bite was obviously lacking as they had just under 12 pounds. But luckily the same was true for the whole field, and there were only a couple of other bags over 10 pounds.
It’s hard to rate the blue catfish bite on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that some days are very good while others are just fair. However, a constant is that the fish are very scattered. As a result really the only option is drifting, and they are usually concentrating on 20-35 feet. Some days the fish are in the creeks, some days they are in the main lake, and really you just have to go fishing right now.
Cut white perch and gizzard shad have both been working.
Once temperatures get cold enough to bunch the shad up more the bite should get better, and then anchoring will again be an option.
November 3
Lake Wylie is low at 95.7% of full pool and clarity is good. Morning surface water temperatures are still in the low to mid-60s.
Still-dropping water and stable conditions have the bass in some pretty stable patterns on Lake Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that the shallow bite with a buzzbait or Spook is not what it usually is in the fall. There are also less fish than usual around docks, and fishing off points with a swimbait has been a better pattern.
Overall as the water levels drop and create some current more fish are being pulled out to the 10-30 foot range. This is a normal progression anyway with some cold nights, and there are now a ton of nomadic suspended fish chasing bait. Throwing something like a Keitech Skinny Dipper is a good way to catch them. Reid has also caught fish on a jerkbait and even casting a spoon.
The “textbooks” would tell you that most of the fish should be in the creeks right now, but as the lake has been overrun with spotted bass which are more main lake-oriented that’s not really true anymore. There are fish in both the main lake and the creeks, and so you can really fish anywhere you want.
As it gets colder fish should hold in specific spots better, but for now they are generally on the move and you have to keep looking.
It’s still a pretty good blue catfish bite on Lake Wylie, but Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that fish are still very scattered as they transition between summer and winter patterns. Fortunately some good ones continue to show up.
While they have gotten some fish as shallow as 22 feet, the most productive depth range remains 32-35 feet. They are targeting both the creeks and the main lake. The best way to fish has been with wind-driven drifting, and the afternoon has been more productive fishing in the winds.
Cut white perch and gizzard shad have both been working.
October 27
Lake Wylie has dropped to 95.5% of full pool and clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures are still around the mid-60s.
Dropping water levels are having a significant effect on the bass fishing on Lake Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that the shallow bite with a buzzbait or Spook is not what it usually is in the fall. There are also less fish than usual around docks, and fishing off points with a swimbait has been a better pattern.
Overall as the water levels drop and create some current more fish are being pulled out to the 10-30 foot range. This is a normal progression anyway with some cold nights, and there are now a ton of nomadic suspended fish chasing bait. Throwing something like a Keitech Skinny Dipper is a good way to catch them. Reid has also caught fish on a jerkbait and even casting a spoon.
The “textbooks” would tell you that most of the fish should be in the creeks right now, but as the lake has been overrun with spotted bass which are more main lake-oriented that’s not really true anymore. There are fish in both the main lake and the creeks, and so you can really fish anywhere you want.
As it gets colder fish should hold in specific spots better, but for now they are generally on the move and you have to keep looking.
October 21
Lake Wylie is at 96.5% of full pool and clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures have dropped into the mid-60s.
It’s still a pretty good blue catfish bite on Lake Wylie, but Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that fish are still very scattered as they transition between summer and winter patterns. Fortunately some good ones continue to show up.
While they have gotten some fish as shallow as 22 feet, the most productive depth range remains 32-35 feet. They are targeting both the creeks and the main lake. The best way to fish has been with wind-driven drifting, and the afternoon has been more productive fishing in the winds.
Cut white perch and gizzard shad have both been working.
Bass report to follow.
October 13
Lake Wylie is at 96.5% of full pool and clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures are around 70 degrees.
As water temperatures continue to drop the bass are following a typical fall progression, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that more bait and in turn fish have moved into the creeks. There are still pods of bait and fish in the main lake, but the bulk of the schooling activity is now back in the creeks. With fish on smaller bait you should have smaller lures tied on.
There has also been a pretty good topwater bite with Spooks on main and secondary points, and you can also do well running the banks with a buzzbait or spinnerbait in more stained water or windy conditions. Wolf packs of fish are moving up and down the shoreline.
Finally, Reid has caught a lot of fish recently on the Wylie old faithful of a jig fished around docks.
They have caught some really nice blue catfish in the last week on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that within five minutes of each other they put 30- and 32-pound fish in the boat a few days ago. However, that doesn’t mean the fishing has gotten easy and the blues are still very scattered – as they usually are between summer and the cold weather period.
While they have gotten some fish (including the huge pair) as shallow as 22 feet, the most productive depth range remains 32-35 feet. They are targeting both the creeks and the main lake. The best way to fish has been with wind-driven drifting, and the afternoon has been more productive fishing in the winds.
Cut white perch and gizzard shad have both been working.
October 6
Lake Wylie is at 96.7% of full pool and surface water temperatures are in the lower 70s.
The blue catfish bite is still fair to good on Lake Wylie, but Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that fish are still scattered and you have to locate them. The most productive depth range remains 32-35 feet, and the best way to target the fish has been with wind-driven drifting. The afternoon has been more productive fishing in the winds. Cut white perch and gizzard shad have been working.
October 3
Lake Wylie is at 96.2% of full pool and surface water temperatures are in the lower 70s.
It’s fall bass fishing 101 on Lake Wylie right now, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that means that you can lay a ton of rods on the deck and catch fish on all of them – but you aren’t like to catch a lot of fish on any one lure.
Just running around the lake he is still seeing a bunch of fish schooling out in the river channel over nothing but bait, and there are shad literally everywhere on the main lake. There is also bait that can be found at the mouths of creeks, and very soon it will start to migrate further back into the creeks.
Besides targeting offshore schooling fish, you can also go along the banks on the main lake and in the creeks with a buzzbait, Spook or other topwater lure and get bites.
Finally, Reid has caught a lot of fish recently on the Wylie old faithful of a jig fished around docks.
September 30
Lake Wylie is at 95.4% of full pool and water clarity is normal before the storm arrives. Morning surface water temperatures range from 74 in the shallows to 76 in the main channel.
The blue catfish bite is fair to good on Lake Wylie, but Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that fish are scattered and you have to locate them. The most productive depth range has been 32-35 feet, and the best way to target the fish has been with wind-driven drifting. The afternoon has been more productive fishing in the winds. Cut white perch and gizzard shad have been working.
Bass report to follow.
September 15
Lake Wylie is at 97.3% of full pool and clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 80s.
There were some fireworks in the Lake Wylie tournament bass series championship this past weekend, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that the top weights were unexpectedly good. The second place team had a strong 14- then 15-pound sack in the two-day event, but the winner had 11 had the first day and then blew it out of the water with 23 pounds the second day! All of those fish were spotted bass and they all came up the river. It’s impressive that the spotted bass fishery has come so far that someone can catch five averaging more than 4 ½ pounds.
Overall the patterns are still about the same, with some fairly reliable schooling activity early and late. There continue to be plenty of random pods of baitfish on the main lake that roaming schools of open-water bass are chasing, but this action still hasn’t moved into the creeks. Water temperatures will probably have to drop into the 70s for the bait to migrate into the backs. A variety of lures including swimbaits, small poppers, and walking baits will work for these fish.
Topwater lures can also catch fish in shallower water, and just going down the bank with a Whopper Plopper, buzzbait, Pop-R or Spook is effective.
Twelve months a year you can also catch fish on jigs and worms around docks on Wylie, and right now is no exception.
The catfish bite is still very good on Lake Wylie, at least during the day, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that there is a great population of 12-16 pound fish. During the day drifting cut shad in 30-34 feet of water near long points that extend out into the lake is the best pattern. At night the bite anchoring the same baits in 4-15 feet of water near the shoreline is still a good approach.
September 8
Lake Wylie is at 97.2% of full pool and the lake is relatively clear. Morning surface water temperatures are around 83-84 degrees.
This weekend is the championship of the summer-long Lake Wylie tournament bass series, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that the fishing continues to be pretty tough. It will be interesting to see if anyone exceeds expectation and catches a big bag.
Overall with temperatures actually rising a hair patterns have not really progressed, although there is more reliable schooling activity early and late. There continue to be plenty of random pods of baitfish on the main lake that roaming schools of open-water bass are chasing, but this action still hasn’t moved into the creeks. Water temperatures will have to drop for the bait to migrate into the backs. A variety of lures including swimbaits, small poppers, and walking baits will work for these fish.
Topwater lures can also catch fish in shallower water, and just going down the bank with a Whopper Plopper, buzzbait, Pop-R or Spook is effective.
Twelve months a year you can also catch fish on jigs and worms around docks on Wylie, and right now is no exception.
The catfish bite is still very good on Lake Wylie, at least during the day, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that they are catching strong numbers of 12-16 pound fish. During the day drifting cut shad in 30-34 feet of water near long points that extend out into the lake is the best pattern. At night the bite has slowed a little but anchoring the same baits in 4-15 feet of water near the shoreline is still a good approach.
August 31
Lake Wylie is at 97.0% of full pool and morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 80s.
Saturday a three-fish tournament only took a little over 7 pounds to win, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that from everything he is seeing the bass fishing is still pretty tough. That sack featured a 3.7 pound big fish that was caught on a topwater lure early, but then to fill out the remainder of the limit they had to drag a worm offshore.
Overall there’s not much change in the patterns since temperatures haven’t dropped very much, although there is more reliable schooling activity early and late. There continue to be plenty of random pods of baitfish on the main lake that roaming schools of open-water bass are chasing, and very soon this action will start in the creeks as well. It shouldn’t be long until water temperatures drop enough that bait begins to migrate into the backs. A variety of lures including swimbaits, small poppers, and walking baits will work for these fish.
Topwater lures can also catch fish in shallower water, and just going down the bank with a Whopper Plopper, buzzbait, Pop-R or Spook is effective.
Twelve months a year you can also catch fish on jigs and worms around docks on Wylie, and right now is no exception.
The catfish bite is still very good on Lake Wylie, at least during the day, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that they are catching strong numbers of 12-16 pound fish. During the day drifting cut shad in 30-34 feet of water near long points that extend out into the lake is the best pattern. At night the bite has slowed a little but anchoring the same baits in 4-15 feet of water near the shoreline is still a good approach.
August 22
Lake Wylie is at 96.7% of full pool and morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 80s.
Thursday night tournament winning weights are only around 11 pounds, but tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that with already-dropping water temperatures the fishing is on the verge of improving. For now there continue to be plenty of random pods of baitfish on the main lake that roaming schools of open-water bass are chasing, and very soon this action will start in the creeks as well. It shouldn’t be long until water temperatures drop enough that bait begins to migrate into the backs. A variety of lures including swimbaits, small poppers, and walking baits will work for these fish.
Topwater activity is also starting to pick up in shallower water, and just going down the bank with a Whopper Plopper, buzzbait, Pop-R or Spook is effective.
Twelve months a year you can also catch fish on jigs and worms around docks on Wylie, and some of the better fish Reid has caught recently have come this way.
August 18
Lake Wylie is at 96.8% of full pool and morning surface water temperatures are about 84 degrees, down several degrees in the past couple of weeks.
The catfish bite is very good on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that they are catching strong numbers of 12-16 pound fish. During the day drifting cut shad in 30-34 feet of water near long points that extend out into the lake is the best pattern. At night anchoring the same baits in 4-15 feet of water near the shoreline is working very well.
Bass report to follow.
August 4
Lake Wylie is at 97.2% of full pool and with recent rains in the mountains up the lake is muddy. Morning surface water temperatures are about 86 and temperatures are hitting 90 plus in the afternoon.
There continue to be some big bags caught bass fishing on Lake Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that in the last tournament there were an impressive 15 and 14 pound bag at the top – although weights dropped below that.
A lot of the same patterns remain in play, but beyond fishing around docks, bream beds or offshore brush perhaps the best action is now coming targeting random schools of pelagic fish that are suspended out in the main lake. They are following roaming pods of bait fish and you can see them schooling from time to time. Swimbaits, small poppers, walking baits and more are all working for these fish.
You can also catch a lot of fish working known community holes with soft plastics if you don’t want to target schoolies or pick away at shallow fish.
The catfish bite remains strong on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) still rates it as good to very good. They continue to catch plenty of fish, with most of the blue cats in the 8-12 pound range but some in the 20s.
The best pattern is drifting in 22 to 26 feet of water near vertical depth changes. Fish are gorging on Asian clams and Asian mystery snails, but they will still eat cut shad and white perch.
Night fishing is a great option when the weather cooperates.
July 22
Lake Wylie is at 97.0% of full pool and the lake is clearing. Morning surface water temperatures are about 86 and temperatures are hitting 90 plus in the afternoon.
The catfish bite continues to improve on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that he now rates the bite as good to very good. They continue to catch plenty of fish, with most of the blue cats in the 8-12 pound range but some in the 20s.
The best pattern is drifting in 22 to 26 feet of water near vertical depth changes. Fish are gorging on Asian clams and Asian mystery snails, but they will still eat cut shad and white perch.
Night fishing is a great option when the weather cooperates.
July 19
Lake Wylie is at 96.8% of full pool and the river (which was stained a few days ago) has cleared as the dirty water has moved down the lake. Morning surface water temperatures are about 86 and temperatures are hitting 90 plus in the afternoon.
For no clear reason the bass fishing has picked up a little on Lake Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that there are a bunch of summertime patterns in play. The last Thursday nighter was won with a very respectable 14 pounds, even more impressive considering the 6-11 window misses the morning bite as well as the best period for night fishing. .
You can catch some fish off of docks, some on shallow wood cover, and some on bream beds. There is some schooling in the evening, and there are also a lot of fish offshore. His last few times out Reid has caught fish from skinny water to 30 feet, and interestingly the majority were largemouth. Out deep at the community holes is the only place he got into spotted bass.
Jigs, big shakey head worms, and Texas-rigged Ole Monsters have been his best baits. However, you can also catch fish cranking offshore.
Nothing is really great right now, but you can catch small to medium keepers a lot of different ways.
July 15
Lake Wylie is at 97.0% of full pool and water temperatures are in the mid-80s.
The catfish are finally moving past the spawn on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the fishing is getting back on track. He now rates the bite as good to very good, and on the last two outings they have caught a bunch of fish. Most of the blue cats are in the 8-12 pound range, but they have caught fish up to the 20s.
The best pattern is drifting in 22 to 26 feet of water near vertical depth changes. Fish are gorging on Asian clams and Asian mystery snails, but they will still eat cut shad and white perch.
Night fishing is a great option when the weather cooperates.
Bass report to follow.
July 1
Lake Wylie is at 96.7% of full pool and the lake is relatively clear. Morning surface water temperatures got up to 88 over the weekend but over this week dropped back into the mid-80s.
The bass fishing is still pretty tough on Lake Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that most of the fish are being caught offshore around points and humps at the major creek mouths or in summer main lake spots. Brush is also holding some fish and 15-25 feet is still the best depth range. Fish are oriented to the bottom, and crankbaits, swimbaits and big worms are all working.
There are some shallow patterns, and in the morning there has been a decent buzzbait bite for the first hour or so around main lake riprap. There are also bass around bream beds that will take bluegill imitators like prop baits and swimbaits, and you can also fish soft plastics for them. There are also some fish around docks feeding on bream.
It’s still a tricky time for catching catfish on Lake Wylie with the spawn going on, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that he is still diverting most of his guide trips to Lake Wateree where there is a massive population of juvenile fish. However, he has caught some fish up to 15 pounds that had mostly likely already spawned or were still pre-spawn.
The best pattern has still been taking wind-aided drifts in 25-35 feet of water. Cut gizzard shad has been the most effective bait to drag, and feeding fish are not confined to any particular section of the lake.
June 24
Lake Wylie is at 96.7% of full pool and the lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-80s.
It would be tough to pretend the bass fishing is strong on Lake Wylie right now when 12 pounds won the 50-plus boat Thursday night tournament last night, and 9 pounds was second, but tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that in the morning there has been a decent buzzbait bite for the first hour or so around main lake riprap.
Reid is out on the lake right now and there are also tons of bream beds everywhere and some bass are keying on them. Bass that are around bream beds will take bluegill imitators like prop baits and swimbaits, and you can also fish soft plastics for them. There are also some fish around docks feeding on bream.
Offshore fish are being caught around points and humps at the major creek mouths or in summer main lake spots, and now 15-25 feet is the best depth range. Fish are oriented to the bottom, and crankbaits, swimbaits and big worms are all working.
There are also a surprising number of fish getting around offshore brush right now.
It’s still a tricky time for catching catfish on Lake Wylie with the spawn going on, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that he is still diverting most of his guide trips to Lake Wateree where there is a massive population of juvenile fish. However, he has caught some fish up to 15 pounds that had mostly likely already spawned or were still pre-spawn.
The best pattern has still been taking wind-aided drifts in 25-35 feet of water. Cut gizzard shad has been the most effective bait to drag, and feeding fish are not confined to any particular section of the lake.
June 17
Lake Wylie is at 96.8% of full pool and the lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 80s.
It’s still a tricky time for catching catfish on Lake Wylie with the spawn going on, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the last time out they only caught five fish over four hours. Most of the fish are still 10 pounds or less, but they have caught them up to 15 pounds. The bigger fish are almost certainly about to spawn or coming off the spawn, and they have caught some fish that are pretty beat up.
The bite shouldn’t be off to much longer, but in the meantime Rodger is taking some of his parties over to Wateree where the bite for juvenile catfish is better.
On Wylie the best bite has still been on wind-aided drifts in 25-35 feet of water. Cut gizzard shad has been the most effective bait to drag, and feeding fish are not confined to any particular section of the lake.
June 14
Lake Wylie is at 96.6% of full pool and the lake is clear. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 80s.
It’s full-on summer bass patterns on Lake Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that right now it’s either a matter of fishing shallow or deep. Winning weights have been in the 12-15 pound range in tournaments, and so neither is great, but bites have been relatively easy to come by.
Offshore fish are being caught around points and humps at the major creek mouths or in summer main lake spots, and for right now 10-20 feet is the best depth range. Fish are oriented to the bottom, and crankbaits, swimbaits and big worms are all working. Later in the season after the fish have been hammered for a while they will get more cautious, but for now they are pretty aggressive.
You can also target fish that are shallow around bream beds, and with the full moon today that pattern should be at a summer peak for the next few days. Bass that are around bream beds will take bluegill imitators like prop baits and swimbaits, and you can also fish soft plastics for them.
There are also some random fish hanging in the shade of docks and so it is worth continuing to fish them.
June 10
Lake Wylie is at 97.0% of full pool and morning surface water temperatures are around 80 degrees.
It can be a tricky time for catching catfish on Lake Wylie with the spawn going on, but Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the last few times out the fishing has been a little better than expected. Most of the fish are still 10 pounds or less, but they have caught them up to 15 pounds. The bigger fish are almost certainly about to spawn or coming off the spawn, and they have caught some fish that are pretty beat up.
The best bite has still been on wind-aided drifts in 25-35 feet of water. Cut gizzard shad has been the most effective bait to drag, and feeding fish are not confined to any particular section of the lake.
With the full moon coming up the bream bite should get even better on Lake Wylie, and this weekend Captain Rodger Taylor reports that he will be looking for beds. At the recent mayfly hatch there was a good bite, and this should concentrate fish even more. Look for protected sandy areas and throw crickets or worms to the fish. Unlike catfish bream are heavy eaters while they spawn!
A good bluegill on Wylie is about 2/3 of a pound, but you can also pick up some shellcracker in the pound range.
Bass report to follow.
May 25
Lake Wylie is at 97.1% of full pool and clarity is good. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-70s.
The shad spawn bite is finally dying out on Lake Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that some of the best bass catches are starting to come offshore on the lake. Fish are being caught around points and humps at the major creek mouths, and for right now 10-20 feet is the magic depth range. Fish are oriented to the bottom, and crankbaits, swimbaits and big worms are all working. Later in the season after the fish have been hammered for a while they will get more cautious, but for now they are pretty aggressive.
There are still some fish hanging around docks for a variety of reasons, including guarding fry, but the best shallow pattern right now is the bream bed bite. Bass that are around bream beds will take bluegill imitators like prop baits and swimbaits.
On the catfish front, Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the spawn now seems to be underway and as a result fishing for blue catfish is only “fair”. Most of the fish they are catching are less than 10 pounds, and the best bite has been on wind-aided drifts in 25-35 feet of water. Cut gizzard shad has been the most effective bait to drag, and feeding fish are not confined to any particular section of the lake.
May 19
Lake Wylie is at 96.9% of full pool and clarity is good. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-70s.
Some years the shad spawn is really quick and the bass fishing on Lake Wylie is really good for about two weeks around it. But tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that this is not one of those years. The negative has been it has not ever been as wide open, but the upside is that it has gone on for longer. As a result in some isolated places you can still find shad spawning around riprap and docks very early. When you find fish feeding on the shad it does not really matter what you throw, but you can fish a spinnerbait, Chatterbait, Pop-R, buzzbait or other topwater lure.
There are also some post-spawn fish hanging around spawning pockets and guarding fry in areas like docks, but two summer patterns are also starting up. There are starting to be some bass around bream beds that will take bluegill imitators like prop baits and swimbaits. There are also starting to be a few fish offshore, but this bite has not really gotten good yet.
Even though the spawn is getting close it’s still a really strong bite for catfish on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that fish continue to feed up in anticipation of spawning activity. He is catching them in spots all over the lake, but the common denominator has been that they are relatively shallow. He is generally anchoring in about 9 feet of water in coves inside creeks or on the main lake and casting from about 4 feet out to 15 feet. Most of the fish are blues in the 8-16 pound range but they are catching some blues and flatheads in the 20s and 30s.
Cut white perch has been out-fishing everything else, even for flatheads, but at some point live bluegill or bluegill heads should pass them.
May 12
Lake Wylie is at 97.0% of full pool and the water is green and slightly turbid. Morning surface water temperatures are about 72-74 degrees, down a degree or two from last week.
Cooler weather has basically stalled the bass fishing on Lake Wylie, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that there are still spawning fish on the lake. Whether targeting spawners or post-spawn fish, you can still get in spawning pockets and throw soft plastics at any visible cover or fish you see. Wacky rigs continue to work and docks are also holding a lot of fish.
The shad spawn is also still going on, and the best place to look for bass gorging on shad is around main lake riprap. Cast a spinnerbait, Chatterbait, Pop-R, buzzbait or other topwater lure. This is an early morning bite and after the sun gets above the trees it is gone.
It does not seem like significant numbers of fish have gone offshore yet, and so most patterns are still focused on shallow water.
Even though the spawn is getting close it’s still a really strong bite for catfish on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that fish continue to feed up in anticipation of spawning activity. He is catching them in spots all over the lake, but the common denominator has been that they are relatively shallow. He is generally anchoring in about 9 feet of water in coves inside creeks or on the main lake and casting from about 4 feet out to 15 feet. Fish are moving around and seem to be coming up and feeding in waves, and they are catching (and usually releasing) about 200 pounds of fish on each trip. Most of the fish are blues in the 8-16 pound range but they are catching some blues and flatheads in the 20s and 30s.
Cut white perch has been out-fishing everything else, even for flatheads, but at some point live bluegill or bluegill heads should pass them.
May 4
Lake Wylie is at 97.0% of full pool and morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 60s and lower 70s.
While the shad spawn bite is very close to taking off on Lake Wylie, tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that for right now the bass fishing is still pretty much about targeting spawning fish. The pattern is still as simple as getting in spawning pockets and throwing soft plastics at any visible cover or fish you see. Wacky rigs are very popular but a wide range of baits will work.
The shad spawn does seem to just be getting underway, but right now it’s only in a few places and the bass don’t seem to have really found them yet. The best place to look is around main lake riprap and then cast a spinnerbait, Chatterbait, Pop-R, buzzbait or other topwater lure.
There are some indications that a few fish could be starting to move towards their offshore summer spots but it’s very early.
It’s a really strong bite for catfish right now on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that fish are in pre-spawn feeding mode and so they are biting very well. He is catching them in spots all over the lake, but the common denominator has been that they are relatively shallow. He is generally anchoring in about 9 feet of water in coves inside creeks or on the main lake and casting from about 4 feet out to 15 feet. Fish are moving around and seem to be coming up and feeding in waves, and they are catching (and usually releasing) about 200 pounds of fish on each trip. Most of the fish are blues in the 8-16 pound range but they are catching some blues and flatheads in the 20s and 30s.
Cut white perch has been out-fishing everything else, even for flatheads, but at some point live bluegill or bluegill heads should pass them.
April 22
Lake Wylie is at 98.1% of full pool and the lake is stained in parts but not muddy. Morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 60s.
The cool nights have kept things from progressing as much as usual by this time of year, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that bass fishing is pretty much about targeting spawning fish right now. The pattern really is as simple as getting in spawning pockets and throwing soft plastics at any visible cover or fish you see. The top weights in a recent tournament were 19 pounds and 17 pounds, so some pretty good ones are being caught. The biggest bags are all coming bed fishing.
The next stage will be the shad spawn but that has not started yet.
The fishing for crappie is good to very good on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that fish are being taken on shallow brush now that the spawn has gotten underway. You can catch these fish casting a jig to the banks or fishing a minnow under a cork.
There is also still a good long-line trolling bite pulling jigs in 10-23 feet of water in the creeks.
The blue catfish bite is still very strong fishing coves in 5-15 feet of water off creek channels using cut white perch. The bite has been particularly good in dirty areas when the water level is rising following recent rains. The action in the upper 1/3 of Lake Wylie is getting very good as fish move up the lake and the pre-spawn bite kicks off.
April 8
Lake Wylie is at 98.0% of full pool and there is a mud line coming down the lake. Morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 60s.
While water conditions might interfere with the patterns, tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that it’s pretty standard spring bass fishing right now. Fish are mostly in pre-spawn and spawning mode, and basically all you need to do is fish any shoreline cover to get bites. Reid has been fishing a spinnerbait around visible targets, and inside the spawning pockets any soft plastic pitched to docks or wood will work. Wacky-rigged worms, shakey heads and floating worms are all very good.
The only challenge has been getting a big bite, and most tournaments are taking about 15 or 16 pounds to win. It takes something like the 7-pounder caught in the first Thursday night tournament to push a limit towards double digits.
Trolling for crappie remains very good on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that the best depth range is still fishing in 15-17 feet – with either jigs or minnows. Very soon the fish should move shallow around the banks.
The blue catfish bite is still very strong fishing coves in 5-15 feet of water off creek channels using cut white perch. The bite has been particularly good in muddy areas when the water level is rising following recent rains. In the next few weeks the action in the upper 1/3 of Lake Wylie will get very good as fish move up the lake and the pre-spawn bite kicks off.
April 1
Lake Wylie is at 97.8% of full pool and the lake is less muddy this week but still has dirty areas. Morning surface water temperatures are around 60 degrees.
There are mixed reports on whether the bass fishing got tougher on Lake Wylie this week, and tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that a high school tournament took 18 pounds while some club tournaments had extremely low weights. From what he has seen fluctuating water levels have overall put the fish off a little bit, but the pattern is still the same. Most any shallow cover is worth fishing because there are so many buck bass up shallow looking for spawning places, while the bigger ones seem to be holding a little deeper.
Soft plastics are working the best for fishing in spawning pockets.
Trolling for crappie remains very good on Lake Wylie, and Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that for the past week the best depth range has been in 15-17 feet with either jigs or minnows. Very soon the fish should move shallow around the banks.
The blue catfish bite has been very strong fishing coves in 5-15 feet of water off creek channels using cut white perch. The bite has been particularly good in muddy areas when the water level is rising following recent rains. In the next few weeks the action in the upper 1/3 of Lake Wylie will get very good as fish move up the lake and the pre-spawn bite kicks off.
