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Lake Keowee water levels are at 98.5% of full pool and water temperatures are generally in the mid-70s.  Clarity is normal.

The “spring” bass fishing season may be winding down on Lake Keowee, but Guide Brad Fowler reports that there are still some fish on the beds.  Due to the variability in temperature across the lake – a function of both the mid-lake warmwater discharge as well as the Jocassee inflow at the top of the lake – Lake Keowee may have the most drawn out spawning period in the state.  Brad reminds anglers that the latest spawning fish will usually be at the upper end of Keowee.

While spawning fish can still be caught, Brad says that the bulk of the Lake Keowee fish are in a post-spawn pattern.  In the morning a substantial topwater bite can be found, and unlike the summer pattern where it dies an hour or two after daylight Brad says it will last through the morning.  The best place to look is around shallow flats and shoals.  Walking plugs including Spooks, Sammies and similar baits will catch fish, and flukes fished just under the surface will also work.  However, Brad finds that the noisier baits seem to be more effective for him.  Some good fish are also caught on buzzbaits at this time of year.

During the day fish will be off the ends of the same places where they were feeding first thing, and 15-30 feet is a good depth range.  Drops as well as brush in that range will both hold fish.  Soft plastics presented on shakey heads, drop shot rigs, etc. will all catch fish.

There is always a deep bite on Lake Keowee, and certainly good numbers of fish will be found offshore right now.  However, Brad reminds anglers that with water temperatures still relatively cool some fish can be found shallow all day right now – especially with many fish just wrapping up spawning.  Working docks and other shallow cover with soft plastics will catch fish even after the morning topwater bite slows down.