September 15

Lake Russell is just below full pool 474.66 (full pool is 475.00) and water temperatures are around 82-83 degrees on Lake Russell. The water seems to be a little off-color, and anglers are wondering if the lake could be turning over early. 

In the last couple of days the bass bite has fallen off on Lake Russell, and Guide Jerry Kotal (706-988-0860) reports

September 15

Lake Jocassee is down to 93.8% of full pool and water temperatures range from 80-82 in the big water but can be as warm as 84 in the creeks. Water clarity is very high. 

The bass fishing on Lake Jocassee is starting to pick up again, and Joe Anders of Easley reports

September 14

Clarks Hill water levels are still very high at 329.47 (full pool is 330.00), and water temperatures are around 82 degrees.   

While the fish continue to make a fall migration up the lake, William Sasser Guide Service (706-589-5468) reports

September 14

Lake Hartwell water levels have risen to 660.41 (full pool is 660.00) and water temperatures remain in the lower 80s. The water is still very clear. 

Even though fishing is still a little tough there are some seasonal changes starting to take place with the bass on Lake Hartwell, and Guide Brad Fowler reports

September 11

Lake Keowee is up to 98.5% of full pool. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 80s over most of the lake and low 80s at the far north end of the lake. Water clarity is normal. 

The water is slowly beginning to cool on Lake Keowee, and accordingly N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports

September 11

Lake Murray water levels are down to 357.05 (full pool is 360.00) and water temperatures have dropped into the lower 80s. Clarity is a little below normal after recent rains.

The offshore suspended/ cane pile bite is just getting started on Lake Murray, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports

September 11

Lake Greenwood is at 439.05 (full pool is 440.0) and surface water temperatures have dropped into the low to mid-80s. 

Some seasonal changes are starting to take place on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports

September 11

Lake Hartwell water levels are barely above full pool at 660.16 (full pool is 660.00) and water temperatures have cooled a few more degrees to 82-84. The water remains very clear. 

Fishing for hybrid and striped bass remains off on Lake Hartwell, and Guide Chip Hamilton (864-304-9011) reports

September 11

Clarks Hill water levels are still barely below full at 329.66 (full pool is 330.00), and water temperatures are in the mid to low-80s. 

The bass fishing is still tough on Clarks Hill, and tournament weights are pretty low, but there are some encouraging signs. In particular, tournament angler Tyler Matthews of Evans, GA reports

September 10

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.42 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.27 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Water temperatures are down to around 83 degrees and clarity is very high in the lower lake. The upper lake is a bit dingier.  

With many of the state’s best bass fishermen headed to Santee Cooper for the Carolinas Bass Challenge event this weekend, for this week’s report we decided to check in with a Santee bass expert who will not be fishing on Saturday and doesn’t mind giving his frank appraisal. Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) acknowledges

September 10

Surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand remains about 86 degrees. The creeks, inlets and surf are full of finger mullet.  

As the mullet run heats up the fishing is getting even better on the north end of the Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports