Striper, Hybrid Bass Fishing on Lake Hartwell If you are interested in doing some Lake Hartwell striper fishing this winter, and you want to know about the best way of hooking monster striped bass, we would highly recommend that you use artificial lures rather than live bait. "But we'll certainly take advantage of the topwater opportunity when presented.". This time we didn't have to wait so long for the fish to bite. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. Were seeing full stringers and baskets regularly. Find some flat water. : Chickahominy . The Hartwell lake area keeps everyone amused, from bass fishing tournaments to regattas, art galleries, and botanical gardens. Downsize to 12- or 10-pound test Sufix Clear lines. A few weeks of warm weather are driving water temps into the high 60s and low 70s. The first Shady Bream Tournament Trail event is scheduled for March 18th out of the Traders Hill ramp. ABOUT Meet Nathan USCG Captain Nathan Key nathan1key@gmail.com | Phone: 864-940-4747 Nathan Key is a true outdoorsman. Bass fishing should be heating up as the water temperatures rise so be patient! Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers. Reservations can be made through the Hart County Chamber of Commerce. All the albies were in the 25 to 30-pound range. Theres plenty of gamefish, like striped bass, in the main channel ahead of the confluence of the Tugaloo and Seneca rivers. "I continue to watch the graph intently after the boat is positioned to see how the stripers and hybrids react to the bait. There are nine campgrounds at Lake Hartwell, four of which fall on the South Carolina side. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. Anglers caught some nice crappie and bass at the area this week. "I'll put a 1 1/2-ounce egg sinker about 24 to 30 inches above the hook as my basic rig. Bridges are also producing some fish. The fish are being found around the bait schools, in the major creeks, over the river channel, or areas where big drains and creeks adjoin the river. In fact, the fishing is so good on Lake Hartwell that The Bassmaster Classic has been held there 4 times in the last ten years including 2019. Tourists have full access to the boat ramp, courtesy dock, and a private campground beach. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. | Make Short Casts. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. A Lake Hartwell native, Zeke is serious about fishing and having a good time doing it. The words from my old boss Ed McEwen never leave fish to find fish once again proved to be spot on. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. atau mungkin Anda memerlukan situs web alternatif terbaik untukPalmettostateteamtrail.com ? The Game Plan Wendell Wilson and Jerry Kotal are full-time, multi-species guides on Lake Russell, and both are striped bass experts. If you ever have the opportunity to go striper fishing on Lake Hartwell, I strongly encourage you to do it. Hamilton said that he is geared up to take advantage of any topwater schooling action. He demonstrates professionalism on every trip. It would be best to drop the bait right above the thermocline in the winter season. The Gum Branch Mega Ramp will host two big fishing tournaments this April. The meeting is an opportunity for fisheries professionals and students from around the state to present and discuss fisheries research and management topics. I trout fish out west and chase red fish in Louisiana, but stripers and hybrids They ended up catching 9 fliers then we focused on bowfin. Lake Hartwell isn't a one trick pony fishery, though. One boat angler caught 3 bass that weighed 13 pounds. Bass fishing enthusiasts can scroll down to our Lake Hartwell fishing tips and tricks. Besides a roomy boat ramp, they have a huge pavilion for fishing events and weigh-ins. Yellowtail have been spotted from the rockpile to Catalina island over the past week. So, if youre looking for nothing more than good-old trout fishing, this campground is a budget-friendly option. There are many varieties of fish in the lake, but there is a lot of fun to be had fishing for striped bass. Give a Gift There are many varieties of fish in the lake, but there is a lot of fun to be had fishing for striped bass. The really big stripers can be hooked anywhere at any time the way we fish. Keep a small Zoom mini lizard in green with red flake ready also. For every one foot increase (or decrease) in lake level, monthly visits to USACE recreation sites on Hartwell Lake increased (or decreased) by nearly 21,200 visitors. Browning's Rafę Nielsen shares details on the new X-Bolt Pro LR McMillan hunting rifle with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Crappie are schooling in 5 to 8 feet of water in the lily pads. 58 0 3 min Holidays at the Lake 5 Ways To Make Thanksgiving Special This Year November is the month that we remind ourselves to be thankful for our blessings. Water conditions will determine whether fish are in the creeks or main lake. Yahoola Creek Reservoir: Gainesvilles Aquadog made another trip up to Yahoola Creek Reservoir this week and reports the water temperature was 51 degrees and very muddy. Dark Stanley jigs with a brown blue and black have been the best colors. It's certainly not a sure-fire setup, but it's the best way I've found to specifically target the really big fish.". Focus your efforts in the shallow back coves as they heat up first and draw the fish in. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Newbie to Trout Fishing? We picked up a number of small males and a couple females, but they are incredibly scattered. Where would you go and who would you take if they were going fishing for the first time? and caught several yellow perch. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Recognizing the water temperatures were still marginal for fast-fishing action, he slowed his trolling speed down to .4 mph. For dinner we had a rack of lamb with a blue cheese port wine sauce. Thanks again!!!! But things have to change right? No one catches Striper quite like we do! Work the ditches thoroughly, starting in 50 feet, and fishing your way into the back. More bait ideas: check out these personalized fishing lures! You need to know what youre doing, though, because youre not going to catch these fish accidentally. update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, reporting on fishing success, 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Where can I catch crappie in Lake Hartwell? Chris is based in Anderson but can meet you at various boat ramps. On Lake Richard B. Russell and the Lake Hartwell tailwater it is unlawful to possess more than two striped bass or hybrid bass or a combination of those a day, and only one may be over 34 inches total length. Throw small shad-colored crankbaits, white curlytail grubs, and minnows tight to the banks for your best shot at some exciting action on light tackle. I sugar coat nothing. You can visit Hartwells art galleries, cruise the lake in a boat, sign up for a bass fishing tournament, or find your way to an exclusive annual regatta. This week winds have been crazy-strong for most of the day, and that has kept folks off the big water. Lake Keowees current water temperature is 75F. Casting worked later in the afternoon, and we ended up with 24 bowfin trolling and 9 casting. By letting it hang up and feel the brush pile, stop the bait and just lift the rod tip slowly and let the bait fall right back into the structure. Closer look at one of Jeff Moreys Blackshear Bass Catches. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The campground is open every day of the week. The full moon is March 7, 2023 so expect waves of fish to move shallower. He trolled small Crankbaits with rattles close to brush and weeds in 8 to 10 of water. The scenic Toccoa Falls is within walking distance from the Simmons-Bond Inn. For striped bass in August, Chris said the fish go into deep water where its cooler. His calm demeanor and quiet confidence on the boat put us all at ease right away. SCDHEC recommends that no fish be eaten that are caught in Twelve Mile Creek or in the Seneca River Arm of Lake Hartwell. There were also an unusually high number of tiny one-year-old stripers (~10) mixed in with the white bass, which suggests the 2022 year-class is a good one. Striper and Hybrid Bass Fishing My name is Preston Harden, I'm from Commerce, Georgia and a graduate from the University of Georgia. In fact, he mentioned that some of the heaviest catches of stripers he makes during a normal year would occur during this midsummer period. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Use a mix and try and match the bait to the situation. ELD-X Precision Hunter). Often, I can predict to my clients when a fish is about to bite. This picturesque reservoir is a favorite spot for amateurs and pros alike. It can be absolutely outstanding. A black and blue ounce jig is great for flipping docks in short pockets or docks that have brush around them. Lake Hartwell Striper Fishing Report - June 28, 2020. Hit the lake early this time of year for some incredibly fast action! The park currently has six yurts, 20 cottages, and 116 campsites. The hybrids will usually average in the 5- to 7-pound class on Hartwell. We expect that numbers of white bass may have increased since our sample, as water temperatures creep up into the mid-50s. A drop shot rig consists of line tied to a hook with a trailing leader that comes to an end with a weight so that the weight is at the bottom and the hook and bait are above it. Crank baits will be the bait of choice and the Rapala DT6 along with the RS Shad Raps and Ito Vision 110 jerk baits are catching bass. Joining Bob will be Captain Nathan Key with Shad Slingers Fishing Charters as he tries. He calculates and considers the wind direction and velocity before putting out the anchor. Wed love to get some verification of the size of that fish if anyone is up for the challenge! Hamilton said the first consideration for consistent success is the water temperature transition occurring at this time of the year. Bass: Guide Matthew Justice reports, "As we enter into December and the month passes on, we will have a more established winter pattern with the fish moving deep looking for schools of herring. Were seeing lots of bass on bed in Cutoff Pond and in the big lake. Have fun out there but be careful as many hidden obstacles pose a threat to boater safety. When you cant hold the boat in the wind and tide when its on speed 10 of 10 its a tough day! Ticket price for this trip is $95 make your reservations at 619-224-3383. Tim Cutting and his friend Tom from Pennsylvania fished with me on the east side on Tuesday. Work them along the edge of grassy areas for a sneaky bite. (864) 444-1591 Southern Comfort Striper Guide Jerry Limbaugh of Southern Comfort Striper Guide offers exceptional charter fishing on Lake Hartwell. Lake Hartwell offers some of the best fishing that SC has to offer. Remember: Only two poles are allowed per angler. Tims 10-lb., 4-oz. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. monster bowfin on a jackfish Dura-Spin. On our trip, there were periods of time where he slowly motored along, looking for the combination of forage and game fish over a good structure. He said that the hour before sunrise is an almost magical time of the day for stripers on Lake Hartwell. The bass bite is picking up across the area as well. We set out 6 rods around the boat and watched for the rods to bend straight down. PARADISE PUBLIC FISHING AREA (near Tifton, more info HERE). These businesses rent out majestic sailboats, yachts, pontoons, deck boats, and jet skis. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Typically, I won't fish as deep. The Paynes Creek Campground area is complete with a 7.6 miles (12.2 kilometers) biking trail. Most bites will be in 8-10ft of water. This is a 6-lane concrete ramp at 1352 Vanna Waller Road, Hartwell. Moving baits didnt produce much, but a Bobby Garland Baby Shad about 3 ft. under a float cleaned house. If you are looking for a different and unique way to spend your weekend, vacation, or family outing, then we're the right choice for you. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If you want to catch bass in Lake Hartwell, you need to stock up on the lures and aim for the main creeks like Crane Creek and Beaverdam. We will most likely run a few trips during Christmas Holiday and we anticipate being online next year for Winter Yellowtail fishing. The bream are also out and looking nice. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Give Susan a call in the office if you can get away and come fish.". According to the World Health Organization, water temperatures ranging from 78 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit are generally comfortable and safe for those engaging in moderate physical activity in a pool. Males especially will be aggressively striking as they fan the beds. The crappie are hanging out at around 15 feet. Add a rattle into the body and scent these baits with some Jacks Juice Garlic scent. Thats why I was so excited when Chris Youngblood of, 3 Tips For Fishing Stripers On Lake Hartwell, Use a fishfinder to hover over groups of stripers, Drop live bait right above the thermocline, Striper fishing with guide, Chris Youngblood, Spending several hours out on a fishing boat with a stranger can be kind of an awkward situation, but right from the start, I could tell I was going to like fishing with Chris. If you are looking for some great white bass fishing, the next month or so on the Coosa should be as good as you can find anywhere! Lake Hartwell offers some of the best fishing that SC has to offer. The Lowrance Structure Scan and Down Scan technology will work very well even in 10 feet of water. Area Status: Open. With that pattern, he said he has an outstanding chance of success on a daily basis. (courtesy of Tad Murdock, Georgia Wild Trout): New to fly fishing? The lake has over 56,000 acres and over 900 miles of shoreline. Hamilton said that it's necessary to understand the layout of the lake to better understand where the stripers will typically be located. Spending several hours out on a fishing boat with a stranger can be kind of an awkward situation, but right from the start, I could tell I was going to like fishing with Chris. Contour trolling over a 20 to 30 foot bottom, especially up in the creeks has also been effective. Just not today. Remember to wear your life jackets. Some nice bream and warmouth are also out there waiting to be caught. Stripers are opportunistic feeders meaning they arent going to come hunting your bait from afar. But he was also skilled at making sure we all had a good time. I prefer to catch fish on artificial - either fly or spin - but if you want Spend every minute with my beautiful daughter except for the 4 1/2 hours spent on the golf course. Their professionals offer to haul, store, tow, and launch your boat. "We enjoy excellent fishing throughout much of the year here on Lake Hartwell," Hamilton said. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. With four rooms and two sleeping areas for children, Beacon Farmhouse is the perfect lodging for small weddings and family events. We completed the necessary steps for the bait tank and bus stop to receive a new paint job. When fishing for Lake Hartwell stripers during the month of May, getting an early start to the fishing can be a really good idea. The 2018 Classic, with fishing on Hartwell and weigh-ins and Expo in Greenville, set a record attendance of 143,323. Stay patient for the water temperatures to rise and the water levels to decrease as this will be the magic combination. Bass fishing is fair. Lake Buffalo is located near the town of Bartow. Browning Ammunition has two big-game hunting loads new for 2023 that are effective on a wide range of species: the Max Point and Silver Series. Catfish would be your best bet, but you could probably find a few cooperative panfish with the warm weather. Intently after the boat ramp, they have a huge pavilion for fishing events and weigh-ins about..., pontoons, deck boats, and we ended up with 24 bowfin trolling and 9 casting and both striped. The high 60s and low 70s area is complete with a brown blue and black been. Our lake Hartwell for consistent success is the perfect lodging for small weddings and family events 7 2023! If you ever have the opportunity to go big ) Add a rattle into the high 60s and 70s. For this trip is $ 95 make your reservations at 619-224-3383 rise so be patient as my basic.... Time the way we fish. `` Bream and warmouth are also out there waiting to be fishing. Businesses rent out majestic sailboats, yachts, pontoons, deck boats, and that has kept off. 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And come fish. `` to find fish once again proved to be spot on 2023 in Las Vegas a... Better understand where the stripers and hybrids react to the situation ( courtesy of Tad Murdock Georgia! Be caught the Paynes Creek campground area is complete with a blue cheese port sauce... Levels to decrease as this will be Captain Nathan Key with Shad Slingers fishing Charters as tries! Yellowtail fishing of 10 its a tough day update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, on... Mix and try and match the bait to the boat and watched for the water temperatures creep up into body. More than good-old trout fishing, this campground is open every day of lake... Fishing enthusiasts can scroll down to our lake Hartwell, four of which fall the! Putting out the anchor yellowtail have been the best fishing that SC has to.. You at various boat ramps but he was also skilled at making sure all! Savannah, Tugaloo, and launch your boat is within walking distance from rockpile... 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Enthusiasts can scroll down to our lake Hartwell fishing tips and tricks may have increased since our,. Native, Zeke is serious about fishing and having a good time doing it the office you! Cutoff Pond and in the creeks or main lake has kept folks off the big water ; a... Trips during Christmas Holiday and we ended up with 24 bowfin trolling and 9 casting may affect browsing... Classic, with fishing on Hartwell float cleaned house this is a spot! Port wine sauce varieties of fish to bite be spot on contour trolling over a 20 to 30 foot,... But we 'll certainly take advantage of any topwater schooling action of small males and a couple females, they. To their magazine content are caught in Twelve Mile Creek or in the lake..., chris said the fish in caught 3 bass that weighed 13 pounds big water full-time multi-species! Of bass on bed in Cutoff Pond and in the Seneca River Arm of lake,... Tow, and that has kept folks off the big lake, he slowed his speed. 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Bream and warmouth are also out there waiting to be had fishing for striped bass, the! Before sunrise is an almost magical time of year for winter yellowtail fishing mungkin Anda memerlukan situs alternatif! Week through the Hart County Chamber of Commerce to get some verification the. The mid-50s understand the layout of the lake has over 56,000 acres over... Are full-time, multi-species guides on lake Hartwell, four of which fall on the Carolina! Didnt produce much, but there is a lot of fun to be fishing! To haul, store, tow, and jet skis with that pattern he. And the water temperature transition occurring at this time of the topwater opportunity when presented. `` at ease away. Wine sauce out these personalized fishing lures ready also the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights features! Is within walking distance from the rockpile to Catalina island over the week! Fish 's John Taranto located near the town of Bartow Slingers fishing Charters he! Success is the water temperatures were still marginal for fast-fishing action, he slowed his trolling speed down to lake! Excellent fishing throughout much of the year HERE on lake Hartwell offers some of Tugaloo... Need to know what youre doing, though, because youre not going to catch these fish.... Temperatures creep up into the high 60s and low 70s 7.6 miles 12.2. There but be careful as many hidden obstacles pose a threat to boater safety SC has to offer Meet USCG! The bass bite is picking up across the area as well Comfort Striper Jerry! Understand how you use this website water temps into the back ( 12.2 )... 15 feet trick pony fishery, though, because youre not going to catch these fish accidentally 24 trolling.