April 3

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 438.31 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-60s. Most of the lake is relatively clear. 

Every year it seems as if the crappie spawn goes faster on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that this year is no exception. By now he estimates that 80% of the fish have spawned, and in part as a result fish are highly scattered out and there are no really big concentrations anywhere. The bite is still pretty decent and you can catch fish at lot of different stages with a bunch of different techniques. There are a few on the banks that you can pursue with a jig or minnow under a float, you can long-line troll, or even tight-line. But Captain Roland is mostly casting at schools of post-spawn fish that he is looking at on electronics, with the vast majority of these schools in 18-30 feet of water. A few fish are on the main lake but most remain in the creeks. 

Overall the lake is a little clearer than he likes it for crappie fishing, and he thinks the bite would have been a bit better with less visibility. 

While the peak of the crappie spawn might be behind us, veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the black bass spawn is completely wide open right now on Lake Greenwood. Every spawning pocket has beds in it, and fish are around every piece of shallow cover including docks, laydowns, rock and trees. Overall Lake Greenwood is probably a bit behind Lake Murray, but both pre- and post-spawn fish (or annoyed spawning fish) will take Pop-Rs, Bang-O-Lures, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits in stained areas, Rattle Traps, and more.  But for fish at all stages of the spawn it’s hard to beat soft plastics, and going down the bank with a floating worm is a pretty fool-proof technique. 

March 27

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 437.92 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are around 61 degrees. 

With the advent of forward-facing sonar it’s become clear that fish are in a lot more places than conventional wisdom holds at any one time, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that’s certainly true with the Lake Greenwood crappie right now. There are fish still out on the main lake over deep water, but the majority of the fish that Captain Roland is seeing have made their way into the creeks.  There are plenty of catchable fish on the banks, as the spawn got started pretty fast, but his boat is mostly targeting fish that are in open water. They are typically 8-10 feet down in 15-30 feet of water. His primary techniques are casting at fish he can see on electronics or long-line trolling. 

Likewise we are approaching the heaviest part of the spawn with the black bass on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that basically the key to catching fish right now is to fish in or near spawning pockets. The last dock before a spawning flat, or docks within spawning areas, can be very good. Floating worms, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits can all be very effective, and buzzbaits, Whopper Ploppers, and Pop-Rs are also working. 

March 20

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 437.42 (full pool is 440.0) and the upper end is muddy, down to the state park is dingy, and the lower end is fairly clear. Morning surface water temperatures are around 61 degrees. 

Unsurprisingly it’s a really good crappie bite on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that you can find fish doing different things and basically all over the lake. But overall he is finding the best action in the creeks or well up the river, although he has found some fish in the river channel over deep water. The upper section of the lake is fishing the best.

Fish are all stages of the spawn, with some done, some on beds, and some yet to go. Accordingly you can basically pick how you want to fish, from throwing jigs at the banks  to fishing minnows under a cork to long-line trolling to using forward-facing sonar and casting at fish. But be aware that most fish are in the upper part of the water column, mostly in 2-8 feet of water. That holds true whether you are in 10 feet or 35. 

March 19

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 437.45 (full pool is 440.0) and the upper end is muddy, down to the state park is dingy, and the lower end is fairly clear. Morning surface water temperatures are around 60 degrees. 

The black bass spawn is on at Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that by now he is pretty much only going to be targeting spawning pockets and areas very close to them. Even fish that are pre-spawn should be close to the areas where they are going to bed, and a great place to target them is the last dock before a spawning area. Everyone has their own favorite lures for bed fishing, but if you are fishing on the upper end for spawning fish you won’t see them and so just blind casting with a spinnerbait in likely areas can be a really good pattern.

Otherwise a floating worm and square-bill crankbait are also good options right now. 

Crappie report to follow. 

March 12

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 437.03 (full pool is 440.0) and the upper end is muddy but the whole lake should get dirtier after Monday’s rain. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-50s.

The black bass fishing is rapidly improving on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda is going out on a limb and predicting that by this weekend there should actually be some fish on beds. The next wave will be bigger, but with the full moon coming Friday he feels strongly anglers will see some spawning activity this weekend.

The reason Stan says that is that there are already so many fish shallow in or around spawning pockets, and lots of big largemouth are being caught in these areas. Square-billed crankbaits, Rattle Traps, and spinnerbaits are working, and he’s even seen some fish hitting topwater. Stan honestly doesn’t think a buzzbait bite is far off.  

Especially as the lake dirties up you probably can’t fish too shallow right now.  

The crappie fishing is also improving on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that fish are going to move even shallower this week if the water warms as expected. They really can’t get any higher in the water column, as he is already finding them just 2-8 feet down. But instead of being out over as deep as 30-40 or more feet, he expects them to mostly be in less than 25 feet and some much, much shallower. 

With fish already suspended so high one of the easiest mistakes anglers can make right now is fishing under the fish, and so targeting the top of the water column is key. Casting, long-line trolling, and even fishing a jig or minnow around the banks should all be productive by this weekend. 

March 6

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 436.60 (full pool is 440.0) and almost the whole lake is dirty but fishable. Morning surface water temperatures are about 53-54 degrees.

The crappie fishing is improving on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service(864-980-3672) reports that fish are starting to push further back into the creeks as far back as into just 5-10 feet of water. Now there are basically fish from the mouths back to that zone, and they are highly scattered.  Water conditions are still too cold for fish to be actually on the banks or spawning, but that should happen next week.

As fish get more aggressive both casting and long-line trolling with jigs (Fish Stalker in Ugly Green) is working well. 

The black bass fishing is even further along, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that in the warmer conditions fish are moving into the very backs. Fish are staging in preparation for the spawn, and in addition to hanging just outside of spawning pockets on secondary points and docks some are actually starting to move into spawning areas. #5 Shad Raps, Chatterbaits, jerkbaits, and Rattle Traps will all work for these aggressive fish.

Of course, if bass fishermen have learned anything since the advent of forward-facing-sonar it’s that substantial numbers of fish are usually in open water just swimming around and eating, and a “pick-up tournament” as three MLF pros made their way to Lake Murray proved exactly this point. They caught 5-7 pound fish offshore LiveScoping in 15-20 feet, catching fish that probably would have been uncatchable a few years ago – and at the very least that few people would have been targeting in early spring.

February 27

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 436.23 (full pool is 440.0) and the upper end is muddy while the mid- to lower lake is clearer. Morning surface water temperatures are about 53 degrees.

The crappie fishing has picked up in the warmer conditions, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that fish are on the move. Instead of mostly being parked on the main channel the fish have moved into the mouths of the creeks to about mid-way back, although they mostly remain in 15-30 feet of water. It has not warmed up enough for them to move much shallower, although they are a bit higher in the water column at mostly 5-15 feet down. They are also biting a bit more aggressively, and both casting and long-line trolling with jigs (Fish Stalker in Ugly Green) is working well. 

The black bass are even further along, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that warm weather is definitely bringing fish to the bank. Shad are also moving up, and so a lot of the deeper patterns are going away.   For now some fish are staging, and a good bet is fishing secondary points and docks adjacent to areas where fish will eventually spawn. There are also plenty of fish in the creeks just chasing bait.

Square-bill crankbaits, Shad Raps, spinnerbaits, and Chatterbaits will all work.  

February 19

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 436.57 (full pool is 440.0) and the upper end is muddy while the mid- to lower lake gets progressively clearer as you go down.   However, they are pulling water so hard the whole lake could soon be muddy.  Morning surface water temperatures are about 48-49 degrees and dropping. 

Cold water (deeper) and muddy water (shallower) are pushing the black bass in two different directions, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that you also have to consider seasonal factors.  Throwing the biological drive to move towards the banks into the tug-of-water has the net effect that there are a fair number of fish both deep and shallow on Lake Greenwood right now. And even though cold, muddy water is famously bad for fishing, the fish need to eat to prepare for the spawn and so they are continuing to feed. 

Around the banks Rattle Traps, shallow-running crankbaits, and spinnerbaits will catch fish, and in the dingier conditions Alabama rigs have also been making a bit of a late winter comeback. With a ton of shad in the creeks some of the best shallow fishing is taking place well off the main lake. Docks, laydowns, stumps and more are holding fish as they often like some type of cover to relate to when they can’t see as well. 

But in the cold temperatures there are still plenty of fish, particularly spotted bass, choosing to stay deeper, and casting over brush piles in the 15-22 foot range is one of the best ways to target them. Alabama rigs and jerkbaits are both working well, and of course people are still fishing minnow-type baits on a jighead. 

The crappie fishing was strong even after the lake got muddy but before this cold snap, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the fish were actually biting the best on the dirtier upper end of Greenwood in the river channels and creek mouths. Casting or pulling jigs 10-15 feet down in 20-25 feet of water was the best pattern, and Ugly Green Fish Stalker jigs were still working. 

However, while he hasn’t been fishing in the last 24 hours Captain Roland has no doubt that the front has negatively affected the fish. 

February 12

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 435.10 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 50s. 

Even with up-and-down temperatures the black bass are making seasonal moves on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that particularly with the warmer weather last week the shad have moved up some and bass have gone further into the creeks. Right now he suggests starting in the dead center of pockets in 12-14 feet and fan-casting with Shad Raps, jerkbaits, Rattle Traps, or Alabama rigs until you find the fish. Of course, forward-facing-sonar also offers a cheat code these days.

There are also a decent number of fish around the banks all over the lake in 5-7 feet, and throwing a crankbait for these fish is hard to beat. 

Some fish are also being caught around docks on shaky heads and jigs. 

By the weekend the water had warmed enough that the crappie had moved up higher in the water column, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports they were catching them just 2-10 feet below the surface. However, after that they went back down and so in sum patterns really haven’t changed much from ten days ago. 

He is still finding them in 20-40 feet of water in the main channel and the very front of creeks, and most of the fish are from 5-10 feet off the bottom. Jigs versus minnows doesn’t seem to make much difference, but if you can get either bait right in front of a fish he may eat it. 

February 6

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 434.85 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are around 45-46 degrees. A few creeks are a little stained but mostly the lake is pretty clear. 

The water temperatures haven’t really warmed enough to significantly improve the crappie fishing, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that fish are still basically deep and not especially cooperative. He is finding them in 20-40 feet of water in the main channel and the very front of creeks, and most of the fish are from 5-10 feet off the bottom. Jigs versus minnows doesn’t seem to make much difference, but if you can get either bait right in front of a fish he may eat it. 

Besides the fact that water temperatures started off so cold, another factor that is keeping the fish from moving up more is the very clear conditions. However, the upper end does have some stain and so – if there is an area where fish are most likely to move shallower – it is up there. 

It’s basically a similar story with the black bass, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that the predominant pattern right now is still casting a minnow-style bait at schools of fish you can see on forward-facing sonar. Around 20 feet of water has been the most productive range for this type of fishing, both in the creek channels and on the main river channel. Often fish are holding near the ditches that they will head into when it gets warmer, and brush piles are also holding bass. A jerkbait worked very slowly is also working for this style of fishing.

At the same time, bass are less skittish than crappie about moving shallow and so it’s worth throwing a Rattle Trap or crankbait around any rock in main lake pockets and the front sections of creeks. These warm temperatures are likely to start them moving up, and even after the cold comes through Stan doesn’t expect them all to leave. However, they may stop biting until temperatures stabilize. 

January 28

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 434.58 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are around 41 degrees. Up the lake is a little dingy but the lower end is clear. 

With 40-degree water temperatures it’s no surprise that it’s a slow bite for black bass on Lake Greenwood, but veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that there are still fish being caught – particularly by anglers willing to fish very slowly.  There are a number of decent patterns, and in 6-7 feet there is a fair crankbait bite around rocky points, banks, and channel swings. An Alabama rig is also working pretty well in the same areas as well as around docks and boat ramps, and in 15-18 feet of water a jigging spoon has been catching some fish.

Of course, perhaps the most productive pattern right now is casting a minnow-style bait at schools of fish you can see on forward-facing sonar. Around 20 feet of water has been the most productive range for this type of fishing, both in the creek channels and on the main river channel. Often fish are holding near the ditches that they will head into when it gets warmer, and brush piles are also holding bass. A jerkbait worked very slowly is also working for this style of fishing.

The crappie are in similar patterns but the fishing has slowed, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) points out that when water temperatures briefly hit the upper 30s that should be expected. Fish are mostly in deep water 20-50 feet deep on the main lake and at the mouths of creeks. They are generally 10-40 feet down and to target them you either have to troll or look at them on forward-facing sonar. Sometimes they will take a jig, sometimes minnows, and often neither – but to have a chance you have to get a bait right in front of them. In these conditions minnows may be working a little better than jigs. 

January 15

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 434.55 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are around 47 degrees. Up the lake is a little dirty but the mid-lake on down is fairly clear.  

The black bass fishing continues to slow on Lake Greenwood with cooling temperatures, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that honestly the best way to catch fish has been looking at them on LiveScope and throwing minnow-style baits over deep brush or rock on the main lake. The target depth range has generally been 13-20 feet, and fish are close to the bottom or suspended just over it. 

Stan has also caught fish jigging main lake points in 15-18 feet of water with a spoon, but this is also a good area to throw a minnow.  

Alabama rigs continue not to be as productive as some winters but they are catching a few fish on the A-rig around deeper docks, while shallow cranking has been pretty worthless. 

The striped bass action has slowed down as it has gotten cold, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that the crappie have also gotten a lot more finicky and difficult to catch. Almost all of the fish have gotten off brush and gone into deep water in 20-50 feet on the main lake and at the mouths of creeks. They are mostly 10-30 feet down and to target them you either have to troll or look at them on forward-facing sonar. Sometimes they will take a jig, sometimes minnows, and often neither – but to have a chance you have to get a bait right in front of them. 

January 2

Lake Greenwood water levels are at 435.18 (full pool is 440.0) and morning surface water temperatures are around 48-49 degrees. Up the lake is a little dirty but the mid-lake on down is fairly clear.    

The black bass fishing has gotten a little tougher on Lake Greenwood, and veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Saluda reports that to his great surprise he is having almost no luck throwing an Alabama rig around docks, points, cover, and all the other places where they usually catch them relatively shallow in the winter. There are some big bags being caught looking at fish around bait schools on forward-facing sonar and throwing minnow-style baits at them, and Stan has also picked up a few fish on a jigging spoon. 

Another successful pattern is still looking for schooling fish under birds, and at times striped bass, largemouth, and spotted bass will all be together in open water at the mouths of major creeks and on the main channel around birds. Bucktails will work for all of them.

The crappie have pretty well gotten into a winter pattern on Lake Greenwood, and Captain Roland Addy with Carolina Crappie Guide Service (864-980-3672) reports that most of the fish have gotten off brush and gone into deep water in 20-50 feet on the main lake and at the mouths of creeks. They are mostly 10-30 feet down and to target them you either have to troll or look at them on forward-facing sonar. They will take both jigs and minnows – the key is getting a bait in front of them.