July 11

Lake Keowee is at 97.8% of full pool and water clarity is very high on the main lake. Water temperatures are now in the mid- to upper 80s throughout the lake, with the coolest water north of the Highway 11 bridge to the Jocassee dam.  

Water temperatures continue to slowly rise to their summertime highs, and as a result N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the early morning bite and topwater bite continue to slow.  The best bet early is a small crankbait or topwater on main lake points.  Topwater action is better on the northern end of the lake in the cooler water. 

After the sun gets up, a drop shot or other soft plastic in 25-50 feet of water around depth changes including points, humps and ledges will produce some fish.  Some fish are also beginning to show up over very deep water and suspend 40-60 feet off the bottom.  A dropshot or similar type bait can be used to target these suspended fish. 

Overall, fishing has gotten tougher with the extreme temperatures.

July 4

Lake Keowee is at 98.0% of full pool and water clarity is above normal.  Water temperatures are now in the mid- to upper 80s throughout the lake, except for below the Jocassee Dam where the coolest temperatures can be found.  

With little to no rain in the past few weeks, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that both water clarity and temperatures are very high and the early morning bite has slowed this past week. However, some fish can still be caught early on topwater lures and small crankbaits on points.  The better topwater bite will be found on the very north end of the lake in the cooler water. 

After the sun gets up, a dropshot in 30-50 feet of water around depth changes including points, humps and ledges is a good choice for the remainder of the day. 

Some fish will also suspend over very deep water during the height of the summer and they can be targeted with a jigging spoon when found using electronics. 

With the daytime fishing slowing and heavy boat traffic, the next few weeks are a good time for night fishing on the lake.

June 27

Lake Keowee is at 97.4% of full pool and water clarity remains high.  Water temperatures have continued to move upward this past week and most of the lake is now in the mid- to upper 80s. 

With the heat wave this week the morning bite has begun to slow down on Lake Keowee, although N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that some fish can still be caught early on points with topwater baits or small crankbaits.  After the sun gets up, some topwater lures or swim baits can be used off points in 20 plus feet of water to target bass chasing bait fish. 

As the sun continues to rise, a drop shot in the same areas out to 45-50 feet of water is working.  Expect these offshore fish to continue to move deeper and suspend in the heat of the summer. 

For shallow fish, try a popper or prop bait around any bream beds – or a frog.

June 20

Lake Keowee is at 97.4% of full pool and water clarity remains very high on the main body of the lake.  Water temperatures in the mid-80s are now common throughout most of the lake.  The coolest water is north of Highway 11 to the Jocassee dam where it remains in the 70s.    

Water temperatures have continued to rise this past week, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that an early bite on main lake and secondary points with a small crankbait or topwater is productive.  The topwater bite remains good throughout most of the morning hours on points and creeks where bait is present.   It is good again in the early evening hours until dark. 

After the sun gets up, a dropshot is productive in the 25-40 foot range around humps, points, and any structure.  Fish are definitely moving deeper as the water temperature continues to progress toward summertime highs.

June 13

Lake Keowee is at 97.2% of full pool and water clarity remains very high on the main body of the lake.  Water temperatures over most of the lake are now in the low to mid-80s, with the coolest water near the Jocassee dam.  

As water temperatures have risen this past week, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that bass have gotten into a solid summer pattern. That means an early topwater bite on points, or a small crankbait can be used – the goal is to run as many points as possible before the sun gets high.  The topwater bite is lasting well into the day in areas holding schools of bait – the key is finding areas where bait is located.  The best places to look are on long points and back in long creeks.  Keep an eye out for any surface activity and always have a walking bait or a soft-bodied swimbait ready to throw. 

Soft plastics on points and around drop-offs in 20-40 feet of water are also working.  For shallow water fish, a bream bed pattern is a good strategy to target largemouth. 

Overall, fishing remains good but becomes difficult mid-day due to heavy boat traffic.

June 6

Lake Keowee is at 97.7% of full pool and water clarity remains very high on the main body of the lake.  Water temperatures over most of the lake remain in the upper 70s to low 80s. 

Water temperatures have largely remained stable this past week, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that bass fishing patterns have also remained consistent. There is still an early morning bite on points with a small crankbait or topwater bait.  The topwater bait is lasting well into the morning hours, especially on cloudy days, on long points in 20-30 feet of water.  Soft plastics on those same points and depths will work throughout the day.  The topwater bite will again be productive an hour or so before dusk and last until it is dark.  

May 30

Lake Keowee is at 98.4% of full pool and water clarity remains very high on the main body of the lake.  Water temperatures continue to slowly rise with upper 70s to low 80s found throughout the lake. 

While there might be a few fish still in the bedding process, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the great majority of bass are post-spawn now and in an early summer pattern.  An early bite on points with a small crankbait, swimbait, or topwater is working.  The topwater bite can be good until mid-morning if there is bait present. 

After the sun gets up, fishing points out to 25 or so feet with soft plastics such as a Texas rig or shaky head will work.  Fish can also be targeted on the end of points with a swimbait out to 30 feet of water. 

Keep an eye open for any schooling activity, and always have a topwater lure tied on and ready to throw!

May 24

Lake Keowee is at 98.3% of full pool and water clarity is high on the main lake.  In the past week morning surface water temperatures have risen into the upper 70s to low 80s over much of the lake, although near the Jocassee dam cooler water in the low 70s can still be found. 

As water temperatures have jumped this past week more and more bass are beginning to move offshore, but N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that an early bite on points with a small crankbait or topwater bait is still working well.  If you get a bite early on a point, throw right back to the same spot as a school of bass may be there and multiple fish can be landed.  The topwater bite is extending well into the morning hours on points and coves where bait is present.  A walking style of bait is working well. 

Soft plastics in the 10-20 foot range are a good option after the sun gets up. Also, expect to see more bream bed fishing in the coming weeks.  

May 16

Lake Keowee is at 97.3% of full pool and water clarity is high on the main lake. Morning surface water temperatures remain in the mid-70s over most of the lake.   

Even without any warming this week, bass have moved further into summer patterns on Lake Keowee and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that post-spawn fishing are getting into summer locations.  An early bite on points with a small crankbait or topwater lure is working – hit as many points as possible before the sun comes up.  After that, an extended topwater bite can last until mid-morning on cloudy days or in areas where large amounts of baitfish are found. 

For later in the morning, soft plastics out to 20 feet or so are working – either Texas-rigged, Carolina-rigged, or Ned-rigged. 

Keep an eye open at all times for any schooling activity.

May 10

Lake Keowee is at 98.4% of full pool and water clarity is high on the main lake but major creeks are stained starting halfway back due to heavy rainfall in the last 36 hours. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the mid-70s over most of the lake.   

Bass are transitioning into summer patterns on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson(864-324-2065) reports that fish are largely post-spawn now although there are still some fish on the bed. 

As a result, the spotted bass are moving to a more summer-like pattern roaming points and offshore areas holding schools of bait.  These fish can be targeted with a topwater bait or swimbait.  An early morning bite on points is getting better each week with a small crankbait or topwater fished very shallow at first light.  Soft plastics are still working on structure and around docks out to 25 feet or so. 

More schooling activity is being seen where baitfish are present in large numbers.

 

May 1

Lake Keowee is at 98.4% of full pool and water clarity is very high on the main lake. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the mid-70s over most of the lake.   

As water temperatures continue to rise a higher and higher percentage of the fish on Lake Keowee are now post-spawn, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that there are still some fish on the bed but this activity is now slowing.  Fish are moving toward a summer pattern with an early bite on points and shallow areas with a crankbait or topwater.  A good topwater bite can be found throughout the morning hours with a walking bait or swimbait. 

Additionally, soft plastics out to 15 feet or so are still working on points and rocky areas.  Some bass are also cruising the shore chasing bream, and that bite will become strong on the next full moon. 

Overall, fishing remains good on the lake but fish are moving to more traditional summer locations.

April 25

Lake Keowee is at 98.8% of full pool and water clarity is very high on the main lake, especially as pollen levels continue to diminish. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 60s over most of the lake with low to mid-70s now present mid-lake.   

While bass can still be found at all stages of the spawn on Lake Keowee, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that every day more fish are now being caught that show signs of being off the bed. 

An early bite on points and shallow humps with a spinnerbait, small crankbait, or topwater is improving.  The topwater bite can last well into the morning in areas where fish are chasing bait.  Otherwise, soft plastics such as a Texas rig, shaky head, and more can produce all day long in 5-15 feet of water.  

It remains a really good time for fishing on Keowee.

April 18

Lake Keowee is at 98.5% of full pool and water clarity is high other than pollen on the surface. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-60s over most of the lake with low 70s now present mid-lake.   

As bass can now found at all stages of the spawn on Lake Keowee, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that many options are available to anglers.  An early bite on points with a small crankbait, swimbait, or topwater lure continues, and soft plastics out to 15 feet or so are still working well.  Some sporadic schooling activity can be seen during the morning hours as well. 

Overall, fishing remains good on the lake and you can really fish about any shallow water technique you want to!

April 11

Lake Keowee is at 98.5% of full pool and water clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-60s over most of the lake. 

The bass bite continues to get better each week on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that many fish are on the bed with more fish yet to move up over the next few weeks.  As such, the best bet is fishing shallow throughout the day. 

An early bite on points with a small crankbait or spinnerbait is productive.  A swimbait is also working early and during the morning hours anywhere fish are chasing bait, and more topwater activity has been seen in the past week. 

Finally, soft plastics fished out to about 15 feet are also working well – and so it’s really a time when you can fish about any shallow pattern you prefer!

April 3

Lake Keowee is at 98.6% of full pool and water clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-60s over most of the lake. 

It continues to be an excellent time to catch bass on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that fish are in heavy pre-spawn and spawning mode with many fish now on the bed.  Some of these fish are very shallow, but spotted bass are often found on beds out to 12 plus feet of water.  Shallow flats, cuts, boat docks, and points are all good locations currently. 

An early morning bite with a square-bill crankbait, swimbait, or spinnerbait is productive.  Soft plastics are working well in the spawning depth range all day.  More fish are being seen chasing bait on the surface in the morning hours as well so a topwater or swimbait should be nearby at all times.

March 27

Lake Keowee is at 98.8% of full pool and water clarity is normal. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-60s. 

Water temperatures continue on an upward trajectory on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that, as a result, a nice wave of fish, both largemouth and spotted bass, are heading to shallow water. 

An early bite on points with a small crankbait, spinnerbait, or jerkbait is productive.  After the sun gets up, soft plastics or jigs in 5-15 feet of water are producing on the pre-spawn and bedding fish.  Prime areas are docks, rocky points, and sandy beaches. 

There are also some fish chasing bait in the backs of coves and creeks and these can be targeted with a small swimbait. 

Overall, this is a good time to be on the lake!  

March 21

Lake Keowee is at 97.9% of full pool and water clarity is high on the main lake – but the pollen level is also growing. After a brief cold front, morning surface water temperatures are getting back to the low-60s over most of the lake with mid-60s around the power plant again. 

The bass on Lake Keowee are continuing to move into shallow water for pre-spawn and spawning activity, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that many fish are now on the bed. However, the spawn will come in waves on Keowee and will last a couple of months. 

An early bite on points with a small crankbait, spinnerbait, or jerkbait is working.  Soft plastics will catch fish all day in typical spawning areas such as coves, docks, and more in 4-15 feet of water.  Some fish are occasionally chasing bait on the surface and a walking type bait or swimbait can be used to catch these fish - this activity will increase in the coming weeks. 

Overall, fishing is very good on the lake now.

March 15

Lake Keowee is at 97.7% of full pool and water clarity is normalizing. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the low-60s over most of the lake with mid-60s around the power plant. 

The bass on Lake Keowee continue to migrate into their traditional spawning locations, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that – while there are some fish on the beds – the majority are still pre-spawn.  An early shallow bite on points can be found with a small crankbait or spinnerbait.  A small swimbait is also working along with a jerkbait on windy shorelines.  Soft plastics out to 20 feet around deeper docks and drop-offs are also productive.  

Some sporadic schooling activity is occurring in pockets where the bass have cornered bait so keep a topwater bait handy if surface activity is spotted. 

Overall, fishing is good and will only improve over the coming weeks.

March 8

Lake Keowee is at 98.5% of full pool and water clarity remains high on the main lake with stain in the backs of creeks – but heavy rains predicted over the weekend will like muddy the backs of major creeks. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the low-60s over most of the lake. 

Water temperatures have risen fast this week, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that just as quickly fish are moving up and there are likely fish on the bed in the mid-lake region already.  Expect a lot of fish to go on the bed with the next full moon. 

Fish can be caught shallow on jigs, plastic worms, and crankbaits throughout the day.  Swimbaits and jerkbaits are also working with windy shorelines and points being the better areas to focus.  There are still some fish deeper in the creeks that have not moved up yet, but more and more fish are coming shallow p each day with the warm weather. 

Overall, fishing is very good and bass can be caught on a variety of baits and techniques.

 

February 28

Lake Keowee is at 98.0% of full pool and water clarity remains high on the main lake with some light stain in the backs of major creeks. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the mid- to upper 50s throughout most of the lake, with low 60s found mid-lake. 

Temperatures continue to climb on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that bass are becoming more active and moving shallower as a result.  An early bite with a spinnerbait, squarebill crankbait, or swimbait can be found on main lake points and back in creek channels.  A jerkbait will also produce off points, especially on windy days, and fishing soft plastics such as a shaky head on points in 10-20 feet is another option now. 

Some fish are also still in the creek channels in 30-40 feet and can be targeted with a drop shot. 

Overall, fishing is good and the bass are beginning to move quickly into a strong pre-spawn pattern. 

February 22

Lake Keowee is at 98.4% of full pool and water clarity remains high on the main lake with some stain in the backs of major creeks. Morning surface water temperatures are now mostly in the mid to upper 50s, with lower 60s found north of the Hot Hole to Crowe Creek. 

As water temperatures rise on Lake Keowee, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that bass continue to transition out of their winter pattern with more movement towards the banks each day.  Currently, fish can be targeted a number of ways.  A swimbait or jerkbait can be used for fish suspended off points in 15-30 feet of water.  Shallower fish can be targeted with soft plastics such as a shaky head out to 20 feet or so on points and around docks.  Some fish are still out in deeper water and a drop shot is effective in 30 plus feet of water. 

With the continued warm weather in the forecast, expect to see more movement toward the bank in the coming week.

February 17

Lake Keowee is at 98.6% of full pool and water clarity remains good on the main lake while there is some stain in the backs of major creeks. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 60s around the nuclear plant and north for a few miles.  On the south end temperatures are in the high 50s, while on the north end they are in the low 50s.

As temperatures rise N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that we are getting into one of the times of the year where Keowee really does act like three different lakes due to the variation in water temperatures. 

Bass in the mid-lake are more actively roaming, up in the water column and in shallower water, while on the other two ends of the lake fish remain in a late winter pattern.  Swimbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics out to 20 feet or so are working – fish slower in the areas with cooler water temperatures. 

If the weather pattern remains warm over the next 2-3 weeks, expect to see a strong movement of fish towards the bank in the mid-lake region with some fish perhaps even going on the bed. 

February 8

Lake Keowee is at 98.0% of full pool and water clarity is good on the main lake while the backs of major creeks are stained. Water temperatures in the mid-50s are common on most of the lake, temperatures in the low-60s can be found just north of the nuclear plant, and the coldest water is at the Jocassee dam. 

With stable temperatures on Lake Keowee this week, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the fishing pattern is still largely wintertime in nature – but the warming days and longer hours of sunlight mean that some bass are beginning to move up a bit.  For the wintertime pattern, a drop shot in deeper water around creek channel swings, drop-offs, and any deeper structure is working.  For the shallower pattern, a swimbait, jerkbait, jig, and shaky head on points out to 30 or so feet is productive.  Look for rocky areas that have been exposed to sunlight throughout the day for the best shallow bite.  

February 1

Lake Keowee is at 99.1% of full pool and the creeks remain stained. Water temperatures have remained stable the past week with mid-50s common on most of the lake and some water in the low-60s mid-lake. 

While many Lake Keowee bass remain in a wintertime pattern, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that is starting to change with more fish now showing up in shallower water.  For the winter fish, look in creek channels and swings in 30-50 feet of water with a drop shot or soft plastic.  For the shallower fish a jig, shaky head, or Texas rig fished around deeper docks and rocky points is a good strategy.  With no significant cold weather forecast over the coming weeks, expect to see more fish begin to move up. 

Many tournaments are being held on the lake and 12 pounds has been a good bag with 15 pounds often winning.

January 26

Lake Keowee is at 98.8% of full pool and heavy rains again this week have the backs of major creeks stained to very stained.  The main lake remains relatively clear.  Water temperatures have likely hit the low of the year this past week with low 50s common on most of the lake with the highs right around 60 mid-lake.  More heavy rain is expected in the next day or two. 

Lake Keowee bass remain in a wintertime pattern, with N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reporting that many fish are in deep water around creek channels, ledges, and any structure on the bottom.  A drop shot out to 60 plus feet is the best bet for these fish.  A jerkbait or swimbait can be used for any suspended fish off points.  Soft plastics such as a shaky head or a jig can be used out to 30 feet or so on points as well.

January 18

Lake Keowee is at 98.9% of full pool and heavy rains over the past week have resulted in the backs of major creeks being muddy and the main lake has some stain as well.  Water temperatures over most of the lake are now in the low 50s with the exception being near the nuclear facility where they remain around 60 degrees.  

Lake Keowee bass remain in a strong wintertime pattern, with N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reporting that many fish are hugging the bottom around creek channels and drop-offs.  Finding areas holding schools of baitfish is key while using a dropshot or Damiki rig just off the bottom. 

A swimbait or jerkbait is also working around windy points after the sun has warmed up the rocks later in the day.  Soft plastics out to 30 feet will work but must be fished very slowly. 

An extended period of cold weather is here through the weekend so expect the water temperature to drop a few more degrees by next week.

January 11

Lake Keowee is at 99.4% of full pool and major rainfall on Tuesday has resulted in every major creek or drain becoming muddy.  The stain extends out to the main lake in some locations. Water temperatures remain in the low 50s over most of the lake.  The very back of creeks are in the high 40s, with the warmest water mid-lake around 60 degrees.

Fishing has slowed with the cooler weather and the impact of recent heavy rains, but overall N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that bass remain in a winter pattern.  Many are now very deep in creeks and off ledges in 60 plus feet of water.  A drop shot is the most productive bait for the deeper fish. 

Some fish can also be found on points in 20-35 feet of water and can be targeted with soft plastics or a jig. 

In the stained water, a slow-moving crankbait is the best bet in a bright color. 

January 4

Lake Keowee is at 97.6% of full pool and the backs of creeks are stained and Cane Creek is particularly stained all the way out to the main lake. Morning surface water temperatures are most commonly in the low to mid-50s, although low to mid-60s are still present near the nuclear facility. 

Temperatures continue to slowly fall on Lake Keowee, and accordingly N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that bass remain in a winter pattern with a lot of fish chasing bait deep on the main lake around creek channels and drop-offs.  These fish can be targeted with a drop shot, spoon, or damiki-type rig. 

Some fish are suspended at times off points and can be targeted with a jerkbait, particularly on windy days. 

Soft plastics in the creek channels and steep banks out to 30 feet or so can also be used – this can also be effective on long points in the same depth. 

The winter-time bite has been fairly consistent this past week and no big changes are expected soon.