September 19

Lake Keowee is back to 97.6% of full pool and water clarity is extremely high.  Water temperatures are now in the upper 70s to low 80s over most of the lake. 

The lack of any significant rainfall is keeping water clarity even higher than normal, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that it’s also causing water levels to fluctuate as Duke Energy moves water between lakes. They have also just elevated the drought level and imposed some mandatory water restrictions. But against that back drop the bass fishing continues to improve, and fish seem to move into a better fall pattern each day. 

An early bite on points with small crankbaits and topwaters is working, and after the sun gets up anglers can look for schooling activity on the main lake and back in creeks and pockets where the spotted bass are chasing baitfish.  A topwater such as a fluke or walking bait is effective in these areas.  It is not unusual for fish to school over very deep water on Keowee so keep your eyes open for surface activity. 

Fish can also be caught on a drop shot in the same areas at depths from 25-45 feet generally.  

 

September 12

Lake Keowee is at 96.4% of full pool and water clarity is extremely high.  Water temperatures are now in the low 80s over most of the lake. 

Fishing continues to improve on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that with needed rain and cloud cover forecast over the coming week he expects the temperatures to fall into the upper 70s by next week. That should push the fish into even more of a fall pattern. 

An early bite on points with a topwater such as a buzzbait or small crankbait continues to work.  The topwater bite has improved this past week and can last well into the day back in major creeks and main lake points where bait is present – a walking bait or fluke-style bait is effective.  Soft plastics on a drop shot out to 35 or so feet are also working in the same areas. 

Another good window of time for topwater is late afternoon to early evening on the same main lake points.  

September 5

Lake Keowee is back up to 97.7% of full pool and clarity is normal.  Water temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s can still be found but they are finally beginning to drop.  

Water temperatures are finally moving in the right direction, but N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the fishing remains about the same as last week with an early bite on main lake points with a small crankbait or topwater.  After the sun gets up, some topwater action can be found in long creeks to about halfway back where bait is present.  A walking bait or swimbait is effective on these fish. 

As the day goes on, soft plastics on points out to 30 feet of depth or a topwater on those same points are working in areas holding baitfish.  Another window of time for the topwater bite is in the late afternoon or early evening. 

Expect the fish to get more active in the coming weeks as the water cools.

August 29

Lake Keowee is at 96.7% of full pool, running lower than normal the past week, and clarity also continues to be very high with the lack of rainfall.  With the recent hot weather water temperatures have remained steady this past week with low to mid 80s throughout the lake. 

Fishing has not changed much as water temperatures have stabilized this week, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that there is still an early bite on points using a small crankbait or topwater like a buzzbait to pick up some fish.  After the sun gets up, there continues to be a topwater bite in areas holding bait.  Fish are also beginning to school more off long main lake points throughout the morning and evening hours. 

Otherwise, soft plastics on the bottom in 20 plus feet are an option along with a deeper bite on drop-offs and ledges in 50 plus feet of water with a drop shot or spoon.  

 

August 22

Lake Keowee is at 96.6% of full pool and with little to no rain, water clarity remains very high on the lake.  In the last week a very slow, gradual drop in water temperature has been seen with most of the lake now in the mid 80s. 

The cooler nights and shorter days are starting to have an impact on the summertime water temperatures, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that fishing has remained relatively good with an early bite on points with a small crankbait or topwater such as a buzzbait.  In the past week, more schooling activity has been noted throughout the morning hours both on the main lake and in some of the major creeks.  This is entirely dependent on bait being in the area so keep moving to find locations holding schools of baitfish.  A walking topwater bait or swimbait is effective on schooling fish – having a lure that can be cast a long distance is beneficial. 

A deeper bite with a dropshot out to 50 feet around drop-offs, humps, and the like will work with soft plastics in 4-6 inch sizes.  An even deeper bite, out to 80 plus feet, for suspended fish with a jigging spoon is another option on the main lake around the old river channel. 

Additionally, the topwater bite is again present late afternoon/early evening and this bite will improve over the coming weeks. 

Overall, the bite on Keowee has held up well throughout the summer.

 

 

August 14

Lake Keowee is at 96.5% of full pool and water clarity water clarity remains high to very high – the Upstate received less rain in the recent storm than the rest of the state.  Summertime water temperatures have now peaked on the lake, with low 80s to upper 80s throughout. The coolest water is north of the Highway 11 bridge. 

With the shorter days expect a slow drop in temperatures over the coming weeks, but N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that already some changes in patterns are beginning to show up as we near the end of summer.  An early bite with a topwater such as a walking bait or buzzbait on points is present, with the topwater bite is better early on the north end of the lake. 

After the sun gets up, fishing soft plastics such as a drop shot from 25-45 feet is working on points and drop-offs. 

Some larger groups of fish are now being found chasing bait off points throughout the morning hours.  Have a topwater ready for any schooling activity that occurs.  This activity is fairly random in terms of location and completely related to schools of baitfish in an area.  Expect this trend to improve over the coming weeks as we move toward fall.

 

August 1

Lake Keowee is at 97.4% of full pool and water clarity is high on the main lake, with some stain in the backs of creeks.  Water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 80s everywhere south of the Highway 11 bridge, while lower 80s can be found north of the bridge. 

With water temperatures constant this past week on Lake Keowee, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson(864-324-2065) reports that no significant changes in the summertime pattern have been noted.  An early bite on points with a small crankbait or topwater is still producing some fish.  The better topwater bite is around the Jocassee dam, especially when water is being moved there.  Water has been released from the dam on most of the hot afternoons beginning mid-afternoon. 

Otherwise a drop shot or small spoon can be used over deep water (60 plus) feet on the main lake for suspended schools of spotted bass, while for shallow water anglers a frog around lay downs and riprap can be productive this time of year.

With another wave of hot weather forecast over the coming week, do not expect fishing to improve.

July 26

Lake Keowee is at 98.3% of full pool and water clarity is high on the main lake but there is some stain in the backs of creeks.  Water temperatures basically remain in the high 80s over most of the lake, while the coolest water in the low 80s is north of the Highway 11 bridge. 

Cloudy skies and off-and-on rain the past week have resulted in water temperatures staying the same or even dropping a degree or two, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that fish remain solidly in a summertime pattern.  A few fish are being caught early on main lake points with a small crankbait or topwater, while the better topwater bite can be found on the north end of the lake – especially when any water is being moved between the two lakes. 

A drop shot fished in 35 plus feet of water on points and drop-offs works throughout the day.  Some spotted bass are also suspended on the main lake in deep water (over 70 feet) and will take a spoon if you can find these fish. 

For shallow water anglers, a frog around lay downs and riprap can be productive this time of year.

 

July 18

Lake Keowee is at 97.6% of full pool and water clarity is very high on the main lake.  Water temperatures are now in the high 80s over most of the lake, while the coolest water in the low 80s is north of the Highway 11 bridge. 

Not much has changed in the past week on Lake Jocassee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that a hit-or-miss topwater bite on the north end continues – especially when Duke Energy is moving water at the Jocassee dam. 

Otherwise, the most consistent pattern in the heat of the summer is a drop shot in deeper water along ledges, drop-offs, and points in 45 plus feet of water.  Good electronics is a key to finding these fish with a drop shot.  A 4-inch dropshot bait is producing the best fish in these areas.  

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.