November 20

Lake Keowee is at 98.8% of full pool and water clarity is very high.  Morning surface water temperatures are now in the upper 60s on the southern and northern ends of the lake, while they remain in the low 70s mid-lake due to the influence of the power station. 

Water temperatures have finally dipped on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that fish continue to move to early winter locations in creeks and long coves.  These fish can be targeted with a drop shot or small spoon in depths from 40 plus feet.  Often, the fish will be in very deep water on Keowee (70 plus feet). 

A shallower bite on points and rock with a shaky head or Texas rig is working with soft plastics.  Some schooling activity is also present in creeks with large concentrations of bait. 

Overall, bass fishing is very good on the lake right now and that should continue for the next few weeks.

The crappie bite also continues to be excellent, and Guide Casey Jones of Jocassee Charters (864-280-9056) continues to catch numbers of good fish on trees in the creeks. The fish are in 20-40 feet of water, but crappie are suspended as high as just ten feet below the surface.  Minnows continue to be the key.   

November 14

Lake Keowee is at 98.5% of full pool and water clarity is very high.  Morning surface water temperatures remain in the low to mid-70s over most of the lake. 

Even though the water temperatures have again remained stable the past week, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that they are seeing more fish move to winter patterns even before the expected drop in temperatures over the next week.

Many schools of spotted bass are now showing up in major creek channels and can be targeted with a drop shot or spoon in 40 plus feet of water.  Some sporadic schooling activity is occurring in these same areas, particularly in the mid-lake region. 

For a shallow bite, soft plastics on a shaky head or Texas rig out to 20 feet are a good option.  Another good choice is a jerkbait on secondary points.

Once again we also have a crappie tale from Keowee, and Guide Casey Jones of Jocassee Charters (864-280-9056) this week out-did his father and guiding partner Sam – who recently caught his PR of 2.5 pounds on Keowee. Casey caught the giant 3 pound, 18-inch crappie pictured below fishing around trees in a creek. The fish was in 40 feet of water, but crappie were suspended as high as just ten feet below the surface. 

They are getting dialed in to catching big fish and numbers with minnows. 

November 8

Lake Keowee is at 99.0% of full pool and water clarity is very high.  Morning surface water temperatures remain in the low to mid-70s over most of the lake. 

Another week has gone by where water temperatures remained stable on Lake Keowee due to persistently warm weather, and N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that as a result some black bass are moving into late fall positions in creeks – but many fish also remain shallow given the water temperature. 

There is still an early bite with a buzzbait, crankbait, or topwater on main lake points and in cuts and coves.  A shallow bite can be found on soft plastics or jigs during the day out to 20 feet of water or so. 

For the fish transitioning to fall patterns, a drop shot or spoon in depths from 35-60 feet is working in creeks and ditches where large schools of bait are found.  Some schooling activity also continues at times, with the mid-lake area being the most productive for this pattern.  

 

October 31

Lake Keowee is at 98.1% of full pool and clarity is basically normal again on the main lake – very high.  Morning surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-70s over most of the lake. 

With the warm weather this past week there has been little to no change in water temperatures on Keowee, but N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that black bass are beginning to show some movement to more traditional late fall areas. The mouths of large creeks are now starting to hold some schools of spotted bass in 40 plus feet of water.  These fish can be targeted with a drop shot or spoon.  Some bait is also back in the creeks and there is a topwater bite and some schooling activity is underway. A “walk the dog” bait, buzzbait, or popper is working on these fish.  Another topwater bite is present late afternoon in the same areas. 

A jig is also working on shallow fish around rock throughout the day. 

Overall, fishing is good and will get even better in the coming weeks for the deep bite in creeks/ditches.

For a little variety, Guide Sam Jones of Jocassee Charters (864-280-9056) reports that fun-fishing with his son and fellow guide Casey on Lake Keowee they got into some really big crappie – including his personal best of over 2.5 pounds! The fish were on trees in the creeks in 30-40 feet of water and took medium minnows. After catching a few crappie at the various spots they seemed to spook, or the spotted bass moved in, and that became the main catch. They also picked up some yellow perch. 

October 24

Lake Keowee is at 98.2% of full pool and clarity is returning to normal after Hurricane Helene with high visibility again on the main lake.  Morning surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-70s over most of the lake. 

Warm afternoons this past week have largely held water temperatures stable, but N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that black bass continue to transition to late fall patterns. There is an early bite on points with a small crankbait such as a square-bill – or a spinnerbait when windy conditions exist.  Some schooling is happening on the main lake and back in creeks in the morning, and again in the evening, so having a topwater bait nearby is a must. 

When fish are suspended or near the bottom a drop shot or small spoon in 25-50 feet of water is working well on schools of spotted bass. 

 

October 10

Lake Keowee is at 98.2% of full pool and the major creeks remain stained to muddy from the tropical storm, with some residual debris.  However, clarity in both the creeks and main lake are improving, with the main lake clearing faster.  Morning surface water temperatures range from the upper to 70s to low 80s. 

As conditions rebound from the storm and the water temperatures continue a very slow fall, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that fishing remains good with an early bite on points and shallow flats using a crankbait, buzzbait, and now a spinnerbait.  An early topwater bite is present in the same areas and in creeks holding baitfish.  The topwater bite can last well into the morning on the main lake where more schooling activity is beginning to occur. 

As the day goes on a dropshot or other soft plastic in 25-35 feet of water is working well in the same areas. 

Another round of schooling is occurring late afternoon so make sure a topwater bait is always nearby.

October 4

While Lake Keowee is basically back to the same level as last week, 98.0% of full pool, water conditions have changed significantly in the past week.  Water temperatures are now in the upper 70s over most of the lake. 

When Tropical Storm Helene came over the lake last week N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that it brought tremendous winds and rainfall.  As a result, all major creeks are very stained to muddy the further back in a creek you go.  The main lake is also stained but still has reasonable visibility and should begin to return to normal in the next week.  While the main lake is relatively free of debris, some of the creeks have a lot of floating and submerged debris. 

An early bite on points with a small crankbait or topwater continues to work.  After the sun gets up, look for surface activity around long points and humps where bait is present.  A walking type of topwater bait is good for schooling fish. 

If they are not schooling, fish a shaky head or drop shot in the same areas in 25-35 feet of water.  Another round of schooling activity is happening in the late afternoon and early evening. 

Fishing should get very good in the coming weeks as the water cools.

September 26

Lake Keowee is at 98.3% of full pool and water clarity is very high.  Water temperatures are in the low 80s over most of the lake. 

While not much has changed on Keowee in the past week, N&C Marine team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that we should expect big changes in the next couple of weeks with a tremendous amount of rain coming in over the next few days and cooler temperatures. 

For now, an early bite on points with small crankbaits and swimbaits continues to produce.  After that, some schooling activity is occurring around main lake points or humps where bait is present.  The schooling is not widespread yet. 

A drop shot or other soft plastic on points in 20-35 feet is now working most of the day. 

Another round of schooling is happening late afternoon and early evening on the main lake, and a walking type of bait is good for the schooling fish. 

With the hurricane coming in this weekend, expect major creeks to get muddy.  As the water temperature drops, a much stronger schooling pattern should emerge on the main lake in the next one to two weeks.

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.