April 1

Lake Keowee is at 98.2% of full pool. Morning surface water temperatures are now in the low to mid-60s across the lake.  

It’s the full blown bass spawning season on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that a good number of fish are on the bed throughout the lake. Additional bass will continue to move up over the next few weeks as the spawn plays out over a couple of months on Keowee.  Bed fishing techniques can be used for visible beds, although many spotted bass will spawn in deeper water and can be targeted with a shakey head, Texas or Carolina rig.

An early morning bite on points with a square-billed crankbait or spinnerbait is present and will get stronger.  Also look in the back of coves for fish chasing bait in the morning – a fluke is a good choice for these fish. 

Soft plastics around docks and rocky shorelines are another good pattern presently.

March 25

Lake Keowee is at 98.1% of full pool. Water temperatures have now moved into the lower 60s over most of the lake, and around the power plant they are in the mid-60s. Clarity is normal.

Spring fishing is on at Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that some fish are on the bed mid-lake and a gradual movement to the bank has begun over the rest of the lake.  Fish can be caught on jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics.  A good depth is 8-20 feet throughout the lake.  Points, rocky areas, and docks are good locations to fish in the coming week.

March 16

Lake Keowee is at 97.8% of full pool. Water temperatures are just below 60 in the lower and upper parts of the lake, while around the power plant and Mile Creek areas they are in the low to mid-60s. Clarity is normal.

Different parts of Lake Keowee continue to be at different stages of the bass spawn due to water temperature differentials, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that in the mid-lake section there are some fish on the beds.  Overall, many more fish are starting to move toward the banks and spawning areas. 

Secondary points in creeks and long coves are holding fish in 12-20 feet of water.  Some fish are in the creek channels toward the back of spawning areas in the same depth. 

Depending on weather conditions and wind, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics are all working.  Areas holding bait are the most productive.  Deeper docks have also been holding some good fish, particularly on sunny afternoons.  Overall, fishing is good and should get even better over the next few weeks.

March 5

Lake Keowee is at 97.5% of full pool. Water temperatures in the lower and upper parts of the lake are now in the mid- to high 50s, and in the mid-lake temperatures have reached the lower 60s. Clarity is normal.

As a results of temperature differentials across the lake, N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that bass fishing is quite varied around Keowee.  In the mid-lake area, there are some fish on the bed and many fish cruising shallow looking to move onto beds in the next week or two.  Soft plastics such as a wacky rig are a good choice for these fish.  The water is very clear and the fish will spook easily. 

In the upper and lower thirds of the lake, some fish are still out deeper and are just starting to move to the bank.  A drop shot, shakey head, or small swimbait has been more effective in these areas.  A lot of fish are just starting to move up and fishing should get really good in the next couple of weeks unless the weather regresses.  

February 25

Lake Keowee is at 99.1% of full pool. Water temperatures are on the rise with low to mid-50s in the lower end of the lake up to 60s mid-lake. Clarity on the main lake, particularly the northern end, is very high with 10 plus feet of visibility.

With water temperatures moving up bass are also starting to move, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that fish are beginning to come out of the deep water.  Fewer fish are now being marked out deep, and an overall warming trend will continue to have fish migrating to the bank.    

The spawn on Keowee will take place over many weeks due to the large differences in water temperature throughout the lake, and there are already some reports of a few fish on the bed in the mid-lake area!  The backs of long creeks holding bait also have fish in the area. 

Some fish are also starting to be caught around docks and points with finesse worms such as a shakey head.  Fish in 30-45 feet can be targeted with a drop shot or a small swimbait if suspended. 

February 12

Lake Keowee is at 97.2% of full pool. Water temperatures have remained steady this past week, and they are in the mid-50s on the lower and upper ends of the lake and around 60 near the power plant. The lake is probably at its low temperature for the winter as the hours of sunlight each day will increase. 

One only has to look at the recent BFL tournament results to know that bass fishing is tough on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) points out that a five fish limit of 8 pounds or better was good enough to finish in the money! There has been heavy fishing pressure on the lake and the fish, when found, are very finicky and spook easily. 

The best bets are drop shots in 30 plus feet of water, small swimbaits, and jerkbaits.  On sunny days, deeper docks will hold some fish by the afternoon hours.  Fishing should start to improve quickly once a couple of warm fronts come through in the next few weeks.

February 2

Lake Keowee is at 98.9% of full pool. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 50s over most of the lake, with the coolest water in the backs of the creeks. Water clarity is normal except in the back of major creeks where it is dingy due to recent rains. 

The winter bass fishing patterns remain intact on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that means there is some good deep fishing using drop shots or small spoons out to 70 plus feet.  Suspended fish over deep water can be targeted with a swimbait, jerkbait, or a soft plastic such as a Senko.  Any deep water holding large amounts of baitfish tends to have spotted bass in the area.

Some fish are being caught off deeper docks on sunny afternoons with a shakey head or Carolina rig.  Also, humps or banks that fall quickly into deep water are good areas to fish.

January 21

Lake Keowee is at 98.0% of full pool. Water temperatures are now in the low 50s over most of the lake, but they range from the high 40s in the back of creeks to around 60 mid-lake by the power plant. Clarity is normal. 

The bass fishing has gotten tougher over the past week on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that cool temperatures and very windy conditions have also been difficult at times. 

The recent high school tournament on the lake saw only a small percentage of boats catch a limit, with many boats catching no fish at all.  We should bottom out on the water temperature on the lake in the next few weeks.  

Finding areas holding bait over deep water and targeting fish with a drop shot or spoon can still be productive.  These fish can be very finicky, however, so changing baits and colors should be considered if they won't bite.

There are several other winter patterns worth consideration.  

Throwing a spinnerbait or jerkbait on wind-blown points is catching some fish.  An underspin or jig fished slowly on the bottom in ditches is another winter pattern worth trying on Keowee right now.  However, the bite with soft plastics such as a shakey head around docks and points is slow. 

Some sporadic schooling is happening on the lake in the back of creeks and pockets where bait is present – but there is no real pattern or area to focus on, however.

Check out the new Lake Keowee Catch ’Em Kits with lures hand-picked for each season by Charles and Joe Anders.

January 13

It’s not every weekend that someone catches a 4-pound spotted bass on Lake Keowee, let alone a 5-pounder, let alone a fish that pushes 6! But that’s exactly what AHQ correspondent Joe Anders of Easley and his tournament partner Greg Glouse did last Saturday, January 10 with a 5.71 pound spot! It was part of a monster 18.71 pound bag, good for the win, but on this impressive weekend there were two other bags over 17 pounds weighed! For complete results see www.cattteamtrail.com.

There are plenty of hungry spotted bass that can be caught out in very deep water right now, and Joe says they weighed one fish that came very deep. However, the bulk of their weight including the monster fish came skipping docks and throwing an Alabama rig in relatively shallow water. First thing they found some fish that came up schooling in one of the 10-20 foot holes that they like to fish in the mid-lake area, and the big one was one of these. While jerkbaits used to be productive in these areas now the fish like the big one seem more inclined to take an A-rig.

Check out the new Lake Keowee Catch ’Em Kits with lures hand-picked for each season by Charles Townson and Joe Anders.

January 7

Lake Keowee is at 98.0% of full pool. Water temperatures are around 55 at the south and north ends of the lake, while the mid-lake is about 60.  A lot of rain has fallen this past week and major creeks are stained in the back.  Clarity on the main lake is only slightly stained. 

Despite some weather, N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that bass fishing remains good overall on the lake. Fish can be caught on drop shots and small spoons in depths from 40 to 60 plus feet.  Any area holding baitfish is likely to be holding spotted bass.  If fish are suspended, a jerkbait, small swimbait or spybait can be effective. 

Fish can also be targeted with shakey heads, jigs, or underspins in the creek channels in depths out to 30 feet.  Keep an eye out for diving gulls/birds feeding on schools of baitfish.

Check out the new Lake Keowee Catch ’Em Kits with lures hand-picked for each season by Charles and Joe Anders.

December 27

Lake Keowee is at 98.9% of full pool. Surface water temperatures have been falling rapidly over the last few days and they are now in the mid to upper 50s over most of the lake. Water clarity is normal. 

The bass fishing has gotten tougher in the last week on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that drop in production has correlated to falling temperatures. The most productive patterns are fishing with a drop shot or small jigging spoon in the creeks and ditches in 40-60 feet of water.  Areas where bait can be found will be the most productive. 

Another tactic is to watch for loons and gulls feeding on bait on the main lake.  Diving/active birds are a sure sign of bait and a school of spotted bass is often underneath the bait.  Casting a jerkbait, blade bait, or lipless crankbait is a good approach.

December 13

Lake Keowee is at 98.2% of full pool and surface water temperatures have now dropped into the low to mid-60s over most of the lake, and 50s can even be found in the very back of some creeks. Water clarity is normal. 

The bass fishing continues to be good on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that fish are being caught on dropshots and spoons out to 60 plus feet.  Loons and gulls are starting to have more of a presence on the main lake and are good indicators of bait and fish activity.  Chasing any gulls diving on bait will often result in finding a school of spotted bass under them. The fish are usually sub-surface and so casting Rattle Traps, spoons and jerkbaits is a good bet.

In addition to the deep bite, fish can be caught on soft plastic on main lake points in 20-30 feet of water.

December 4

Lake Keowee is at 98.3% of full pool and surface water temperatures have dropped to the low 60s on the southern end of the lake and in the back of creeks. Water clarity is normal. 

The bass fishing continues to be good on Lake Keowee, with N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reporting little change from last week's report.  Fish can be caught on a variety of lures and techniques.  Soft plastics such as a shakey head or Carolina rig will work around docks and points.  Drop shots and small spoons in 40 plus feet of water are very productive.  Some fish are still chasing bait on top at times.  Expect this trend to continue for at least a couple of more weeks or until the water temperatures drop into the 50s.

November 25

Lake Keowee is at 98.4% of full pool and surface water temperatures are now in the mid to high 60s over most of the lake. Water clarity is normal. 

The bass fishing continues to be very good on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that various patterns are successful right now.  Shakey heads and Carolina rigs with soft plastics are working on rocky banks in 12-20 feet of water. Fishing creek channels and major coves with a drop shot or small spoon is also a good pattern right now in 40 to 50 feet of water.  Finding an area holding bait is the key as there will likely be spotted bass close by. 

Some scattered schooling fish are chasing bait on the top at times.   

November 19

Lake Keowee is at 99.0% of full pool and surface water temperatures have now fallen into the upper 60s over most of the lake, except for the mid-lake area around the power plant where they are holding in the low 70s. Water clarity is normal. 

The bass fishing continues to be good on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the late fall bite in creek channels is improving using drop shots and small spoons in depths from 35 to 60 feet of water.  Look for areas holding schools of shad or blueback herring and spotted bass are usually nearby.  There is also some deep action on the main lake around points and humps.

There continues to be some schooling activity at times in areas where bait is present, and some early morning fish are still being caught on crankbaits on rocky points.

November 10

Lake Keowee is at 98.3% of full pool and surface water temperatures have held steady over the past week or so as most of the lake has stayed in the lower 70s. Water clarity is normal. 

It’s a good time for bass fishing on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that there are a few different options for catching fish. 

There are still some shallow fish in the mornings that can be targeted with small crankbaits, topwaters, and spinnerbaits on points early.  On windy days, a spinnerbait or jerkbait can be effective throughout the day on windy shorelines.  A shakey head around docks will also catch some fish with a finesse worm. 

There are also some fish moving into the major creeks and they can be targeted with a drop shot or small spoon in 40 to 50 feet of water.  Look for any areas holding big schools of shad and spotted bass are likely nearby. 

Perhaps the best news is that fishing should continue to improve as the water cools into the 60s over the coming weeks.

November 1

Lake Keowee is at 98.8% of full pool and surface water temperatures are down to the low 70s over most of the lake.  Water clarity is normal. 

As water temperatures finally begin to fall on Lake Keowee, N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that bass pattern charges are starting to be reinforced.

The early morning bite has fallen off dramatically over the past week or so with shallow fish now much harder to find at first light.  The spotted bass are starting to follow bait on both the main lake and in the mouths of creeks as they try to fatten up for winter.  Drop shots and small spoons are good baits, with fish in the 40-55 foot range most commonly found.  Areas holding large amounts of bait are the best bet.  The first loons of the year have arrived on the lake and will be increasingly good indicators of where bait is holding.

October 23

Lake Keowee is at 98.5% of full pool and surface water temperatures remain in the mid-70s over most of the lake. Water clarity is normal. 

Keowee bass are in similar patterns to last week, as N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the fish continue to slowly, but inconsistently, move into a fall pattern.  There is still some early action on points and flats with a small crankbait, swimbait, or topwater.  Schooling activity is also underway in a lot of the longer creeks and coves, typically about 3/4 of the way back in these areas.  However, there is also some schooling on the main lake where bait is present – even over deep water. 

Some fish and bait can be found in the creeks, but this is a day to day thing given the warmer weather.  In creeks where bait is found it can range from 30 feet to 60 feet in depth.  Target these fish with a dropshot or small spoon.  This pattern should continue to improve.

October 16

Lake Keowee is at 98.1% of full pool and surface water temperatures are in the mid-70s over most of the lake. Water clarity is normal. 

The bass fishing conditions are pretty stable on Lake Keowee this week, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that there continues to be a good early bite on points and flats with small crankbaits and topwaters.  Spinnerbaits are also now catching some fish in these same areas. 

After the sun gets up, some fish are schooling in the back of major creeks and coves.  There is no one creek where this is consistently happening so you may have to check a few looking for baitfish and topwater activity.  The same can be true on the main lake; where any large schools of shad can be found, spotted bass should be in the vicinity.  Fish can also be caught on soft plastics as well with a good depth being 10-20 feet. 

With cooler weather in the forecast, expect fish to begin to move into more of a fall pattern and start migrating into the major creeks and coves following bait.  Once this occurs, dropshot or small spoon is an excellent technique.

October 9

Lake Keowee is back up to 98.2% of full pool, and surface water temperatures are about 76 over most of the lake right now. Water clarity is normal. 

Some of the best bass fishing of the year is getting underway on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that fish are beginning to transition to a fall pattern as bait moves up into the creeks and off the main lake.  However, there continues to be a good early bite on main lake points using small crankbaits and topwaters.  Spinnerbaits will also pick up some fish in these same areas, particularly on windier days. 

There is some schooling activity in the back of major creeks all over the lake, and a topwater walking bait in clear or chrome colors is a good choice.  There are also some fish beginning to be caught in the creeks on drop shots and small spoons - this pattern should only get better over the next few weeks. 

Besides the fact that fish are biting so well, another reason now is an excellent time to be on Lake Keowee is that bass can be caught using a variety of techniques.

 

September 24

Lake Keowee has dropped a few feet to 96.5% of full pool, and at the same time water temperatures are down into the upper 70s over most of the lake. Water clarity is normal. 

The air and water temperatures are dropping at Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that the cooling is improving the bass bite. There is a good early morning bite on main lake and secondary points with crankbaits and topwaters, and this same pattern will also repeat itself in the evening. 

During the day there continues to be some increased schooling activity, primarily centered around main lake points holding bait.  When you are not casting at actively schooling fish then target the sides and ends of points in 25 to 50 feet of water with a drop shot.

September 11

Lake Keowee is up to 98.5% of full pool. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 80s over most of the lake and low 80s at the far north end of the lake. Water clarity is normal. 

The water is slowly beginning to cool on Lake Keowee, and accordingly N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that even though bass fishing remains mostly in a summer pattern there are some early signs of the fall transition starting. This is beginning to show up in the form of more schooling fish off points all around the lake.  Look for concentrations of bait or surface activity and throw any walking topwater bait into the schooling fish - silver/chrome colors are best. 

Early in the morning, try shallow points and flats with topwaters or small crankbaits.  After the sun gets up, a shaky head with a six-inch finesse worm is a good choice in 15-20 feet of water.  There are also some deeper suspended fish in 35-45 feet of water that can be targeted with a drop shot or small spoon.

However, anglers should always have a topwater tied on and be ready for schooling action. 

September 4

Lake Keowee is up to 97.9% of full pool while water temperatures remains in the mid-80s over most of the lake with lower 80s around the Jocassee dam. Water clarity is normal. 

The bass fishing remains fairly stable from last week on Lake Keowee, and N&C Marine/Skeeter Team member Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that there is still an early bite on points and flats where bait is present on topwater lures or small crankbaits.  Some schooling is taking place on the lake and this trend should accelerate when the water begins to cool. 

After the sun gets up fish drop shots or small spoon out to 60 feet on points and sharp drop-offs.