—
The newest Lake Keowee fishing report can be found at: http://www.anglersheadquarters.com/ahq-insider-lake-keowee-sc-summer-2019-fishing-report/
June 3
Lake Keowee is at 97.7% of full pool, and water temperatures have risen into the mid-80s over most of the lake, with the exception of the very northern end near the Jocassee dam where they are still in the 70s. Clarity is normal again.
It’s no surprise that bass are in a typical summertime pattern on Lake Keowee, and Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that there is a good early morning bite using topwaters and crankbaits on points, humps and flats where bait is present. This bite will only last until the sun gets up, however, and then you have to fish deeper with a shakey head, drop shot, or Carolina rig. There should be some fish starting to suspend off deeper humps and channel swings in the next few weeks with the high water temperatures, but this does not seem to be happening yet.
May 23
Lake Keowee is at 97.6% of full pool today, and water temperatures have reached 80 degrees over much of the lake with the recent hot weather. Clarity is returning to normal now after heavy spring rains, with the main lake clear and some stain remaining in the backs of major creeks.
Bass are moving quickly into a summertime pattern with the warm water temperatures, and Guide Charles Townson reports that there is a good early morning bite on points, flats, and shallow humps where baitfish can be found. Topwaters and crankbaits are good choices – keep moving quickly until you find feeding fish as this bite only lasts until the sun comes up.
After daylight, fish deeper with shakey heads, Carolina rigs, and drop shots. Keep a topwater handy at all times for any fish chasing bait. The late evening bite is similar to the morning bite. With the hot weather, being on the lake very early or very late is going to be far more productive than in the middle of the day.
May 16
Lake Keowee is at 98.1% of full pool today, and the lake has generally been staying pretty full. Water clarity has improved on the main lake but still has a little tint, and the backs of major creeks are still stained. Water temperatures continue to climb steadily with the mid 70s evident over most of the lake to the upper 70s mid-lake.
There are a few remaining bedding basson Lake Keowee, but Guide Charles Townson reports that bite is largely over. Some fish are in a “post-spawn mood” and difficult to catch, while most fish are quickly moving into a summer pattern. On Keowee, that means the early morning bite is critical as fish feed on points and humps. These fish can be caught on topwater baits and crankbaits. Keep moving quickly until you find bait on a point or hump.
The early bite lasts until the sun hits the water, and then the fish move deeper and can be caught on shakey heads or drop shots in 15 to 30 feet of water. As the water warms more, look for any schooling fish and fish under docks once the sun is high.
May 7
Lake Keowee is at 99.0% of full pool, and it has been at full pool quite often recently. Water temperatures have risen quickly over the lake this past week and are now in the mid 70s throughout most of the lake with some upper 70s around the nuclear facility. With the recent heavy rains, Duke Energy has been moving a lot of water in/out of Keowee and the backs of major creeks remain stained. The main lake is clearing but still has more color to it than normal.
While there a few remaining bass to bed, Guide Charles Townson reports the bass are quickly moving into a summertime pattern. The early morning bite is picking up on shallow points, flats, and humps where baitfish are present. These fish can be caught with moving baits such as a squarebill crankbait, spinnerbait, or fluke. The topwater bite is also good in the morning with baits such as a Whopper Plopper, Sammy, etc.
After the sun gets up, fish deeper drop-offs and points with plastics such as a Carolina rig, shakey head, or Ned rig in 15-25 feet of water. The bite slows up significantly after the sun rises so you have to work an area thoroughly.
The below picture goes in the category of “you never know what you might catch”. Charles caught this big catfish on a Ned rig a couple of days ago on 10-pound test. It took him more than an hour to get her in the boat!
May 1
Lake Keowee is at 98.3% of full pool. Water temperatures have risen quickly this week to around 70 on most of the lake and into the mid-70s around the power plant. Water is still stained in the back of major creeks, and even the main lake still has some color to it from the heavy rains last week. The main lake is clearing and should be back to normal within a couple of weeks.
Fishing has changed quite a bit this week as the post-spawn effect has become more and more evident, and Guide Charles Townson reports that overall bass fishing has gotten tougher. An early morning bite on points and humps is still in the early phases but you can have success if you happen to pull up on the right point at first light. These fish can be caught on topwaters, crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Windy points tend to be better, but it really depends on a point having bait fish present. The early morning bite will continue to improve over the coming weeks.
After the sun comes up, the bite has gotten slower and the best bets are shakey heads, Carolina rigs, drop-shots, or Ned rigs fished on the bottom in depths from 8-25 feet. Some nice post-spawn fish have been caught on this pattern in the last few days.
There is also some isolated action where fish are chasing bait on top of the water – have something ready to throw at any fish chasing bait.
April 24
Lake Keowee is at 98.3% of full pool. Water temperatures have rebounded to the upper 60s over most of the lake, with the low 70s being seen around the power plant up to Mile Creek. Extremely heavy rains (6 to 10+ inches) fell over the lake late last week. Major creeks are very stained to muddy in the backs, and the stain has even made it to the main lake in areas where the water is normally clear. The main lake remains much cleaner than the creeks, although stained. There is also some floating debris from the run-off so boaters should pay attention.
Unusual water conditions exist on Lake Keowee, and Guide Charles Townson reports that bass fishing is much better on the main lake than in the muddy water. A good percentage of the fish have now spawned, but there are still some fish moving up to bed in what will probably be the last major wave of spawning fish. The early morning bite is improving on points and flats where fish are chasing bait and crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits are effective for these fish from daybreak until the sun hits the water.
After the sun gets up fish can be found on points, rocky shorelines, and docks. A good depth is 8 to 20 feet using shakey heads, Carolina rigs, Texas rigs, or ned rigs. Windy points or humps in this depth will produce better fish.
The water should stabilize and clarity begin to improve in the coming week.
April 21
Lake Keowee is at 97.8% of full pool. Water temperatures are in the upper 60s over most of the lake, with the low 70s being seen around the power plant up to Mile Creek. Due to significant rainfall at the end of last week major creeks (Cane, Crooked, Mile, and Cedar) will be very stained over the next week, as will the backs of coves.
Bass can now be found in all stages of the spawn on Lake Keowee, and veteran tournamentangler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that some are post-spawn, some are spawning, and some have yet to spawn.
Fish can be caught using a variety of techniques including topwater lures, spinnerbaits and jerkbaits in the wind, and plastics such as shakey heads, Carolina or Texas rigs as well as Ned rigs. A good target depth is 8 to 15 feet depending on conditions such as cloud cover and/or wind. When it is windy, points and rocky shorelines are producing some good fish.
A topwater and morning bite is in its early phases and will improve over the coming weeks. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits, along with topwaters, are good choices on early morning points and flats.
April 9
Lake Keowee is at 97.8% of full pool. Water temperatures are now up to the low to mid-60s on most of the lake. Clarity is normal.
Spring is progressing on Lake Keowee, and veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that spawning activity is now widespread across the lake. Most bass on Lake Keowee make their beds in the 6-12 foot range, and so most fishing activity is concentrated in relatively shallow water (for Keowee).
Fishing remains good and fish and be caught using a variety of techniques in the 6 to 20 foot range. Texas and Carolina rigs, shakey heads, small swimbaits, and Ned Rigs will all catch fish that have moved up. Docks and rocky shorelines are good targets along with windy points. If the wind is blowing, spinnerbaits and jerkbaits are a good choice. Some fish continue to school in the backs of some creeks and long coves, so always have something ready to throw at these fish.
March 28
Lake Keowee is at 99.2% of full pool. Water temperatures are in the upper 50s to the north and south on the lake, and remain in the mid-60s around the power plant area to Mile Creek.
The spawn is ramping up on Lake Keowee, and veteran tournamentangler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglersreports that fish in the middle part of the lake are on the bed or moving there shortly, while fish in the upper and lower ends are just beginning to bed. Bedding activity will increase over the next couple of weeks into the next full moon.
Fishing is good and fish and be caught using a variety of techniques in the 6 to 20 foot range. Texas and Carolina rigs, shakey heads, small swimbaits, and Ned Rigs will catch fish as they are moving up. Docks and rocky shorelines are good targets along with windy points. If the wind is blowing, spinnerbaits and jerkbaits are a good choice. Some fish have been seen schooling in the backs of some creeks and long coves, so always have something ready to throw at these fish.
March 21
Lake Keowee is at 98.5% of full pool. Water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 50s over most of the lake, but have risen to the mid-60s around the power plant area.
It’s spawning time, and veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that fish are either on the bed or moving there soon now. There is a good bite on soft plastics midway to all the way back in cuts/coves as the fish move up. Shakey heads, Carolina rigs, and a variety of other baits are all productive. Spotted bass will spawn around docks in 8-12 feet of water. For fish that are staging, throw the same baits around docks in 10-20 feet of water.
On days with wind, a spinnerbait or jerkbait on points and humps is working, and any natural rock in the afternoon sun is also worth fishing.
In areas with bait present, always have a topwater ready to throw if fish chase the shad up on the bank.
March 14
Lake Keowee is at 98.6% of full pool. Water temperatures have risen to the upper 50s over most of the lake and the mid-60s around the nuclear plant. The water is still stained in the major creeks, but clearing, and the main lake is fairly clear.
With a period of warm, stable weather the spring bass spawn continues to advance on Lake Keowee, and veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that in the areas of warmer water there are more and more bass on the bed with others not far behind. Meanwhile, in the cooler areas of the lake fish are moving up and staging for the spawn. Depending on the weather, there will be a number of waves of fish that move up over the next few weeks.
Fish can be caught on typical spring-time patterns including wacky rigged senkos, shaky heads, spinnerbaits and jerkbaits in the wind, Carolina rigs and Texas rigs. There are also fish still moving up and positioned in deeper water and they can be caught on drop shots or jigging spoons. 40 to 50 feet is a good depth to look for these fish.
March 4
Lake Keowee is at 98.1% of full pool. Water temps range from the mid-50s on most of the lake to the low-60s mid-lake. The lake is full and all the major creek arms are very stained to muddy in the backs due to heavy rains this past week. The main lake has some color but is still relatively clear.
It’s transition time for the basson Lake Keowee, and veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that they can be caught in a variety of ways.
In the warmer part of the lake, some fish have already moved up onto beds. In the mid-lake area, sight fishing is underway and jigs, wacky rig senkos, and shakey heads are also productive. Spinnerbaits also work when wind is present.
In the colder areas of the lake the fish are just starting to move up. In the cooler water, fish seem to be a little deeper in 15-25 feet and they can be caught with shakey heads and other finesse presentations. Deep diving crankbaits also still producing some fish.
There are also some fish deep in 45 plus feet of water that are still holding in a winter pattern. Drop shots and spoons can be used to target these fish.
February 21
Lake Keowee is at 99.3% of full pool. Water temperatures have fallen in the last few days due to heavy rains and cold weather, and water temperatures are now in the low to mid-50s on most of the lake to around 60 mid-lake. Water is stained in the backs of all major creeks due to recent rains.
Recent rains have changed the bite a little on Lake Keowee, and even though bass remain solidly in a winter pattern veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that there is more going on in intermediate depths than a couple of weeks ago. Some fish can be caught on mid-depth crankbaits fished in 6-12 feet in the stained water, and shakey heads and Carolina rigs in the 12-20 foot range will also catch fish around deeper docks and drops.
Trolling a 6XD crankbait in 30-40 feet of water along creek channels is also catching some fish, and that there are still fish deep in the 50 foot range that can be caught with jigging spoons or drop shots. Some of these fish are tight to the bottom so a good graph is a must.
February 5
Lake Keowee is at 98.1% of full pool. Water temperatures are in the low 50s on the lower and upper ends of the lake, and in the high 50s to low 60s in the mid-lake area around the power plant. With the recent cold weather, and warm weather this week, the water temperatures may have bottomed out on Keowee for this winter. Water clarity is good on the main lake, but still stained in the back of major creeks.
Lake Keowee bass remain solidly in a winter pattern, and veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that that means that fishing 40-60 or more feet deep is a good starting point. Deep fish can be caught on drop shots, shakey heads, or jigging spoons around creek channels or deep points. Finding bait is a real plus.
Some bass are being caught by trolling 5XD crankbaits in shad color along creek channels in the 50-foot depth range. Depending on the type of fishing line, the baits are diving approximately 25 feet and so they are catching either suspended fish or bass that come off the bottom to chase the crankbait.
Shakey heads and jigs will also work if fished slowly around deep water docks and structure in 20 plus feet of water. Overall, the bite is fairly tough right now.
January 17
Lake Keowee is at 98.8% of full pool. Water temperatures have dropped to around 53 degrees on the ends of the lake, while they remain in the low to mid-60s around the warmwater discharge in the middle of the lake. Clarity has improved again.
Unlike some Upstate fish that can get lethargic in the winter, Lake Keowee bass and particularly spotted bass continue to feed right on through. Captain Bill Plumley (864-287-2120) reports that Keowee can be a great place to use typical striped bass techniques when the mercury drops and Hartwell striper get sluggish.
This week he has found schools of fish on the bottom in about 40 feet of water, with fish so flat to the bottom that sometimes only one fish out of a big school would show up on electronics. He advises stopping even if you only mark one fish. The best action has come down-lining live herring 35-45 feet deep on the Seneca side.
Bill finds that Keowee spotted bass don’t really want to eat small herring or minnows, but they will attack larger herring by the tail. Sometimes they will pull the rod tip in the water without getting the bait, as if killing it before eating it. The hook-up ratio is not as good as with striper but they can be caught with some patience.
On the artificial lure side, veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that fish can still be caught on shakey heads, drop shots and jigging spoons in the 30-50 foot range. Look for bait in the back of creeks and on the main lake in deeper water.
January 9
Lake Keowee is at 98.3% of full pool. Water temperatures have risen in the past week to about 57 on the lower and upper ends, while they remain in the low to mid-60s around the middle of the lake. Clarity has decreased as heavy rains have stained the backs of the major creeks and some coves with significant drainage in them.
With the heavy rains recently bass fishing has gotten tougher on Lake Keowee, and veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that fish seem to be more scattered. They are not marking as many large schools of fish as was the case over the past few weeks. Fish can be caught on spinnerbaits and crankbaits in some of the stained water areas early, while shakey heads, drop shots and jigging spoons can be used for deeper fish in the 50 plus foot range. Look for bait in the back of creeks and on the main lake in deeper water.
December 28
Lake Keowee is at 99.6% of full pool. Water temperatures are in the low to mid-50s on both ends of the lake, and around 60 mid-lake. Clarity is high with the exception of the backs of creeks (due to heavy rains).
Bass fishing continues to be very good on Lake Keowee, and veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that fish can be caught using a variety of techniques. Around schools of bait in 50 or more feet of water fish can be caught on drop shots or jigging spoons. The key is finding bait and then looking for schools of bass in or around that area. Fish can also be caught around what limited structure is present on the bottom in creek channels in the same depth. The length of most bait fish is in the 2.5 to 3-inch size, so match your lure to this length for better success.
Crankbaits, jerkbaits and shakey heads will also catch fish right now on rocky points in the main lake or creeks. In the backs of creeks, always have something ready to cast to any schooling fish.
Watch for any diving loons/gulls that are actively feeding as there is often a school of bass underneath them. Birds are likely to be found on the main lake and at the entrances to major creeks and coves.
December 20
Lake Keowee is at 98.8% of full pool. Water temperatures are in the low to mid-50s on the lower end, up to the mid-60s mid-lake around the power plant, and in the upper 50s on the upper end. Despite a lot of rain the water is still clear.
Most bass are moving into a winter pattern on Lake Keowee, and veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that fish can be caught on a variety of lures including shakey heads, drop shots, jigging spoons, and jerkbaits. For deep fish in the 40-60 foot range the key is to find bait and/or structure that will be holding fish. Always keep an eye out for loons and gulls that are actively feeding as there is a good chance a school of spotted bass is nearby.
While most fish are in a more traditional winter pattern, it is still worth looking forshallow fish in the warmer areas or on warm afternoons.
November 28
Lake Keowee is at 98.4% of full pool. Water temperatures have fallen into the lower 60s on the lower and upper ends of the lake, and the mid-60s mid-lake. Despite a lot of rain clarity is pretty normal.
Temperatures continue to fall in the Upstate, and veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that the bass fishing remains good on similar patterns.
Shallow fish can be caught with a shakey head or Texas-rigged soft plastic on points or rocky shorelines.
For mid-depth fish, a Carolina rig is working well further out in the 10-20 foot range in the same areas. Jerkbaits continue to produce some fish as well.
Deeper fish can be caught on drop-shots, jigging spoons or deep diving crankbaits. A good depth to look right now is in the 35-50 foot range. If there is bait in that depth, fish are usually nearby. There appears to be a very healthy population of bait fish (shad) in the lake this year, and finding them remains a key to finding the spotted bass.
November 20
Lake Keowee is at 97.1% of full pool. Water temperatures have fallen into the mid-60’s on the lower and upper ends of the lake, but they are still in the high 60’s mid-lake. Clarity is normal.
Temperatures are falling quickly with the cooler nights, and as a result veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that bass can be caught on a variety of techniques.
Shallow fish can be caught with a shakey head or Texas-rigged soft plastic on points or rocky shorelines.
For mid-depth fish, a Carolina rig is working well further out in the 10-20 foot range in the same areas. Jerkbaits are starting to produce some fish as well.
Deeper fish can be caught on drop-shots, jigging spoons or deep diving crankbaits. A good depth to look right now is in the 35 to 50 foot range. If there is bait in that depth, fish are usually nearby. There appears to be a very healthy population of bait fish (shad) in the lake this year and finding that can be a key to finding the spotted bass.
November 2
Lake Keowee is at 98.6% of full pool and water temperatures have dropped into the mid to lower 70s on most of the lake, although it’s a little warmer around the power plant.
With dropping temperatures veteran tournamentangler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglersreports that fish are moving quickly into a more traditional fall pattern following bait fish. Many fish are still out on the main lake, but there is some movement into the mouths of major creek arms now. When conditions are right there is also schooling activity where bait fish are present. Early, fish can be caught on crankbaits or spinnerbaits on points or flats. After the sun comes up the key is finding baitfish. Bass are usually in the vicinity and can be caught on topwater lures, crankbaits, drop shots, or shakey heads depending on how deep they are. As the water continues to cool this pattern will only get stronger over the coming weeks.
October 5
Lake Keowee is at 97.2% of full pool, and water temperatures range from 82 on the ends of the lake to the upper 80s mid-lake.
Water temperatures are still above normal for this time of year, but as they start to drop veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that fishing has started to improve.
There is an average morning bite now on points and shallow flats and shoals using square bill crankbaits and lipless crankbaits. This bite is still inconsistent from morning to morning; the best advice is to move quickly from one spot to the next.
Schooling activity has really picked up in the last few days on the main lake and around the Hot Hole area, particularly early to mid-morning. Fish can be caught on topwaters or crankbaits while the fish are chasing shad, and some fish being caught on spy baits in these same areas. Keep your eyes open for signs of surface activity and have a bait ready to throw.
Some fish can also be caught on Ned Rigs, shaky heads, and the like on deeper banks or docks in the shade after the sun gets up. Overall, fishing is better than it was last week and moving in the right direction!
September 20
Lake Keowee is at 97.4% of full pool, and water temperatures range from 85 on the southern and northern ends of the lake to 91 around the power plant. While water temperatures have peaked, they have not dropped more than a degree or two so far. Water levels on the lake are also down a few feet in the past week, most likely due to precautions from the potential hurricane rainfall.
It’s still September, and it still looks a lot like the dog days of summer on Lake Keowee. Veteran tournamentangler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglersreports that fishing remains pretty tough on Keowee with the high water temperatures, and fish have not started to get into much of a fall pattern yet. When the water does begin to cool, there will be much more schooling activity as the bass chase shad – but so far this is not happening to any significant degree.
The best bet is to fish topwaters early and then move out to deeper water with a shakey head or drop shot in 30 to 40 feet. Keep the topwater handy at all times should fish come up around you.
September 5
Lake Keowee is at 98.4% of full pool, and water temperatures range from 86 to 91.
Even though it’s September, it’s the dog days of summer on Lake Keowee and veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that the bass bite remains difficult due to the lake reaching its peak temperature for the year. There have been a few tournaments on the lake recently and anything over 10 pounds remains a good catch.
Some fish can be caught early on mid-running (6-10 foot) crankbaits, shaky heads, and some topwaters (smaller one seems to be better right now), but the morning bite is still weak. After the sun comes up, fish deeper in 20 plus feet of water with shakey heads or drop shots. Some better fish can be found suspended in deeper water although these fish are harder to find. Look at deep underwater points or structure, or any deep areas holding a school of bait fish.
Some limited schooling action is beginning so have something ready to throw at all times if fish come up around you. As the days get shorter, more widespread schooling action should get underway.
August 23
Lake Keowee is at 99.0% of full pool, and water temperatures remains in the mid- to high-80s over most of the lake. Major creeks are still stained from the middle to backs.
Veteran tournamentangler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that there is still little change in the pattern on Lake Keowee. Schooling action should start in the next few weeks, but it hasn’t taken off yet.
The early morning bass bite remains inconsistent, but fishing early the best bet is to throw crankbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and topwaters on points and flats until you find fish. After the sun comes up, it is better to go deep with soft plastics in 20-40 feet of water – or look for suspended fish 40-50 feet down. These are some better fish but they are also hard to find. Look for bait and breaking fish as clues.
Anything over about 10 pounds remains a good catch at the night tournaments on the lake, and in a recent tournament 13 pounds was good for the win.
August 8
Lake Keowee is at 98.5% of full pool, and water temperatures are in the mid- to high-80s over most of the lake. With a ton of recent rain, major creeks are stained from the middle to backs of the creeks.
Veteran tournament angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that there is little change in the pattern on Lake Keowee. The early morning bass bite remains inconsistent, but fishing early the best bet is to throw crankbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and topwaters on points and flats until you find fish.
After the sun comes up, it is better to go deep with soft plastics in 20-40 feet of water – or look for suspended fish 40-50 feet down. These are some better fish but they are also hard to find.
Anything over about 10 pounds remains a good catch at the night tournaments on the lake.
July 13
Lake Keowee is at 99.1% of full pool, and water temperatures are in the mid- to high-80s over most of the lake. Clarity is normal (very clear).
Veteran tournamentangler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that there is not a lot of change on Keowee, and the early morning bass bite is inconsistent. Some mornings it is pretty good while others the fishing is slow. Fishing early throw crankbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and topwaters on points and flats. Keep moving if you don’t find fish quickly as the window is short.
After the sun comes up, it is better to go deep with soft plastics in 20-40 feet of water – or look for suspended fish 40-50 feet down. These are some better fish but they are also hard to find. Look for bait and breaking fish as clues.
Anything over about 10 pounds has been a good catch at the night tournaments on the lake.
July 3
Lake Keowee is at 98.8% of full pool, and water temperatures are in the high-80s over most of the lake.
Veteran tournamentangler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that crankbaits and topwaters can still catch some fish early on points and humps, but after the sun gets up anglers generally need to fish deeper with drop shots or shakey heads on the bottom in 30 to 40 feet of water. The biggest change this week is that, in addition to catching fish on the bottom, they are also suspended over deep points 30-40 feet down. The best way to target these fish is with drop shots.
June 19
Lake Keowee is at 98.9% of full pool, and water temperatures have jumped into the high-80s over most of the lake. The lake is very full and stained in the creeks. Anglers should also be aware of floating obstacles in the lake due to high water levels.
Veteran angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that, with the big jump in water temperature, bass fishing has gotten tougher. What was a good morning bite a couple of weeks ago has now slowed down considerably. Use crankbaits and topwaters early on points and humps.
After the sun gets up, fish generally have to be found deeper on drop shots or shakey heads in 30 to 40 feet of water. No significant schooling activity has been noted, only the occasional single fish chasing bait. It might be a good time to try night-time fishing on Keowee with the forecast for highs every day in the 90s!
June 1
Lake Keowee is at 98.6% of full pool, and water temperatures are now in the high 70s to mid-80s throughout the lake. Water clarity is good on the main lake, but stained in the creeks due to heavy rainfall. Additional heavy rain is expected this week so clarity is expected to remain below average for Keowee. The lake should continue to stay pretty full with all the inflow.
Fishing has remained pretty similar for the past couple of weeks – which is to say inconsistent. Veteran angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that many fish are still showing signs of the strain of the spawn, but this is starting to improve as the fish move into a more typical summertime pattern. Early, fish can be caught on topwaters (popper, walking baits, buzzbaits, etc.), crankbaits, and spinnerbaits (in windy conditions) on points and adjacent flats. Look for fish chasing bait on the surface as the sun is coming up.
After the sun comes up, fish can be found in the 15-40 foot range and caught on soft plastics such as a shakey heads or drop shot rigs.
Keep an eye open for any schooling activity, which is very spotty and not widespread yet. However, there are some good fish chasing bait on top at times. This can happen anywhere on Keowee, including over very deep water.
May 17
Lake Keowee is at 97.8% of full pool, and water temperatures have jumped to the high 70s in the lower and upper sections and the low-80s mid-lake. Clarity is high on the main lake, but there is some stain in the back of creeks due to heavy rainfall the past two days.
After a strange spring, it seems we have moved quickly into summer – but veteran angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports the bass have not fully moved into a summer pattern. Fishing overall has gotten tougher the past two weeks with many fish in a post-spawn funk. Many of the fish caught in the past two weeks show the stress of the spawn.
Early, fish can be caught around shallow rocky points on topwaters such as a Sammy or popper, and also on small crankbaits like a 1.5 square bill. They can also be caught on soft plastics such as a fluke or shakey head.
After the sun comes up, fish can be found deeper in 10 to 40 feet as they are moving out to summer depths. These fish are scattered, however, and you have to work a variety of depths to pick up a fish here and there. The more shallow fish can be caught on a shakey head or Carolina rig, and for the deeper fish a drop shot works better. Look for fish on deeper drop offs on points or any structure where there is a depth change such as a hump.
The bite on docks has been very slow the past week.
May 4
Lake Keowee is at 98.1% of full pool, and water temperatures are in the mid- to upper-60s throughout the lake. Water clarity is very high, with visibility at about 8-10 feet.
Veteran angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that most of the bass spawn is over, but there are still some fish that are in the final stages.
The pattern is transitioning to a more typical early summer bite. Fish can be caught early on topwaters, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics on points and humps. After the sun comes out, fish are found more in the 15 to 35 foot range and can be caught on shakey heads and drop shots around points and drop-offs. Some fish can also be caught around docks using the same baits.
Be on the lookout for fish chasing bait at any time, particularly early along rip-rap banks. The early morning bite is improving and will get even better over the next few weeks.
April 18
Lake Keowee is at 99.2% of full pool, and water temperatures are in the mid- to upper-60s throughout the lake. Clarity is high and the lake has been at full pool for several weeks.
Fishing continues to be very good on Lake Keowee, and veteranangler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglersreports that bass can be found at all three stages of the spawn right now: pre-spawn, spawning, and post-spawn. They have generally moved into the 10-20 foot range, and fish are bedding in the traditional areas. This means under docks, along rocky shorelines, in cuts off the main lake, and in the back of coves around cover. Lake Keowee spotted bass spawn a little deeper, and it is not unusual for a spot to spawn in 8 to 15 feet of water on Keowee. There is still another wave of fish that will move up to spawn.
Right now fish can be caught on topwater, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits (when windy).
April 9
Lake Keowee is at 98.8% of full pool, and water temperatures have moved into the low to mid-60s on the northern and southern ends of the lake and mid- to upper-60s around the power plant. Clarity is normal.
It’s been an up-and-down spring on Lake Keowee, but veteranangler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglersreports that fishing is very good overall on Keowee now. The spawn is on throughout the lake with many fish on the bed, and there are also still some pre-spawn fish that have generally moved up to the 8 to 15 foot range. Fish can be caught on a variety of soft plastics now including shaky heads, neko rigs, carolina rigs, etc. On windy days, spinnerbaits will also catch fish on points and rocky shorelines.
Some limited topwater action is underway as well and that bite will get stronger over the next few weeks.
March 30
Lake Keowee is at 98.7% of full pool, and water temperatures on the lower and upper end have again risen into the upper 50s while the middle part of the lake is in the low to mid-60s. Clarity is normal.
Things are finally getting back to where they were about a month ago, and veteranangler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglersreports thatin the warmer middle part of the lake some fish are bedding – but for the most part fish are pre-spawn throughout the lake. Pre-spawn fish are biting soft plastics in the 10-25 foot range, including shakey heads, Carolina rigs, and neko rigs. The bite is definitely starting to improve and with warmer temperatures more and more fish should pull up shallow.
March 15
Lake Keowee is at 99.0% of full pool, and has been stable for several days. Water temperatures have fallen significantly all over the lake, with temperatures on the upper and lower ends in the mid-50s and in the lower 60s mid-lake.
A couple of weeks ago it looked like spring on Lake Keowee, but after two weeks of falling temperatures it looks more like winter. Veteran angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that the fishing has gone backwards as a result.
In the middle part of the lake some fish have moved up, but for the most part they are out deeper in 10-20+ feet of water. Most fish are being caught on jigs, shakey heads, Carolina rigs, and medium running crankbaits.
There are even some fish still in a typical winter pattern, like these fish caught today on Guide Brad Fowler’s boat in 35-55 feet with a drop shot and shakey head.
March 2
Lake Keowee is at 99.3% of full pool. Water temperatures remain in the lower-60s on the southern and northern ends of the lake, and mid-60s in the mid-lake area. The water is stained in the backs of creeks but clear on the main lake.
It’s a weird early spring in South Carolina, and veteran angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers points out that although water temperatures have shot up in the last two weeks fish have not pulled up yet as they are probably behind what the temperatures would suggest. There are some fish in the middle part of the lake starting to prepare for bedding, and a few around the hot hole already spawning, but other than there is not a major push to spawn yet – even with the full month. This is much more likely at the next full moon if water continues to warm.
Fish can be caught on spinnerbaits early or in the wind, jerkbaits, medium running crankbaits, jigs, and shaky heads.
February 23
Lake Keowee is at 99.1% of full pool. Water temperatures have shot into the lower 60s on the southern and northern ends of the lake, and mid-60s in the mid-lake area. The main lake is clear but the water is stained in the backs of creeks.
Veteran angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers and Guide Brad Fowler concur that the fishing has been pretty tough on Keowee, and Charles points out that 10 pounds is still a good bag on Keowee right now. With temperatures rising so fast fish are actually a little behind the water temperatures, but expect to see fish start to moving quickly to the banks with the rapid change. (Unless there is a major cold front, expect to see some fish moving in to spawn in the next few weeks). Shakey heads, jigs, and Carolina rigs should all work in the next week. Charles points out that even though some fish are moving up, it will not happen all at once.
As a reminder of that, last weekend Brad and tournament partner Brock Taylor finished 4th out of 190 boats with 15+ pounds in the Boating Atlanta event. They had to look hard, but they caught all their fish in 50-80 feet of water on jigging spoons, doodle worms and drop shots. Even while they were fishing super deep there were some rumors of fish on the beds already, completely plausible with the hot hole influence.
February 16
Lake Keowee is at 97.9% of full pool. Water temperatures are in the mid-50s in the lower and upper lake, and in the low-60s mid-lake. With a lot of rain in the past week major creeks are stained near the back while the main lake is still clear.
Lake Keowee bass fishing has been tough, but veteran angler Charles Townson of the Keowee Anglers reports that the pattern is changing. The deep bite has dropped off significantly as fish have started to move up with the warming water. A good depth right now is 25-40 feet. Fish can be caught a variety of way including on shakey heads, jigs, drop-shots, medium running crankbaits, fish head spins and Carolina rigs.
A limit over 10 pounds has been good the last few weeks, but with warming temperatures that should change. It will be interesting to see what approximately 175 boats pull out of the lake this weekend in the Boatin Atlanta event.
