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The newest Lake Wateree fishing report can be found at: http://www.anglersheadquarters.com/ahq-insider-lake-wateree-sc-winter-2017-18-fishing-report/

December 14

Lake Wateree is at 96.8% of full pool, and water temperatures are in the mid-50s.  The recent rain muddied up the river run.

CATT owner Brett Collins reports that the bass tournament season has been in a lull on Lake Wateree, but some diehard fishermen like FLW angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden are still out there chasing the fish.  While the bite is certainly still tough, Dearal says the best bet is to fish in 5-10 feet of water around rocks.  Steep, 45 degree banks with rock can be ideal, but as long as there is deep water close by any rocky area is worth exploring.  Crankbaits such as Shad Raps, Alabama rigs and jerkbaits are all working.

On the crappie front, veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that fish are still concentrated along the river channel.  However, since the rain muddied up the water the better fish have been caught just ahead of the mud line near the State Park on the main lake.  Fish can still be caught above Wateree Creek but they are smaller and that bite has been a little slower.

The best way to catch them is tight-lining the edge of the channel ledge in 18-20 feet of water just off the bottom by 6 inches to 2 feet.

The most exciting fishery on Lake Wateree right now is the striped bass.  Fish are schooling in the coves and at the mouths of creeks, where they seem to be balling up the bait and corralling them.  Some largemouth are also mixed in.

December 1

Lake Wateree is at 96.4% of full pool, and water temperatures are around 60 degrees.

Bassfishing remains very tough on Wateree, and FLW angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports that it has only been taking about 15 pounds to win in recent weeks.  Water levels are relatively low and so fish can be found off rocky points or on the ends of docks, and shad are mainly out towards the main lake.  Baitfish can also be found at the mouths of creeks or in pockets, but it isn’t worth spending much time heading back into the creeks.  The best depth range right now has been 4-8 feet, and crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs in that order have generally been working best.  The Alabama rig has also been catching some fish, fairly unusually for Wateree.

On the crappie front, veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that fish are truly starting to get into a winter pattern.  That means that fish are being caught in the river channel above Wateree Creek, mostly by anglers tight-lining near the bottom in 18-22 feet with jigs tipped with minnows.  Working along the edge of the river channel has been the best bet.

There are also some reports of fish being caught around brush in 18-30 feet of water all over the lake.  While the better numbers are up the river, some pretty good fish are being caught on brush.

Striperschooling activity has been reported.