Lake Hartwell:

Largemouth Bass: Good. According to Guide Brad Fowler the largemouth bass are feeding on very small shad which are suspended over 40-100 feet of water in the main lake. Even if the bass are not actively feeding on the surface they will sometimes come up to take a Pop-R or a Spook, and shallow and medium running crankbaits will also work.

Catfish: Good. Captain Bill Plumley reports that the catfish bite is strong for both numbers and size of fish. For blue catfish drift or double anchor along the edge of the creek or river channel in 20-30 feet of water and use fresh bait – blueback herring, gizzard shad, bream or perch. There are also good numbers of 15-30 pound flatheads; fish at night around brush in old ditches or creek channels or on the edge of flats with live bream or perch.

Striped and Hybrid Bass: Fair to good. Strong striped bass schooling action has been reported across much of the lake but these are almost exclusively small fish. Down line fishing and trolling with lead core line remains effective and most of the better fish seem to be concentrated in 40-75 feet of water.

Crappie: Slow. Captain Bill Plumley reports that crappie fishing is a bit slow right now but should pick up later in the fall. From November to March is peak crappie season on Lake Hartwell. Some fish are being caught at night fishing with lights around bridges using crappie minnows.

Lake Keowee:

Largemouth and Spotted Bass: Fair. Captain Chris "Fishboy" Schuber reports that the topwater bite has been off and on but his boat has still been catching fish in shallow water around schools of shad. Nemire Baby Buzzer buzzbaits in red color have been successful on both spots and largemouths in the morning, and six inch Lake Fork trick worms are catching fish around boat docks. Patience is key.

Lake Jocassee:

Bream: Good. In the backs of creeks, coves and around waterfalls bream are being caught in good numbers. Fish crickets, worms or small artificials like inline spinners.

Trout: Fair. Captain Steve Pietrykowski reports that the trout bite slowed after waters rose 7 or 8 feet with recent rains. He has still been catching trout trolling minnows around 80 feet deep, and he has even picked up some catfish in the 80-85 foot range.

Black Bass: Fair. Captain Pat Bennett is having best luck fishing around moving water in likely ambush spots. He also suggests fishing around rock walls and ledges; 20-50 feet is a good depth to target. A green pumpkin finesse worm rigged on a ¼ ounce shakey head rig is working best, and Carolina Lunker Sauce appears to be making the fish hold onto the lure a bit longer.