Clarks Hill Fishing Report – August 2009

Clarks Hill: Level: 4.4 feet below full pool. Temp: Upper 80s. Clarity: Very clear.

Bass: Slow. “August will probably be another tough month on Clarks Hill,” said guide Dale Gibbs. “There has been a lot of controversy lately over the low oxygen levels in Clarks Hill. There have been reports in the last week that the oxygen level from the surface to 3 feet deep is 1 part per/million (ppm). Four ppm would be more normal, but that can’t be found until 90 feet deep. I believe all the decaying weeds, grasses and pine trees that grew on the shorelines the last few years of drought may be hurting the oxygen levels. This month, look for the largemouths to remain scattered throughout the water column, as usual for August. Try fishing the worm in various depths this month, and don’t forget to start throwing the buzzbait some also. It will be a smorgasbord bite for the most part this month using everything in the tackle box.”

Linesides: Fair. Capt. William Sasser said, “August on Clarks Hill can be a tricky month to fish live bait. We have to locate the fish, chum them up under the boat, and then drop live herring down to them while they’re feeding. This year most of the better stripers are down 70 to 90 feet deep, so we either use cut bait or the power-reeling method. Downriggers with bucktails in August are great, but with the fish that deep you have to know the lake pretty well to avoid the old timber in the river channels. The area in front of the dam is your best bet.”

Crappie: Fair to good. “Fish small minnows down in creek beds and over structure in 40 to 50 feet of water,” William said. “Most of the fish will be about 20 feet deep. Patience is critical, so don’t be too hasty to move from spot to spot. The Raysville area of the lake is a good choice.”