Clarks Hill Fishing Report December 2013

Clarks Hill: Level: 2 feet below full pool. Temp: Low 60s. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Guide Dale Gibbs reports, “The fishing for largemouth is getting better. Fish are gathering in the backs of creeks and feeding on shad. Most of these can be caught on small jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, Rat-L-Traps, swimming flukes and the like. The shallow-running crankbaits are producing well, also. Watch for fish breaking in the mornings and evenings. This pattern should continue throughout December. Moving into December, watch for bigger fish to begin feeding in deep water. December is a fun month for those who can get on the water. Fish can be caught shallow and deep. Those who choose to fish deep will usually catch the largest fish. Try throwing a 6XD Strike King crankbait around points with rock that are situated on or near the main river. If this does not produce, throw a Greenfish Tackle Big Living Rubber Jig in brown or peanut butter and jelly and 1/2- or 3/4-oz. in size depending on how deep you’re fishing. Don’t forget that using a jigging spoon will still produce quality fish, so watch your electronics for activity on or near the bottom.”

Linesides: Guide William Sasser reports, “With water temperatures dropping, the hybrids and stripers have started to run into the creeks chasing bait. Pulling planer boards with live herring and gizzard shad in the mouths and about midway back in creeks has been very productive catching plenty of 3- 6-lb. hybrids and 8- to 12-lb. stripers. The mid- to upper-lake areas such as Bennefield Creek, Hawe Creek and SC Little River have been most productive. As the temperatures drop, expect the better quality fish to move in the backs of creeks. Some downlined hybrids can still be found off of secondary points in 28 to 30 feet of water, but they tend to be on the smaller 1- to 4-lb. side.”

Crappie: William reports, “Good-sized slab crappie are being caught double anchoring over treetops in 18 to 20 feet of water and fishing small shiners right on the treetops. Areas such as Raysville have really produced. In the next few weeks, slow-trolling jigs in SC Little River and Long Cane Creek will really produce. We just need the water to cool down a few more degrees. And for a little more action, I would recommend minnow tipping jigs.”