Clarks Hill Fishing Report – February 2009

Clarks Hill: Level: 14.1 feet below full pool. Temp: 49-52 degrees. Clarity: Clear toward the dam; muddy on the upper ends.

Largemouths: Guide Dale Gibbs said fishing has been feast or famine. “Some have experienced trips where not even a strike could be had, yet others have loaded the boat. A record tournament catch of 34 pounds was caught three weeks ago by Woody Parks, of Lincolnton. The baits of choice have been Buckeye Mop Jigs, crankbaits and Zoom Super Flukes rigged on lead-head jigs.”

Stripers: Good. Guide William Sasser reports: “The beginning of February we’ll pull planers early with bluebacks around the main-lake points and shallow water markers/underwater islands. In the middle of the day look for schools of fish in Soap Creek, South Carolina Little River and Keg Creek. Later in the month, hybrids and stripers show up at the dam and in the coves around the dam. We’ll fish after dark with downlines and live herring 30 to 50 feet deep.” Capt. Dave Willard reports: “My clients are catching some nice stripers and hybrids fishing shallow with live herring behind planer boards and corks. The best fishing has been up Soap Creek on the main river channel and Big Hart Creek up Little River.”

Crappie: William reports: “February the crappie will be staying in large numbers in numerous creek channels — Germany Creek, Dry Forks Creek, South Carolina Little River and Grays Creek. Pulling jigs in various colors or just vertical jigging in the creek beds and around structure is great. Later in the month, depending on the temp of the water, some fish will be in shallow water as the evenings warm up. Watch for crappie popping the top of the water, especially in the afternoon. We’ll throw corks with jigs or minnows in 2 to 10 feet of water in the backs of coves.” Capt. Dave reports: “White perch and crappie are also hitting well on small minnows fished from 12 to 30 feet near standing timber. Watch for diving birds as well as loons to locate the baitfish. The large fish will be close by.”