Clarks Hill Fishing Report February 2011

Clarks Hill: Level: 6.1 feet below full pool. Temp: 45 degrees. Clarity: Clear with a normal stain up the rivers.

Bass: Tough. Capt. Dale Gibbs reports, “Fishing for largemouths has been pretty difficult due to recent cold fronts. However, I have found some success fishing 5 to 10 feet deep with crankbaits. It seems fish are relating to the shallows better than the deeper water for some strange reason. I’ve had decent success using a Bandit 300 Series crankbait in a sexy shad pattern. Firetiger-colored baits like the Suddeth Little Earl have been producing some fish also. Most of my bites are coming from the mouths of creeks to about halfway back. For February, I would continue using crankbaits in much the same fashion as above. Vary color and depth as needed to establish a pattern. Don’t forget, lipless crankbaits can be an awesome tool this time of year, even when there is no wind. Simply cast it out, let it settle to the bottom and pump the rod tip as you retrieve the lure, trying to stay as close to the bottom as possible. Try this in the middle of ditches and the backs of coves. If wind is present, move shallower up on some flats and simply crank. The presence of grass is always a big help. Usually, the end of February brings some spring-like days that will help you too. On those days, I like to move shallow and throw a 1/2-oz. Buckeye Lures spinnerbait with a Colorado-willow combination. Throw to blowdowns or any visible shoreline cover that could hold a fish. Slow-rolling on flats can be helpful also.”

Linesides: Fair. William Sasser reports, “The bait is stacked up in front of the dam 60 feet deep. As soon as the water temp climbs a few degrees back to normal, the fish will turn on. Stripers we are catching now are 50 to 60 feet deep with a patient bite. Later in February, we will pull planers and live herring on the points in the afternoons on the lower end of the lake.”

Crappie: Fair. William reports, “February can be a repeat of January or like early March depending on the weather. We are still catching fish 20 to 30 feet deep in creek channels on small minnows. Even if the water temp is in the high 40s, the sun warms up the shallow water in the backs of coves. The fish will move back there in the evenings and feed shallow.”