Clarks Hill Fishing Report February 2012

Clarks Hill: Level: 7.9 feet below full pool. Temp: 53-55 degrees. Clarity: Perfect color.

Bass: Good. The fish are early this year, according to guide William Sasser. “The bass have moved into shallow water to start their bedding ritual for the year. February is the month that most of the largest bass are caught.”

Linesides: Good. William Sasser reports, “We have been catching quality fish around mid-lake on planer boards and freelines. Use live herring with a 1/4-oz. weight, fishing the baits 25 feet behind the boards. While you are pulling planers, always keep an eye on your depthfinder for fish on the bottom in 40 to 50 feet of water. Drop downrods when you see fish on the bottom. Later in the month, the fish will be in front of the dam. The same method above will work there, also. Cutbait fishing from the bank always works well for large stripers this month.”

Crappie: Good. William said, “Due to the warm water temps, the crappie have already moved into prespawn locations. With the evening sun heating up the water temp, they can be found in less than 10 feet of water. Shallow brushpiles and especially docks and marinas will have all the crappie under them that you want to catch. Small jigs thrown under the docks and small minnows fished straight down will work.”