Clarks Hill Fishing Report – January 2022

Clarks Hill: Level: 3.5 feet below 330. Temp: 56-61 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Tournament angler Trad Whaley reports, “With the unseasonably warm weather, there is and will be a lot more fish shallow than normal for this time of year. The water turned over this year later than I’ve ever seen it, which has the fish scattered throughout the water column. If you want to catch numbers, check the main-lake ditches and the middle of the creeks 25 to 35 feet deep for bait. They should be grouping up better as it gets colder. Jigging spoons will catch a variety of fish and some good bass. We also like to throw a 3.8-inch Berkley Swimmer on a 706 Fishing Lures swimbait head. This is a great local bait company, so look them up. In shallow water, I’ll slow-roll a spinnerbait on channel turns and rock corners. Also try a flat crank and a jig. Key to January fishing is to slow down! It’s hard to do, but fish are cold blooded. Bundle up and wear your life jacket. Check older GON articles in those old magazines or at GON.com. They will for sure get you started. Confidence is key. And try to introduce someone new to the outdoors, they are our  future.”