Clarks Hill Fishing Report – March 2009

Clarks Hill: Level: 14.6 feet below full pool. Temp: Low 50s. Clarity: Stained in the upper reaches and backs of creeks, while clear for the most part on the lower end.

Bass: Dale Gibbs reports, “March is finally upon us, and the move to spawn will be happening later this month, hopefully. The surface temp will be steady on the rise from here on out. Once we reach 58 degrees in the mornings on Clarks Hill, all we need then is a new or full moon to put the largemouth up cruising bedding areas and fanning beds. Of course, the weather and wind will need to cooperate, to make this happen. Plenty of fish should be caught soon, if you play your cards right. As prespawn bass move up these next few weeks, you should keep several baits ready. Use Flukes, jerkbaits and spinnerbaits in the mornings toward the back ends of creeks and ditches. Try using crankbaits, jigs and Carolina rigs throughout the rest of the day. The water is still near 14 feet low here on “the Hill,” so watch out for trees and stumps at or near the surface that are unmarked.”

Linesides: Capt. Dave Willard reports, “March is a pivotal month as it starts the transition from winter to the spring patterns. It can be a very fickle month, often starting to warm, only to see a return to cold weather by mid month. Regardless of a few cold fronts, March fishing is well worth the effort. My favorite area on the Little River Georgia arm of the lake this time of year is Germany Creek. On the main Savannah River, Soap Creek and Fishing Creek are productive. Live herring either freelined or pulled behind planers are really the ticket. Most of the fish will be up shallow, feeding on prespawn baitfish. Often when we find a good point or shoreline holding fish, we’ll stay there for several hours and catch nice stripers, hybrids and largemouth.” Guide William Sasser reports, “March is a good month for fishing on the lower end of the lake. Most of the hybrids will come down from the upper end of the lake to the dam. We will fish live herring on points in 40 to 50 feet of water and also cut bait anchored in shallow water on points for larger stripers.”

Crappie: “March is a great month for pulling jigs in 10 to 15 feet of water in the backs of coves all over the lake. We will fish brushpiles and creek beds with small minnows around the same depth,” said William.