Clarks Hill Fishing Report – March 2010

Clarks Hill: Level: 2.1 feet below full pool. Temp: Mid to upper 40s. Clarity: Muddy in the upper tributaries; heavy stain on the lower end.

Bass: Dale Gibbs reports, “Clarks Hill is still suffering. At least the fishermen are, where largemouth bass are concerned. Fishing still remains tough for most. Those who have been fortunate enough to find a few fish are not able to repeat their performances from trip to trip. Some believe the bass just aren’t in the lake like they used to be. However, March is upon us and spring will have sprung before you know it. I believe good fishing will soon be here with the rising temperatures and longer days. March normally brings great fishing. Use crankbaits and spinnerbaits this month. The bass will be aggressively feeding while the water warms as they search out bedding flats and coves. The few I have caught lately have been on firetiger Shad Raps and Suddeth Little Earl crankbaits. Jerkbaits can be good this month, also. Use these to catch prespawn bass, usually found in backs of creeks or in ditches where flats meet them. Look for these fish to be feeding in these areas from 10 to 20 feet deep. The Zoom Super Fluke is always a main-stay in this situation, either floating or on a jig head. Watch for any sharp rise in water temperature this month. This will help the spinnerbait bite for sure.”

Linesides: Capt. Dave Willard reports, “March is a pivotal month for fishing. A lot of people have cabin fever and are ready to get out. We have had a really cold winter, but a week of warmer weather could really turn the fish on. I would like to see the water temperature in the mid to upper 50s. The stripers, hybrids and largemouths are going to be shallow this month. Almost any lure resembling a baitfish fished slow in 3 to 5 feet of water will produce fish. Live blueback herring freelined behind the boat or on planers will be the best technique. Little River Georgia from Germany Creek up to the pumping station will produce a lot of nice stripers. Little River Carolina, Long Cane Creek and Buffalo Creek are also good.”