Clarks Hill Fishing Report May 2013

Clarks Hill: Level: 5.1 feet below full pool. Temp: Low 70s. Clarity: Light stain.

Linesides: Guide William Sasser reports, “May on Clarks Hill this year we are seeing the water temperature is cooler than most years, which should extend the spring-fishing pattern for all species. The blueback herring spawn is happening right now with stripers chasing them up on to shallow points, and it should continue throughout the month. Largemouth will be mixed in with them. Fish spinnerbaits, crankbaits and weightless flukes as well as freelining blueback herring across the points early in the mornings. Fishing in front of the dam with blueback herring 25 to 40 feet deep after dark is still catching good hybrids. Cutbait fished from the bank or from a boat using cut herring is going to be good this month. The lower end of the lake within 5 miles of the dam is where to concentrate your efforts.”

Crappie: William reports, “Crappie are moving out away from the shallow water now and grouping up into postspawn schools. Brushpiles in 15 to 25 feet of water is where we fish in May or June. We anchor over the tree, and fish small minnows down to the fish. May and June are always our most successful months. With the lake being up, pulling jigs over grassbeds in 10 to 20 feet of water has been working great in Soap Creek, Germany Creek and Lloyds Creek.”

Shellcrackers: William reports, “May is spawning month for these fun-to-catch fish. Lousiana pinks is the worm of choice, and they bed in shallow water. A lot of the larger beds are near blow-throughs on the lower half of the lake. It is easier to find them at night cruising the bank with a light or ask bowfishing friends to look for them. Please keep only what you are going to eat, and not many people want to clean past 50 fish.”