Clarks Hill Fishing Report November 2012

Clarks Hill: Level: 13.8 feet below full pool. Temp: Upper 60s to 70. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Guide and tournament angler Dale Gibbs reports, “Good for numbers, but the quality bass are still out suspended. It’s taking small weights to win the big tournaments, only 12 to 13 pounds. You can catch lots of numbers right now, but the big fish I think are still out suspended with the stripers. They’ll move up with these cooler temps. The lake is extremely low, but it’s been low all summer, so there are still good grasslines 12 to 14 feet deep. Concentrate on the outer edges of those grasslines. Start with crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jerkbaits, and if they’re not in the mood for chasing, slow down with a jig or worm. The bait is holding about halfway back in the creeks from the main river. Toward the end of the month, they’ll be farther back, and they’ll stay back in the creeks until about Christmas when they move back out to the river. Also, watch for schoolies this time of year. Have a fluke or topwater tied on and ready.”

Stripers: Guide William Sasser reports, “During November on Clarks Hill this year, the water level is going to be about 14 feet low. The good news is it narrows down searching for stripers in the backs of creek channels considerably. We will fish mostly on the upper half of the lake, which includes upper Georgia Little River also. Live herring and small gizzard shad pulled behind planer boards is mostly how we will catch fish. Casting a Sammy or Lit’l Fishie at schooling fish is good in November.”

Crappie: William reports, “Crappie will also feed on threadfin shad in the same areas as the stripers. Look in Raysville and South Carolina Little River. Pulling jigs around the stick-ups in these areas will work. Start with a variance of colors to find the right one. Brushpile fishing with minnows is my favorite way.”