Clarks Hill Fishing Reports – September 2021

Clarks Hill: Level: 0.5 feet below full. Temp: Mid 80s. Clarity: Mostly clear.

Bass: Tournament angler Daelyn Whaley reports, “With the water down and out of the cover, the fishing should heat up. The largemouth bite in isolated shade during the day should be a consistent pattern, along with the baitfish that will be starting their fall migration back in the running creeks with fresh water coming in. Start at the mouths in September and work your way back until you find the bait. A Berkley Speed Toad, J-Walker and Berkley Pop should be a good start. If you have to slow down, I love the Pit Boss on a Fusion Flipping Hook. I also like a Berkley General to flip wacky style. The spots are biting good and it should get even better down the lake on long points and humps near deep water. The more current, the better. Brush and rock should be the key. Topwater like the Berkley Cane Walker and Berkley Flat Nose Minnow on a drop shot should make for some great days. Wind is the key for topwater. If it’s slick, finesse ’em. Confidence is key.”

Linesides: Guide Bradd Sasser reports, “The hybrids and stripers are feeding aggressively right around daybreak in 25 to 30 feet of water on main-lake humps. After the morning feeding, they are moving into deeper water more around 40 to 50 feet deep in the same general areas. The lower lake has been very good, but as the temperatures begin to break, they will begin to move either back up the lake or out the Georgia Little River branch. We should begin to see some surface activity in the next few weeks. When this shows up, be sure to have a topwater lure or a fluke close at hand.”

Capt. Eddie Mason reports, “Between the storms we’ve had and the heat, all of our fishing has been early morning. That early bite is the best. I’m still here on the lower end of the lake. The oxygen lines that are here right near the Modoc boat ramp have been on, and that’s been crucial in keeping the bait alive. I’m fishing on the humps and points on the main river channels. I’m staying in about 30 feet of water, going to the bottom and coming back up about three turns. I’m also sticking to the downrods most of the time. I’ve had some really great trips this month, too. On Aug. 3, I had to get a friend to help, and we took out two boats. We had a blast and both boats limited out.”