Clarks Hill Lake Fishing Report – October 2021

Clarks Hill: Level: 1 foot down. Temp: 74 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Tournament angler Daelyn Whaley reports, “This is the time of year when it can be super tough or super good. The fall turnover should be close, and this makes it tough for a few weeks. They’re either real deep or real shallow. Bait is the key in the fall. They will be migrating to the backs of creeks and coves. Also, the bluebacks will be way up in the water column, which makes for some great schooling action. Look for brush in 18 to 25 feet of water on the main lake. Focus from the mouth of Wildwood to the main bridge in Little River Georgia. Flukes and Berkley Cane Walkers are some great baits to throw over the tops of the brush to call them up. Windy, sunny days are the best. Drop shots will catch them if they won’t come up. Expect mostly spots and some healthy largemouth. Check past GON articles for waypoints on where this works. Confidence is Key #girlsfishtoo.”

Linesides: Capt. Eddie Mason reports, “I’m still fishing here on the lower end of the lake between Hamilton Branch and the dam. With it cooling off, I’m waiting a little longer to get on the water (about daybreak). I’m starting off fishing on the humps in water that’s about 60 feet deep. The fish are between 24 to 30 feet deep. As the day goes on, I’m moving out into the river channel into water that’s about 110 to 120 feet deep and catching them between 24 and 40 feet deep. I’m making good use of my downrods and some good livebait.”

Guide Bradd Sasser reports, “The hybrids and stripers are beginning to move away from the lower end of the lake and can be found in Georgia Little River near Cherokee or moving up the lake toward Dordon and Shriver creeks. Some very good groups of fish can be found along the edges of the channel at the mouths of creeks in 80 to 100 feet of water with the fish coming 15 to 30 feet deep. Using your electronics this time of year is very crucial with the fish transitioning. Downlines and umbrella rigs are both productive methods. When downlining, chumming has been very helpful. We are beginning to see some surface activity and some schools of bait running the surface indicating that schooling fish will be showing up very soon. Be sure to keep a topwater plug or a fluke close at hand this time of year.  This is one of the most fun times of year to fish with beautiful weather and a great fish bite.”