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Lake Hartwell Fishing Report August 2013

GON Staff | July 31, 2013

Hartwell: Level: 1.9 feet above full pool. Temp: Low 80s. Clarity: Main lake is clear; creeks and rivers still have some stain.
Bass: Good. Tournament pro Kerry Partain reports, “The bass fishing has really improved the last couple of weeks with the water starting to stabilize. The fishing conditions and patterns have been very unusual for July, and it looks like that will hold true for August. There are still some fish shallow in the grass with recent flood levels, and you can catch them on a variety of baits. The topwater bite has been sketchy at best with some schooling activity one day and none the next. If we get some sun and the thermocline begins to establish, expect the topwater to improve. The most reliable pattern I have found is on the points at the mouths of creeks and big coves or ditches. Once you find the fish on your graph, you can catch several in one location before having to move. We having been catching them on Carolina rigs with Zoom Trick Worm and drop shots with the Zoom Z Drop, especially if there is some brush around.”

Linesides:
Fair. Guide Preston Harden reports, “Fishing has been tough for a few weeks with so much rain. The stripers and hybrids still have not gotten into their summer pattern. I have never seen so much rain and cool weather. The water level has finally started to come down after two weeks of 5 feet above full pool. Fishing will improve with falling water levels and hot weather. Fish will hold deep in the lower lake. A good graph is a must for deep-water fishing. A good lake map like Navionics is also a big help. Look for fish in the creek channels in the lower lake. Don’t be afraid to look 80 to 100 feet deep. Herring have to be kept cool with ice and conditioner. Drop herring down quickly to the depth that you mark fish on the graph. For those who prefer artificials, drop a jigging spoon or a big jig head and soft plastic swimbait down to the fish. Reel fast through the marked fish for a reaction strike. Don’t be afraid to reel fast, as this is what they want.”

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