Lake Hartwell Fishing Report – December 2008

Hartwell: Level: 21.7 feet below full. Josh Fowler reports that the lake is pretty much shut down due to the low water levels. “The water level has fallen past the ends of all the ramps on Lake Hartwell, but you can try to launch your boat at your own risk at some ramps,” said Josh. “It would be my suggestion that you have a four-wheel drive vehicle before backing off the ramps.” The corps used gravel to extend five ramps: Big Oaks and Crawfords Ferry in Hart County; Green Pond and Gattons Ford in Anderson County, S.C.; and Martin Creek in Oconee County, S.C. For up-to-date information on boat ramps, visit the corps website at www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/hartwell/. Temp: Mid 50s. Clarity: Clear on the main lake. Light stain in the backs due to turn over.

Bass: “If you do attempt to go fishing, you should keep safety in mind,” said Josh. “Lake Hartwell is at an all-time low, and there are many safety hazards to be aware of. The things that are popping up now haven’t been exposed since the lake backed up in the late 1950s. For those who are going fishing despite the low water level, I would look for a shallow cranking bite. A Rat-L-Trap is famous up here for producing good weights throughout the winter months. Find a large concentration of bait in one of the major creek arms, and start fishing. The small threadfin shad that migrate to the backs of the creeks will start to die off as the water temperatures continue to drop. You will have a chance to catch largemouth and striped bass when you get in the right creek.” Josh said fish will begin to get deep as temperatures continue to drop in December. “Look for a good ditch bite to start up as we move through the month of December,” said Josh. “The spots and largemouth will began to congregate around the timber edges that line these ditches, and you can target them in several ways. A Buckeye Lures Mop Jig or Ditch Blade fished through the center of the ditch will work well. The fish will be at different depths in the ditch depending on the weather and time of day, so always keep a spoon or a drop shot ready for any activity you see on the graph.”