Lake Hartwell Fishing Report March 2018

Hartwell: Level: 2.5 feet low. Temp: Mid 60s. Clarity: Clear on the main lake, stained in the creeks and rivers.

Bass: Tournament angler Kerry Partain reports, “There has been a drastic change in water temperatures, and the fish are on the move toward the spawning areas. With the sudden changes, the fishing can be very sporadic, but not all the bass spawn at the same time, so several different patterns will work. The key areas to focus on are primary and secondary points leading into the spawning pockets, docks and coves where they begin to make beds. Baits that typically produce good this time of year are jigs and Texas- and Carolina-rigged Zoom Baby Brush Hogs and lizards, Trick Worms, Senkos and shaky heads. Remember the Bassmasters Classic will be here in the middle of the month, and I expect to see record weights being weighed in, so you can see what baits will be working later in March.”

Linesides: Guide Preston Harden reports, “With the warm February, it is already happening. I like to fish afternoons as the water warms. I like to throw small flukes on a small jig head to wind-blown banks in the creeks. I will catch largemouth and spotted bass, hybrids and stripers. Normally the hybrids and stripers do not eat herring until April, but the water has already warmed enough for herring to work as of now. The lake is loaded with hybrids and stripers since the DNR has upped the stocking the last few years. The spotted bass are everywhere. They have finally become well established in Lake Hartwell.

Crappie: Guide Preston Harden reports, “The crappie have moved into the creeks and are already shallow with the warm water. Hit the banks in the afternoons with small shad imitations, and you may catch lots of different species.”