Lake Russell Fishing Report – February 2008

Russell: Level: Down 2.4 feet below full pool. Temp: 48 degrees. Clarity: Clear.

Bass: Fair. Most catches have been a mixed bag of spotted bass and largemouths, and it has been taking 10 to 13 pounds to win the local pot tournaments the past few weeks, according to Trad Whaley. For quality bass, Trad said the best bet right now is to chase the birds to find bass that are pushing bait up on the big flats. For numbers of fish, find the deep schools. Trad said the magic depth right now is 28 to 32 feet deep. “Get on the big flats along the Savannah River channel, and use your electronics to look for baitfish,” Trad said. When you find bait, Trad said to drop a jigging spoon and work it just below the depth of the bait. “The spotted bass are in the mouths of the big creeks at that edge along the timber and the channels,” Trad said. He recommended a drop-shot rig for the spotted bass.