Lake Russell Fishing Report – July 2006

Russell: Level 1.3 feet below full pool. Temps: 76-80 on the lower end, but a cool 68 degrees up the lake below the Hartwell tailrace. Clarity: It’s been very clear, but heavy rains could stain some of the creeks.

Bass: Fair. Guide Wendell Wilson said for largemouths throw a Texas-rigged worm in the timber. “Fish the shady side of the trees. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, the trees might be in 15 or 60 feet of water, but the bass are usually eight to 15 feet down. Get in there and work until you find some fish, you’ll end up with five pretty good fish doing that.” For spotted bass, Wendell said to hit the rocky points from north of Pickens Creek up to the Hartwell Dam area. Use a drop shot with a watermelon seed Finesse worm or a Spotsticker jighead, Wendell said.

Crappie: Fair. “I’ve been fishing brushpiles in about 20 feet of water with minnows,” Wendell said. “I’m fishing a tight-line straight down with a split shot, and the fish are mostly eight to 10 feet down.” Wendell recommended brushpiles in Vanns Creek near the creek channel, and also brushpiles near the main channel in Rocky River.