Freshwater Fishing Archives - Page 105 of 293

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October 12, 2026

Catch more Carolina winter trout with these tips

Robert Satterwhite

The key to successful winter trout fishing is to use more nymphs and fewer dry flies. […]

Former guide Bob Winters will target Santee Cooper blue catfish with drift rigs in December, while fishing live-bait rigs for striped bait at the same time.

December: It’s all about bait

Terry Madewell

As water temperatures dip in December, with frequent cold fronts blasting through South Carolina, the fishing on the Santee Cooper lakes, Marion and Moultrie, seem to defy logic and actually improves instead of slowing. […]

Guide Chris Nichols said High Rock is developing into a top-drawer lake for blue catfish.

Is High Rock the next catfish crown jewel?

Terry Madewell

Badin Lake on the Yadkin River chain in North Carolina has long been known as an excellent lake for blue catfish in the winter, but about 20 miles upstream, High Rock Lake seems poised to become the next winter hotspot.

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Find the forage, and you’ll find winter catfish

Terry Madewell

A recurring theme among all the catfish guides is that winter catfishing is all about the forage; you fish close to forage or you don’t catch fish.

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When fishing on a typical December day — a post-front, bluebird day — make sure to get your minnow right into the brush.

December slabs: a depth perception

Terry Madewell

Guide Dave Hilton spends a lot of time catching crappie on Lake Marion, and he’s learned specific tactics to improve success and describes them in his unique style. […]

The 2018 River Wars Catfish Tournament pits Catawba River Chain anglers vs. Yadkin River Chain anglers.

It’s time for war: River Wars 2018 Catfish Tournament

Brian Cope

The River Wars 2018 Catfish Tournament is this weekend, Dec. 15 – 16 and will at least temporarily settle the question of which anglers are better — Yadkin River Chain anglers or Catawba River Chain anglers? […]

Top Carolina winter catfish lakes

Terry Madewell

Gone are the days when catfish were delegated to warm weather and water for consistent fishing. With the introduction of blue catfish into many lakes and rivers in the Carolinas, the cold-weather catfishing game has changed significantly. […]

Lake Marion crappie stay hot in cooler December water.

Cold crappie kickoff

Terry Madewell

Cool weather and dropping water temperatures are a very good combination for December crappie on South Carolina’s Lake Marion. Anglers with a good game plan find that crappies begin to congregate into tighter areas around deep-water cover and score outstanding catches. […]

Double dipping for stripers, cats

Terry Madewell

Veteran guide Dave Hilton from Ridgeville, S.C., has long cherished the opportunity to catch multiple species of fish at Santee Cooper. During November, the striper and catfish action is exceptional on Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, so Hilton set out to learn how to double-dip. […]