Chilly weather, hot action
The upstate area of South Carolina is an outdoorsman’s Mecca for fall and winter fishing, with multiple species providing great action at Lake Hartwell for stripers and black bass, and at Lake Jocassee for trout and black bass.
But an overlooked resource is a remarkable fishery for cold-weather action, the aggressive biting spotted bass at an oft-overlooked fishery resource, Lake Keowee. Keowee is a deep, clear-water lake offering extraordinary scenery and even better action on fall and winter spotted bass.
At the recent SC Outdoor Press Meeting, hosted by Lake Hartwell Country in Anderson, SC, several writers had the opportunity to sample this fantastic fishery.
Veteran guide Chip Hamilton has fished Lake Hartwell for decades and has learned that during the fall and winter, the fishing can become tougher for stripers at Lake Hartwell.
“When Lake Hartwell turns over in the fall, and also after cold fronts common from now through the winter, the striper and hybrid fishing at Lake Hartwell can get tougher,” Hamilton said. “I wanted a dependable backup option for my clients, and we’ve found a treasure at Lake Keowee. The spotted bass fishing at Lake Keowee isn’t impacted as dramatically by fronts as stripers are at Hartwell, in part because the spots are already holding in deep water.”
Hamilton said the fishing is usually vertical with blueback herring most of the day, making it a reliable and fun adventure for anglers of all skill levels. He said it’s an excellent opportunity for family groups, such as youngsters and grandparents, to enjoy fast action.
“It’s great for anyone who loves to catch black bass,” he said. “I get to the lake early, before dawn, because it’s common in the low light of early morning to catch spots by casting shallow running crankbaits along the shallows, targeting feeding fish. This action doesn’t last long, but can be very productive. Also, at Lake Hartwell, when targeting spotted bass in deep water, we’ll catch them using jigging spoons, and that’s a mid-morning option at Lake Keowee.”
Big limits
Hamilton said that while spotted bass are abundant, they are considered an invasive species by SCDNR on some lakes, and limits are liberal at 10 fish per person.
“These deep-water spotted bass from Keowee are outstanding table fare,” he said. “My family loves to eat them.”
On our trip with Hamilton, in addition to catching close to three dozen spotted bass, the catfish action was steady with fat flatheads feasting on the blueback herring baits. We caught a half-dozen catfish — flatheads and channels — and Hamilton said his clients often hook monster-sized blue catfish.
The largest flathead that morning was 31 inches, caught by writer Philip Hunt, winning the two-day internal catfish competition category among writers. This competition was part of the SC Outdoor Press Meeting, adding an extra layer of excitement to the fishing experience. Also, in Hamilton’s boat that same morning, Jaime Madewell won the black bass category with a fat Keowee spotted bass, so Hamilton’s anglers doubled up on award-winning fish on the same trip. Several boats filled with writers fished different lakes throughout the writer’s meeting.
“Keowee is an excellent catfishing resource, and like the spotted bass, an overlooked fishing opportunity,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton operates Lake Hartwell Fishing Charters (864-304-9011; or check his site on Facebook), and he’s fished the lakes in this area his entire life, guiding professionally for nearly 30 years.
For details on accommodations, restaurants, and general information about the area, the Lake Hartwell Country Tourism office provides abundant information on its website at lakehartwellcountry.com or by calling 864-646-3782.
Go now, the bite is good for several species.
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