Bream holding in deep water

Abandon the shallows to stock up on November panfish

Bream fishing slows in shallow water across the Carolinas during November, but anglers who know how to target fish holding deeper can still enjoy steady action.

Cooler water sends bluegills and shellcrackers toward deeper holes, ledges, and channel bends, where they group up and feed less often, but still predictably.

Those who adjust to the depth can find success both in North Carolina’s Lake Tillery and South Carolina’s Lake Murray.

Lake Tillery

At Lake Tillery, bream hold in 12 to 20 feet of water near steep drop offs and brush piles.

The fish often suspend just above structure, especially during the warmest parts of the day when sunlight penetrates deep enough to spark some activity.

Local anglers rely on light spinning tackle with 4- to 6- pound test line, paired with small baits that fall slowly.

Tiny crickets and red worms fished on size 8 or 10 hooks below a split shot get bit when placed right in front of fish.

Dropping vertically from a boat positioned with a light breeze or spot lock is the most effective method this time of year.

Many anglers find success by lowering the bait until it just ticks the brush, then easing it upward a few inches. This slow and deliberate presentation often coaxes the larger bluegills to strike.

For those who prefer artificial lures, small hair jigs and 1-inch grubs on 1/32-ounce jigheads can tempt bites when worked vertically through the same areas.

Lake Murray

In South Carolina, Lake Murray offers similar late-season opportunities for anglers willing to fish deep. The lake’s numerous creek arms and points provide perfect structure for November bream.

Shellcrackers often concentrate near the edges of creek channels in 15 to 25 feet of water, particularly where shell beds or submerged timber are present. Anglers can locate these areas with electronics, then drop live worms tight to the bottom.

Because these fish often feed just inches off the lake floor, keeping the bait down and still is key. A light line and small hook help maintain a natural presentation, and a tiny piece of split shot is enough weight to reach the proper depth without losing sensitivity.

Be patient

Patience pays when fishing deep in November. Bream strikes may be subtle, felt only as a light tap or soft pressure. Setting the hook quickly ensures the bait does not get stolen.

Whether fishing the ledges of Lake Tillery or the channels of Lake Murray, anglers who adapt to the season’s cooler water and deeper patterns can still enjoy productive days catching some of the most spirited panfish in the Carolinas.