Jocassee’s summer trout

Upstate lake is prime trout territory

In the heart of South Carolina’s mountain region, Lake Jocassee becomes a remarkable haven for trout anglers in August. Despite the intense summer heat, the lake’s depth keeps its waters cool and oxygen-rich, ideal for sustaining robust populations of brown and rainbow trout. These fish descend into the thermocline between 80 and 120 feet deep, where temperatures remain near 55 to 65 degrees, and experienced anglers adjust their strategies to reach them.

Trolling is the trick

Veteran guide Sam Jones of Jocassee Charters said, “The best way to get them is trolling flutter spoons and stickbaits 1.2 to 1.8 mph, 80 to 120 feet deep using downriggers.”

Many anglers combine live bait, particularly large shiners or blueback herring, with spoons for effective presentations. Jones emphasizes that “drifting or trolling large shiners works well also.”

Fishing can be productive throughout the day, contrary to the belief that heat hinders trout activity.

“We have caught some of the biggest fish midday in the summer,” he said. “The biggest one caught on my boat was an 11-pound brown trout. We caught it around noon in the middle of July, trolling 85 feet deep.”

This underscores that while early morning and late evening bites are often prized, a well-placed downrigger rig under peak sunlight can produce stunning results.

Downrigging spoons

Higher reservoir levels common in late summer further enhance trout activity.

“The lake and the trout are simply doing what they’re supposed to be doing. Normal up here is pretty darn good,” he said, pointing out that many trout caught during the season measure at least 16 inches, while browns can reach 6 pounds or more.

One memorable trip yielded “two trophy-sized browns and four rainbows up to 19 inches” in a single morning.

In his decades of fishing the lake since 1978, Jones (864-280-9056) has refined his techniques. He relies on sensitive downrigger sensors to identify the exact depth of cold water and positions lines “just above it.”

Troll speeds often hover between 1.7 and 2 mph with Apex, Doctor, or Sutton spoons, or at slower speeds with live bait.

Trout on Jocassee often inhabit submerged structure, including treetops and channel edges, meaning anglers must navigate carefully.

Jones warns of the occasional snag. A particularly big trout can tackle bait near 90 feet and “grab the bait and head back down before you can stop him.” Yet, for those equipped with patience, precision, and trusted gear, August fishing on Lake Jocassee offers thrilling potential for trophy catches.