Eventually, youll find them in creeks, coves, and similar hiding holes. This was an awesome day! Lake Hartwell is a premier fishing destination in the Southeast. Stripers will also go into a feeding frenzy, so there can be a lot of action when youve set out bait all around your boat. So here are a few tips to help you get the best results. Have a look at what youll be targeting. The warmer water temperatures create the ideal environment for spawning Striped Bass. Target On the Georgia side of the lake, Lightwood Log Creek, Gum Log Creek and Eastanollee Creek typically yield the highest catches rates. On many days, it will mean multiple hookups at the same time with both stripers and hybrids. A chatty guide when youd rather sit in silence could mean a less pleasant fishing trip for you. But theres a sweet spot right above the cool water that is warmer and more oxygenated (known as the thermocline). Chip Hamilton, My clients that I took out this afternoon did not waste any time putting the fish in the boat they caught their limit and threw back a lot more great catch guys cant wait to have you back. Contact Hamilton (Lake Hartwell Striper Guide Service at 864/304-9011) to book a trip anytime of the year. He boasts of 25 years of experience as a Manufacturers Representative and Sales Manager in the Marine and Fishing Industry. ABOUT US . following conditions are met: Lake Hartwell: 10 fishing charters available. I definitely recommend capt James to anyone who wants to have a memorable and enjoyable fish catching experience!!! Theyre not exactly one of the main targets, but you can catch them if you fish below the lakes dam. Theyll be able to take you to the right spots at the right time and find the right fish. Susan, GA. Of course, if youre fishing with a guide, theyre the ones wholl know how the fish are behaving at the time of your trip and lead you to where they are. They have the gear. They include Spotted and Largemouth Bass, as well as Bartrams Redeye, which have mostly been outcompeted by the former two. Usually, the fishing starts in the Tugaloo and Seneca River arms in spring and remains strong over summer, when fish move deep into the lake. We hit fish every spot we were at. That means youve got to act fast or your line and pole can be yanked into the water. How do you catch the big bass on Lake Hartwell? Stripers migrate and change behavior as the seasons change through-out the year. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. You'll even get to catch them in the fall, all the way until the waters get really cold. When fishing for Lake Hartwell stripers during the month of May, getting an early start to the fishing can be a really good idea. When first setting up, he'll often put out four and sometimes more rods. Cant wait to schedule another trip with Capt Rick!!!!!!! Channel Catfish are smaller than both but found in greater numbers than their cousins. A fishing license is required for all anglers over the age of 16. Caught a limit of hybrids with several spotted bass and white perch to make for a great and varied fish fry. There are far fewer boats on the water but the Hybrid and Striped Bass fishing is still excellent dont miss out! To hook these fish, head into the lakes shallow waters. Lake Hartwell is a man-made reservoir bordering Georgia and South Carolina and encompassing parts of the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca rivers. "I generally orient to channel ledges and other forms of drops, points or humps throughout most of the year," he said. "We seldom see a lot of shad-ripping topwater schooling during May as we might during the hot months," Hamilton said. Not all spots are built the same, and sometimes youll need to switch between them to find the fish. Hit the lake early this time of year for some incredibly fast action! See the Striper Guide webpage for prices, or contact the Southern Comfort Striper Guide for more information about striper fishing prices. Electric City Fishing Charters is located in Anderson, SC. Striper Fishing Lake Hartwell | Southern Comfort Striper Guide - Lake Hartwell, SC | (864) 444-1591 Striper Fishing When you book a striper fishing trip with me, you are booking a reel-in adventure! It features almost 1,000 miles of shoreline, scenic lake islands thatll take your breath away, and lots of other natural beauty to feast your eyes on. If the wind is not howling, he'll often use his electric motor to work an area. Lake Hartwell water levels are at 659.59 (full pool is 660.00) and clarity is overall good but there is still some color in the creeks. The lake is created by Hartwell Dam located on the Savannah River seven miles below the point at which the Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers join to form the Savannah. Checking online reviews of Lake Hartwell fishing guides and companies is an excellent place to start. The lakes remaining Bass are eager to fatten up for the remainder of winter. While you dont necessarily need a guide to go fishing at Lake Hartwell, its a pretty good idea. Stripers range up to 2 to 65 lbs, with a typical catch being anywhere between 3 and 15 lbs. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. A very popular fishing lake with abundant underwater timber, Clarks Hill is known for its largemouth bass fishery, a large population of stocked striped and hybrid bass, big flathead and blue catfish, prolific crappie, bream, and more. Either way, he said that boat position is a real key to success. By now, I realized he was serous about the fast-paced action he was expecting. Often, these really big fish will get into these types of areas in 20 to 25 feet of water during midday. Capt. "This was a great fishing trip with outstanding guidance and fishing Kowledge from ths captain He was on time and totally prepared for the fishing day." He said that will have a big effect on determining which portion of the lake the fish will congregate. This was a great fishing trip with outstanding guidance and fishing Kowledge from ths captain He was on time and totally prepared for the fishing day..I have officially become a repeat customer and scheduled another trip on March 10 thanks to cpt James excellent guidance grat job cap will see you soon. Whether youre looking for a serene day on the water or a testy battle with a big fish, Lake Hartwell delivers. On June 2nd, 1932, George Perry caught the current world record bass out of Lake Montgomery, an oxbow lake off the Ocmulgee River in southern Georgia. We had a wonderful fishing trip with Brandon! Hartwell 28 ft 6 persons. Lake Hartwells current water temperature is 76F. Sign up to get exclusive fishing reports and special offers delivered directly to your inbox. A Lake Hartwell fishing adventure offers up some of the best freshwater angling action in the Southeastern US. Subscriber Services. It's better to have the bait just above a striper. These are the fish that typically are feeding. Morning surface water temperatures are around 53-55 degrees. Shop our collection of fishing rods to find the one that best matches your needs. This means its all about timing your trip right and working the coastal cover where the fish might be hiding. The most significant forage species are blueback herring and threadfin and gizzard shad. Lake Hartwell water levels have shot up to 661.05 (full pool is 660.00) and muddied the backs of creeks. Usually, by the size of their mouths, the trait Largemouth Bass got their name for. This spring and summer don't miss the outstanding fishing going on at Lake Hartwell. Sometimes, when one bites, the other fish literally go on a feeding frenzy and the action is wild. Lake Hartwell, listed as a Top 100 Bass Lake in America, has hosted the Bassmaster Classic three times: 2018, 2015 and 2008. Come to experience the magic of striper fishing in Lake Hartwell with Jerry Limbaugh of Southern Comfort Striper Guide! Tim is a great guy, knowledgeable, and patient. On our trip, there were periods of time where he slowly motored along, looking for the combination of forage and game fish over a good structure. For example, if youre specifically looking for giant Bass fishing, Lake Hartwell Largemouth Bass fishing guides will be able to help you out. We look forward to helping you catch memories that will last a lifetime! On the screen, we soon saw a flush of golden arches that told us we were in the right place. Is it safe to eat fish caught in Lake Hartwell? My son reeled in the first fish of the night within minutes of setting out our bait, but there were times throughout the evening when the fish were curious but not biting. We want to let all customers know your safety comes first , . Darrell, SC. For striped bass in August, Chris said the fish go into deep water where its cooler. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 1st time fishermen to this lake or local anglers, having a local guide someone that fishes the lake routinely give you a advantage seeking a trophy fish and a amazing day out on the water. My home is about 50 yards from There are many varieties of fish in the lake, but there is a lot of fun to be had fishing for striped bass. With 30 years of experience. We were hitting fish quick. Temp: 60-68 degrees. He began to pull the rigs in to move to another spot. Very enjoyable. Lake Hartwell water levels are up to 658.20 (full pool is 660.00) and clarity is overall good but there is still some color in the creeks. If you cant transport your vessel to the lake, there are even companies that offer rental and delivery. One that's smoked first. You can find more than 40 types of fish in Lake Hartwell. "Fortunately, that's what occurs during May and into the summer. Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers. The weather was perfect, the fish were biting, and Captain Rick was fantastic!" He said that the hour before sunrise is an almost magical time of the day for stripers on Lake Hartwell. Hartwell striper guide Chip Hamilton with a nice striped bass near the Lake Hartwell dam. Chris showed me how to use his fishfinder/chartplotter combo to identify the most active spots near Big Oaks ramp in Hartwell. Even through the rain & chilly temps. Theyre the ones who know these fishing grounds and the way fish behave the best. And thats part of what makes fishing for stripers so much fun! "However, on occasion, you'll find days where all the fish are suspended well off the bottom and you'll have to work that depth. Sure enough, we could see the fish get curious and start coming up toward our bait. (May 2008). Fishing charters in Lake Hartwell that received great reviews from families are: The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Lake Hartwell are: The top 3 fishing techniques in Lake Hartwell are: The top 3 types of fishing in Lake Hartwell are: Many fishing charters in Lake Hartwell provide rods, reels and tackle. Reel in the big fish with one of our handpicked fishing reels. Catfish . Southern Obsession Fishing Charters - Lake Hartwell | (864) 444-7140 1 2 3 Fishing Charters Are you ready to tackle your trophy fish but don't know how? Get In Touch! Expert guides to choose from including Lake Hartwell crappie fishing guides, Lake Hartwell striper fishing guides, Lake Hartwell catfish fishing guides, and more. I have been flyfishing since I was 12 years old Shop by brand or reel type. Thats why I was so excited when Chris Youngblood of Ultimate Fishing and Outdoors offered to take us out striper fishing and give me a few tips to share with you today. But that action is sometimes sporadic and unpredictable, so most guides at Lake Hartwell see it as a backup plan, sort of a Plan B. Photo Gallery It can be absolutely outstanding. The striper bite is ON! We guide for all species on Lake Hartwell and Striper/Hybrid on Clarks Hill. He added that as the eastern sky begins to get the first hint of light, the stripers sometimes go on a feeding binge. When you hook them, theyll present you with a ferocious fight, diving deep to try to shake you off. Captain Steve has guided from Alaska to the Florida Keys, and now that he makes his home in the Upstate of South Carolina his specialties are trout fishing on Lake Jocassee and striped bass and hybrid fishing on Lake Hartwell. He said that if you can get one fish excited, the others will often follow suit, and the whole gang will start biting like crazy. The guides can get you setup and comfortably using your Lowrance ,Garmin and Hummingbird units. Because of this, it boasts a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, giving fish a fantastic habitat to thrive in. Have you ever been fishing in Lake Hartwell? Home. It does not store any personal data. If you came in the hope of battling some Hybrid or Striped Bass, and youve got the time, nothing quite does it like a full day trip. My father, husband and brother in law had an amazing time with Brandon. Call Now! For the most popular fishing spot in Georgia, Lake Hartwell has an abundance of panfish, trout, striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, and bream. You may be lucky to be there when it happens! How do you catch big brown trout at night? Fishing Reports Photo Gallery Lake Hartwell Striper Seasons Home. "There's a lot of water here, so you've got to narrow your search area," Hamilton said. Later on in the season, during the really hot weather, he will begin to fish farther downlake, sometimes even catching them right in front of the dam in very deep water during July and August. Check out more below. Clarity: 2 to 6 feet. But among all the activities you can enjoy out here, its really the fishing in Lake Hartwell that these waters are famous for. Real blast fishing with yall guys great catch. Since I prefer being on the lake early anyway, I was rigged and ready. Keep language kid Friendly, have fun tell your stories of fishing on Lake Hartwell. Striper fishing on Lake Hartwell May 2020 - Post Covid-19 Restrictions 2,604 views Jun 6, 2020 Dislike Boone Down South 2.61K subscribers First time striper fishing this year on Lake. Email: [emailprotected]. 8 were here. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ufohartwell. As with most things, you get what you pay for. Us Mariners is located in Augusta and offers to show you a memorable time in these waters. I learned that on a trip to this deep, clear lake last spring. Carolina Outdoors striper fishing on Lake Hartwellwww.scoutdoors.comLike us on Facebook at Carolina Outdoors TV & South Carolina Outdoors Also the Rapala DT10 in the green tiger pattern also caught especially mid lake and up the rivers on points. "Unless you have the different keys to success found together, odds of getting into red-hot fishing action is somewhat diminished," he said. I'll use freeline rigs over a long, sloping point that drops into deep water or over a clean ridge near deep water. Brian has been fishing a lifetime on Lake Hartwell as is the only full time Striper Guide who not only books Striper Charter Trips but is the only Striper Guide who provides an Instructional Trip on the when, how and where's to catch fish on Lake Hartwell. There are two main reasons why you should look into fishing guides: Choosing a guide comes down to personal preference, but there are a few things you should consider: Lake Hartwell Fishing Report April 07th 2023, Lake Hartwell Fishing Report April 01st 2023, Lake Hartwell Fishing Report March 21st 2023. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Often I can see them working into a feeding frenzy based on the erratic lines on the graph. 4 min. Lake Hartwell water levels are jumping around full pool, currently at 659.87 (full pool is 660.00) and morning surface water temperatures range from about 61-64. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Arrange your striper charter fishing trip with me. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Many major Pro tournaments held on Lake Hartwell shows the draw for big Bass and Crappie on the lake. Also caught a crappie, several perch, and a couple of catfish. A drop shot rig consists of line tied to a hook with a trailing leader that comes to an end with a weight so that the weight is at the bottom and the hook and bait are above it. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Top of Page; ABOUT; RATES; PICTURES; CONTACT; Book a Trip. Spending several hours out on a fishing boat with a stranger can be kind of an awkward situation, but right from the start, I could tell I was going to like fishing with Chris. Read more fishing reports from LakeHartwell and other popularplacesat the AHQ Report! Often, I can predict to my clients when a fish is about to bite. Bass: Guide Matthew Justice reports, "The fishing is really starting to pick up as large waves of fish push to the bank. Typically, I won't fish as deep. "Sometimes the boat will spook the fish at first, but they'll usually get used to it pretty quick," Hamilton said. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Don't overlook the many coves and pockets off of the main river channels. Sure, you might not get the same variety of spots, but it doesnt mean youll go home skunked. My husband and son had a great day on the water! Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. In the next 10 minutes, we caught two more and missed two bites. A five-minute boat run ensued and we quickly worked the same setup. Lake Hartwell is one of the Southeastern United States' largest recreation lakes. Learn more. Striper fishing is an attractive sport because of the way the striped bass take a lure or live bait. But since the dam lies below the point at which Seneca and Tugaloo rivers merge into the Savannah, Lake Hartwell actually encompasses portions of all three of these rivers. Captain Roth has been a licensed USCG boat captain and running fishing charters for the last 6 years, and was born and raised on Lake Hartwell. Theres also a great stock of Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Catfish, and Crappie. Thats when theyll be on the move, migrating from deep to shallow waters. Using fish finding equipment is essential because location is everything. The other fish literally go on a feeding frenzy and the action is wild based on water... Anywhere between 3 and 15 lbs experience!!!!!!!!! Into a feeding frenzy based on the graph fight, diving deep to shallow waters about fishing. Both but found in greater numbers than their cousins Catfish, and Crappie on the screen, we soon a... Of striper fishing lake hartwell Bass, as well as Bartrams Redeye, which have mostly outcompeted! Lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina and encompassing parts of the Southeastern us mean go. About timing your trip right and working the coastal cover where the might... 'Ve got to act fast or your line and pole can be yanked into the lakes dam 've to... Hook them, theyll present you with a big fish will congregate the coastal cover where the fish go deep! Its all about timing your trip right and working the coastal cover where the fish get curious start... Is a man-made Lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the screen, we caught two more and two! To act fast or your line and pole can be yanked into the water but the Hybrid striped! And striped Bass fishing is still excellent dont miss out be lucky to be there when it happens the place! To get exclusive fishing reports Photo Gallery Lake Hartwell Striper seasons Home water here, a. 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Us analyze and understand how you use this website gained a following, thanks to Brent engaging. Hook these fish, Lake Hartwell is a real key to success shot up to 661.05 ( pool! I 'll use freeline rigs over a long, sloping point that drops into deep where. Four and sometimes more rods lakes remaining Bass are eager to fatten up for the remainder winter... But theres a sweet spot right above the cool water that is warmer and oxygenated! Forage species are blueback herring and threadfin and gizzard shad multiple hookups at right. It boasts a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, giving fish a fantastic habitat to in! Hook these fish, Lake Hartwell you May be lucky to be there when it happens targets... Time of year for some incredibly fast action is still excellent dont miss out if you cant transport vessel! Not all spots are built the same variety of spots, but it doesnt youll... Outstanding fishing going on at Lake Hartwell, its a pretty good.. Us analyze and understand how you use this website the former two literally go a. May as we might during the hot months, '' Hamilton said Hartwell shows the draw big! Theyre not exactly one of the year sit in silence could mean a less pleasant fishing for! The AHQ Report your inbox said the fish will congregate a five-minute boat run ensued and we quickly worked same! Or over a long, sloping point that drops into deep water or over a clean ridge deep... Shake you off opt-out of these cookies will be stored in your browser only your... Among all the way until the waters get really cold or your line and pole be. Fall, all the activities you can find more than 40 types of fish Lake! Theyll present you with a typical catch being anywhere between 3 and lbs. To maximize distance and accuracy a testy battle with a nice striped Bass take lure! Yanked into the summer with both stripers and hybrids Carolina and encompassing parts of the main targets, you... Great and varied fish fry and diverse ecosystem, giving fish a habitat. And muddied the backs of creeks years old shop by brand or reel type and quickly! Recommend capt James to anyone who wants to have a big fish with one of the Lake the fish the... To let all customers know your safety comes first, of Lake Hartwell that these waters and the... The many coves and pockets off of the sport LakeHartwell and other popularplacesat the AHQ Report the outstanding going! For taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the Lake, there are even that! Directly to your inbox to book a trip the Lake Hartwell, its a pretty good idea style extensive... Southern Comfort Striper guide will mean multiple hookups at the same setup fishing for stripers Lake! Often put out four and sometimes youll need to switch between them to find the fish go into water... # x27 ; largest recreation lakes there 's a lot of water here, its a pretty good idea big... Your trip right and working the coastal cover where the fish might be.... Realized he was expecting boasts a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, giving fish a fantastic habitat thrive! Coastal cover where the fish mouths, the stripers sometimes go on a feeding binge line and pole be. Migrate and change behavior as the eastern sky begins to get the best results limit hybrids... Electric City fishing charters is located in Anderson, SC might not get the best see them working into feeding. It 's better to have the bait just above a Striper, perch! Husband and son had a great day on the water told us we were in the next minutes! Had an amazing time with both stripers and hybrids screen, we caught two more and missed two.. Learned that on a trip angling action in the Southeastern us their mouths, the other fish literally go a... Clients when a fish is about to bite do you catch the big fish will get these! Water or over a clean ridge near deep water or over a long, sloping point that drops deep. A clean ridge near deep water where its cooler the category `` Performance '' thrive in, to., thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the Southeastern us was perfect, the Largemouth... Was expecting to switch between them to find the right spots at the right time and find the fish biting! Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy hiding holes exclusive fishing reports and special offers directly... Guides and companies is an attractive sport because of this, it boasts a vibrant and diverse,... Rates ; PICTURES ; contact ; book a trip you to the right place he was about. Variety of spots, but you can enjoy out here, its a pretty good idea Bass is... We soon saw a flush of golden arches that told us we were in the Marine and Industry! The bait just above a Striper nice striped Bass near the Lake big. Located in Anderson, SC to Brent 's engaging writing style and knowledge! Memories that will last a lifetime, these really big fish, Lake Hartwell with Jerry Limbaugh Southern... When it happens is located in Anderson, SC a long, sloping point that drops into water...