Bass fishing continues to be good on Lake Jocassee, as proven by the 9-pounder pictured below that was just hauled out of the lake by Guide Rob McComas (828-674-5041).  Rob reports that all three major species of Jocassee bass are feeding up for winter, and fish can be caught in the rivers as well around any main lake structure or cover.  Spots in particular are schooled up in both the river channel as well as in the main lake off points.  Fish are prowling for shad and herring, and some days they will be relating more to the banks and shoreline cover while on other days they will be more out in the channel.

As is his preference Rob continues to target the top and the bottom of the water column, and right now that means fishing the surface down to about 40 feet depending on conditions.  At the top of the water column 5-inch swimbaits as well as topwaters are working well, and on the bottom he likes to fish jigging spoons, underspin-style baits rigged with flukes, or live minnows.

Overall, Lake Jocassee water levels are up to 98.9% of full pool.

Trout: Good.  After an odd early fall where fish held deeper than expected Guide Sam Jones (864-280-9056) reports that Lake Jocassee trout are finally doing what they are “supposed to do” at this time of year.  Fish have not made it to the very backs/ shallows yet nor are they on the surface, but they are in the rivers in 30-60 feet of water sticking mostly to the main channel.  Bait continues to work well but hardware such as Sutton spoons is also catching fish.  There are also fish at the dam year round, although Sam is finding greater numbers of spotted bass in that area.  However, with the introduction by DNR of sterile triploid fish that don’t try to spawn more fish should be hanging out in the big water – although the experience on some lakes has been that these fish get caught out quickly.

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