9 April 2018
Clark's Hill (Lake Thurmond) Fishing Report
Striped bass, Hybrids and Crappie report
Courtesy of Capt Tony Shepherd and Capt Rocky Fulmer
Little River Guide Service
The Current Lake Level is remaining steady at 327.12 (2.9 ft) below full pool and surface temperatures on the south end of the lake are around 61 deg in AM and rising. Cool weather has not fully released its grip. The mornings have been a little frosty but the evenings have warmed up nicely. The major food source for our lake (blueback herring) has responded by moving in and out of the shallows. In some locations, the herring spawn is in full swing. On the South end of the reservoir, it is only in the beginning stages.
The Stripers and Hybrid stripers have been very cooperative and receptive to multiple patterns. Live and cut bait on shallower down rods (12-30 ft) Freelined herring, and flatlines with small weights have produced well in the shallows along with a few fish falling for flukes and chrome artificial offerings. All Sections of the lake are holding fish right now and the seagulls and loons can help point the way to active feeding fish. The Anthony Shoals area on the northern end of the lake is a traditional hybrid spawning area and according to recent reports, is producing very well.
At the current pace, Spring fishing techniques should last well into the month of may this year. When the blueback herring spawn runs its course and the bait returns deep, the predator fish will follow and lead to some ferocious down rod feeding. This typically develops around Memorial day weekend and last throughout the summer. This can be the best time to introduce young anglers to the excitement of fishing without having much downtime for them to get bored.
The crappie fishing has pickup up over the past two weeks and many of the fish have spawned with the last full moon. As soon as the females spawn, they will go into a negative mood and hug the bottom for a few days, while the males will remain close to the nest and protect the fry. The mid morning and evening periods have been more productive due to the cold nights. Trolling jigs can still produce good fish as well as dabbling a cork and jig or minnow in the shallow cover. All Crappie will not spawn at the same time. Look for the lower end to still offer prespawn slabs in the coming days.
