How to Fish Clarks Hill Reservoir: Best Patterns & Techniques

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Clarks Hill Reservoir

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Clarks Hill Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	51-62	Actively transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, with fish moving between 15-25 foot rock piles and shallower structure as water warms Feeding heavily on crawfish around rocky structure, with some fish beginning to target shad and herring in preparation for spawn Most active during warming trends, becoming less active during post-frontal conditions	Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-25 foot depth range Main lake points with transition to deeper water Laydowns and wood cover in protected areas, especially during warming trends	Carolina Rigs worked slowly along rock piles and points Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near points and deeper structure Shakey Heads around laydowns and wood cover Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') when fish move shallower during warm periods	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat and moving on rocky structure Blueback Herring starting to become more active in warming water Shad schools beginning to move shallower	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	55-65	Spotted bass are transitioning into pre-spawn patterns, actively feeding on crawfish while staging near spawning areas. Fish are holding on secondary points and humps adjacent to spawning pockets, showing consistent feeding activity throughout the day. Fish are responding well to bottom-oriented presentations in the moderate visibility conditions, staying relatively shallow in the 5-15 foot range due to the stained water characteristics.	Secondary points adjacent to spawning pockets Humps near spawning areas with rock or hard bottom Rock piles in 5-15 foot depth range	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Shakey Heads targeting rocky areas and points Football Jigs dragged across humps	Crawfish around rocky structure and hard bottom areas Blueback Herring suspending near points and humps	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, actively feeding near warming shoreline areas and docks Fish are becoming more active and aggressive, moving from deeper winter holdover spots to shallower pre-spawn staging areas	Docks in 8-15 feet of water, especially those near deeper water access Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 10-20 foot depths Protected coves and pockets with complex shoreline structure	Live Bait Rigs with minnows, as supported by recent fishing reports Crappie Dock Shooting with small jigs for targeting fish holding tight to dock structure Crappie Spider Rigging to effectively cover water and target suspended fish	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports Shad, particularly in deeper staging areas Blueback Herring, as noted in lake profile	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	68-74	Actively feeding on blueback herring in the upper water column, particularly during low light periods due to moderately stained water Staging near points in pre-spawn pattern, using wind-blown areas to ambush bait Suspending in the water column rather than holding tight to bottom structure	Wind-blown main lake points in 5-10 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning coves Suspended areas adjacent to deep water near points	Hard Topwater (Walking) Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Umbrella Rigs Spinnerbaits	Blueback Herring gathering for spawn Shad schools in wind-blown areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	51-65	Pre-spawn catfish are becoming more active and beginning to move from deep winter holdings into transitional areas, following channel swings and creek mouths Feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish particularly active during warmer afternoons and around areas with concentrated baitfish	Creek channel swings in 15-25 foot depth range, especially near brush piles Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water Secondary points leading into spawning coves	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through transitional areas	Shad schools congregating in creek mouths and channel swings Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas Blueback herring moving into pre-spawn patterns	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Largemouth bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from deeper staging areas to shallow spawning flats and establishing nesting sites near cover Fish are becoming increasingly aggressive and territorial, responding well to reaction baits around laydowns and other shallow cover as evidenced by recent bladed jig success	Laydowns and woody cover in spawning pockets, as confirmed by recent fishing reports Rocky points leading into spawning bays, indicated by lake structure patterns Shallow creek arms with emerging vegetation, based on lake profile observations	Bladed Jigs worked around shallow cover, proven effective in recent reports Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations around laydowns Spinnerbaits for covering water in stained conditions	Crawfish emerging and active in shallow water Bluegill moving shallow with warming trends Shad schools in pockets and creek arms	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass transitioning to spawning areas in 3-8 foot depths, particularly on hard bottom areas near points and pockets Males actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby structure, making frequent moves between deep and shallow water Aggressive territorial behavior around spawning areas, especially during warming trends	Rocky points and pockets with gravel or hard bottom in 3-8 foot depth range Secondary points near spawning pockets with nearby deep water access Protected areas with hard bottom near main lake structure	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible beds and likely spawning areas Shakey Heads worked slowly around spawning areas and staging points Soft Jerkbaits for aggressive pre-spawn fish moving up to spawn	Crawfish emerging as primary forage on hard bottom areas Blueback Herring schooling in pre-spawn patterns near points Small baitfish relating to spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are moving into shallow waters (2-8 feet) staging for spawn, actively feeding during pre-spawn and becoming more territorial during spawn Fish are congregating around shoreline structure and dock posts, particularly in protected coves and pockets where water warms first	Protected coves and pockets with docks, especially on the northern shorelines that warm first Shallow brush piles in 4-8 feet of water near spawning flats Staging areas near deep water access, particularly around dock posts and bridge pilings	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small shad concentrating in spawning areas Blueback herring moving shallow Small baitfish in warming pockets	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	68-74	Actively feeding in the upper water column around points in 5-10 feet during herring spawn Suspending off points and responding to wind-driven bait concentrations Most active during low light periods due to moderate water clarity	Wind-blown main lake points in 5-10 foot depth range Secondary points near spawning coves Creek arm intersections with the main channel	Hard Topwater (Walking) Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Umbrella Rigs	Blueback Herring during spawn Suspended Herring Schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	65-75	Catfish moving into shallower water (5-15 feet) as water warms, seeking optimal spawning temperatures and locations Males beginning to search for and prepare spawning cavities near structure, while females stage in slightly deeper adjacent areas Increased feeding activity during pre-spawn period, especially during dawn and dusk periods	Rocky areas and boulder fields in 5-15 foot depth range, especially near channel swings Brush piles adjacent to creek channels in 15-20 foot depth Protected coves with abundant structure and stable temperatures	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around rocky areas and brush piles Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through structure-rich areas	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Blueback herring in transitional areas Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	61-75	Bass are transitioning from spawning areas to feeding stations, actively pursuing blueback herring, shad, and bluegill in 2-5 feet of water Most active during early morning periods, especially around points and shallow cover, with increased activity during wind conditions	Secondary points with shell beds or bait activity Shallow pockets near creek mouths Main lake flooded brush in 2-3 feet of water Submerged vegetation in backs of pockets	Bladed Jigs worked around shallow cover Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to points Spinnerbaits during shad spawn in early mornings Texas Rigs (Worming) with floating worms in low light conditions	Blueback Herring schooling near points Shad spawning in backs of pockets Bluegill on shell beds and around shallow cover	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	68-79	Actively chasing blueback herring on wind-blown points and main lake structures, especially during periods of light to moderate wind (2-8 mph) Showing aggressive feeding behavior in the upper water column, particularly when herring are present, with fish willing to chase fast-moving baits near the surface	Main lake points with wind exposure, particularly those with access to deeper water Brush piles in 15-25 foot range, especially during bright conditions Laydowns and wood cover on main lake areas, particularly during high-sky conditions	Soft Jerkbaits worked quickly near the surface to imitate fleeing herring Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along points and through schooling fish Shakey Heads worked near brush piles when fish are holding deeper Spinnerbaits around laydowns and wood cover, especially in windy conditions	Blueback Herring - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Crawfish - secondary forage option particularly around rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning to deeper water, suspending near structure and actively feeding to recover energy Fish are schooling around brush piles and dock edges, typically at depths of 8-15 feet during feeding periods	Deeper brush piles adjacent to spawning flats Dock edges with deep water access Standing timber in 10-20 foot depth range	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad Blueback Herring Small Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	68-74	Striped bass are actively chasing blueback herring in the upper water column, particularly around wind-blown points, with aggressive feeding behavior during the post-spawn period Fish are suspending in 5-10 feet of water just off points, showing a pattern of moving up to feed when baitfish are present	Wind-blown main lake points where herring are congregating Secondary points with suspended bait in 5-10 feet of water Areas where herring are schooling near the surface	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked quickly for reaction strikes Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) presented at suspended fish depth Umbrella Rigs to mimic schooling herring	Blueback Herring (primary forage during spring spawn) Shad species in open water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	58-72	Post-spawn catfish actively feeding and recovering, moving along creek channels and transitional areas between spawning flats and summer haunts Fish are becoming more active with warming water, feeding heavily on shad and bottom-dwelling prey near structure	Creek channel swings with adjacent brush piles in 15-25 foot range Rock piles and boulder fields near deeper water access Shallow feeding flats adjacent to deep water channels	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Carolina Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure	Shad and blueback herring schools Crawfish in rocky areas Bottom-dwelling baitfish near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	74-89	Fish are splitting time between shallow and deep water based on time of day, with early morning shallow activity followed by movement to deeper structure as the sun rises Actively schooling on main lake structure when chasing blueback herring, especially during low light conditions Holding tight to cover during bright conditions, particularly around brush piles and rock piles near deep water access	Rock piles near main lake areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water Brush piles in 15-25 foot range, particularly those off main lake points Main lake points and humps where herring are present Creek channel grass and vegetation in early morning	Hard Topwater (Walking) during low light periods when fish are schooling Drop Shot around suspended fish over brush piles Football Jigs worked through rock piles Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) for active fish on main lake structure Frogs/Toads for early morning shallow vegetation pattern	Blueback Herring - primary forage on main lake structure Bluegill - especially around shallow cover and remaining spawning areas Shad - in creek arms and around points Crawfish - around rock piles and deeper structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	70-87	Actively schooling on main lake points and humps, targeting blueback herring with aggressive feeding periods Moving between brush piles in 20+ feet during midday heat, with single fish relating to each pile Exhibiting both deep structure-oriented behavior and surface schooling activity depending on bait position	Main lake points with brush piles in 20+ feet of water Offshore humps near deep water access Flooded brush areas in 10-15 foot range	Flutter spoons worked through deep brush piles Drop Shot on main lake points and humps Swim Jigs around flooded brush Hard Topwater (Walking) for schooling fish	Blueback Herring - primary forage driving schooling activity Shad - secondary forage around brush and structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	75-88	Crappie are suspending in deeper water (15-20 feet) near structure during daytime heat, moving shallower during dawn/dusk to feed Schools are relating heavily to brush piles and following shad schools in open water	Deep brush piles near creek channels in 15-20 foot depth range Main lake points with submerged timber Shaded dock areas in deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) with small jigs through suspended schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles Crappie Spider Rigging near creek channels and points	Shad schools in open water Blueback herring around points and channel edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	68-78	Striped bass become stressed and seek thermal refuge in deeper, cooler water when surface temperatures exceed 80°F Fish suspend in the water column near thermocline, making periodic feeding moves to shallower water during low light periods School with other striped bass around large concentrations of blueback herring in deeper water	Deep main lake points adjacent to river channels where cool water is accessible Suspended over deep water near thermocline (usually 20-35 feet) near baitfish schools Wind-blown points during early morning and late evening feeding periods	Trolling Deep (20'+) with downriggers to reach suspended fish Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are spotted on electronics Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) during low light feeding periods	Blueback Herring schools in deeper, cooler water Suspended baitfish near thermocline	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Catfish	75-89	During summer, catfish become most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, moving from deeper haunts to shallower feeding zones Fish concentrate around the thermocline (12-15 feet) during day, spreading out to feed along channel edges and flats at night Increased metabolism in warm water leads to more aggressive feeding behavior, especially around structure-rich areas	Deep brush piles in 15-25 foot range during daylight hours Creek channel swings and transitions, especially where they intersect with structure Rocky areas and boulder fields near channel edges Shallow flats adjacent to deep water during night feeding periods	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) during day near brush piles Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along channel edges Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel swings during transition periods	Shad schools concentrated around thermocline Blueback herring in open water areas Crawfish in rocky areas and around structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Clarks Hill Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	66-81	Bass are actively chasing baitfish and transitioning from summer to fall patterns, following shad and herring schools Fish are relating to wind-blown areas and showing aggressive feeding behavior during overcast conditions	Main lake points and secondary points with rock structure Windy pockets off the main lake with laydowns Creek channels near secondary points	Buzzbaits worked quickly over shallow cover in windy conditions Spinnerbaits around rocky points with wind Bladed jigs worked along creek channels	Blueback Herring schooling near points Shad concentrating in creek arms Bluegill around shallow cover	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	68-71	Spotted bass are actively feeding on brushpiles and main lake structure in 15-20 foot depths, with increased activity during sunny conditions Fish are showing both bottom-oriented feeding patterns and suspended schooling behavior, especially around main lake humps and brush Post-turnover transition has fish relating heavily to main lake structure rather than creek areas, despite presence of baitfish in creeks	Brush piles in 15-20 foot depth range on main lake Main lake humps with nearby deep water access Boulder fields and rock structure in 10-14 foot range	Structure Jigs worked slowly through brush piles Spinnerbaits burned over brush for reaction strikes Lipless crankbaits yo-yoed or retrieved quickly with random pops	Crawfish around brush and rocky structure Blueback Herring in open water and over structure Bluegill around brush piles	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Schools of crappie are starting their fall migration from summer depths to intermediate staging areas, following baitfish movements Actively feeding during low-light periods, particularly around dawn and dusk, as they prepare for winter Suspending near structure at medium depths, typically 12-18 feet, adjusting depth based on baitfish location	Deep brush piles near creek channel bends in 15-20 feet of water Standing timber adjacent to deeper water Main lake points with submerged structure	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - effective for covering water and finding active schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - precise presentation around brush piles Hover/Mid-Strolling - excellent for suspended fish near structure	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and around points Blueback herring suspending near structure Small bluegills around brush piles	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Striped bass actively pursuing blueback herring schools in the upper water column during fall feeding periods Fish transitioning between deep summer haunts and shallower water as temperatures cool, following baitfish migrations Most aggressive during low light periods due to moderate water clarity, with feeding windows extending longer on cloudy days	Wind-blown main lake points where baitfish schools are concentrated Deep creek arm mouths with suspended bait Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where herring schools are staging	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked at various depths to match suspended bait Umbrella Rigs for mimicking herring schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding deeper Spoons worked through suspended bait schools	Blueback Herring - primary forage base Shad - secondary forage option	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Catfish	51-68	Moving from deep summer haunts to shallower feeding zones following baitfish migrations Increased feeding activity during fall turnover as oxygen levels stabilize throughout water column Actively feeding in creek channels and along channel swings as water temperatures drop	Creek channels and channel swings in 15-25 foot range Brush piles adjacent to deep water access Rock piles and boulder areas near channel transitions	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools moving into creeks Blueback herring in open water Crawfish near rocky structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	48-55	Largemouth bass are associating with submerged rocks and mud-stained points that warm faster than surrounding water, actively feeding during warming trends in the 50s Fish are showing increased feeding activity in wind-blown areas where muddy water is present, particularly along points and shorelines	Rock piles and rocky points that receive direct sunlight, particularly those in 5-15 feet of water Wind-blown points with stained to muddy water conditions Secondary points with a mix of rock and mud bottom	Bladed Jigs worked slowly along rocky structures and through stained water Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through muddy water zones Lipless Crankbaits worked around transitions from clean to stained water	Shad concentrated in slightly warmer water pockets Crawfish becoming more active around rocky areas as water warms	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-55	Spotted bass are concentrating on rocky main lake structure, particularly around boulders, showing aggressive strikes on falling baits Fish are holding tight to bottom structure in winter conditions, likely moving between depths based on daily temperature changes	Boulder fields and rock piles near dam area Main lake points with hard bottom structure Brush piles in 15-25 foot range adjacent to deep water	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom with emphasis on the fall Shakey Heads worked methodically around rock structure Blade Baits for active fish when they suspend off structure	Crawfish in and around rocky structure Blueback Herring suspending near points and humps	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are schooling tightly in deep brush piles, with reduced but consistent feeding periods Fish are suspending near structure, often holding tight to cover and requiring precise presentation	Deep brush piles in 15-25 foot range Deep creek channel bends with structure Standing timber near old river channels	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Ice Fishing Jigs	Minnows Small shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Striped Bass	45-55	Striped bass will be schooling heavily and actively feeding on suspended blueback herring in the water column Fish are likely to be more active during warmer parts of the day when bait is most active Schools will often suspend near points and channel edges where they can easily ambush herring schools	Main lake points adjacent to deep water channels Wind-blown banks where baitfish get concentrated Creek channel intersections in 15-30 feet of water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Umbrella Rigs Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Trolling Deep (20'+)	Blueback Herring Gizzard Shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Catfish	45-55	Catfish congregate in deeper, stable water areas like creek channels and deep brush piles, moving less but still feeding opportunistically Most active during midday when water temperatures peak, typically holding near bottom structure and channel edges	Deep creek channels and channel swings in 15-25 foot range Brush piles adjacent to channel edges Deep rock piles and boulder fields near channel intersections	Live Bait Rigs with heavy weights to maintain bottom contact Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure Hover/Mid-Strolling along channel edges	Winter-stressed shad and herring Bottom-dwelling crawfish Small bluegills near brush piles	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Clarks Hill Reservoir

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-25 foot depth range	Main lake points with transition to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Secondary points adjacent to spawning pockets	Humps near spawning areas with rock or hard bottom
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Docks in 8-15 feet of water, especially those near deeper water access	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 10-20 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Wind-blown main lake points in 5-10 feet of water	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channel swings in 15-25 foot depth range, especially near brush piles	Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and woody cover in spawning pockets, as confirmed by recent fishing reports	Rocky points leading into spawning bays, indicated by lake structure patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Rocky points and pockets with gravel or hard bottom in 3-8 foot depth range	Secondary points near spawning pockets with nearby deep water access
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected coves and pockets with docks, especially on the northern shorelines that warm first	Shallow brush piles in 4-8 feet of water near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Wind-blown main lake points in 5-10 foot depth range	Secondary points near spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Rocky areas and boulder fields in 5-15 foot depth range, especially near channel swings	Brush piles adjacent to creek channels in 15-20 foot depth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points with shell beds or bait activity	Shallow pockets near creek mouths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with wind exposure, particularly those with access to deeper water	Brush piles in 15-25 foot range, especially during bright conditions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Deeper brush piles adjacent to spawning flats	Dock edges with deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Wind-blown main lake points where herring are congregating	Secondary points with suspended bait in 5-10 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channel swings with adjacent brush piles in 15-25 foot range	Rock piles and boulder fields near deeper water access
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles near main lake areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Brush piles in 15-25 foot range, particularly those off main lake points
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with brush piles in 20+ feet of water	Offshore humps near deep water access
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles near creek channels in 15-20 foot depth range	Main lake points with submerged timber
Summer	Striped Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to river channels where cool water is accessible	Suspended over deep water near thermocline (usually 20-35 feet) near baitfish schools
Summer	Catfish	Deep brush piles in 15-25 foot range during daylight hours	Creek channel swings and transitions, especially where they intersect with structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and secondary points with rock structure	Windy pockets off the main lake with laydowns
Fall	Spotted Bass	Brush piles in 15-20 foot depth range on main lake	Main lake humps with nearby deep water access
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles near creek channel bends in 15-20 feet of water	Standing timber adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Striped Bass	Wind-blown main lake points where baitfish schools are concentrated	Deep creek arm mouths with suspended bait
Fall	Catfish	Creek channels and channel swings in 15-25 foot range	Brush piles adjacent to deep water access
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles and rocky points that receive direct sunlight, particularly those in 5-15 feet of water	Wind-blown points with stained to muddy water conditions
Winter	Spotted Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles near dam area	Main lake points with hard bottom structure
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 15-25 foot range	Deep creek channel bends with structure
Winter	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water channels	Wind-blown banks where baitfish get concentrated
Winter	Catfish	Deep creek channels and channel swings in 15-25 foot range	Brush piles adjacent to channel edges

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat and moving on rocky structure	Blueback Herring starting to become more active in warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish around rocky structure and hard bottom areas	Blueback Herring suspending near points and humps
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports	Shad, particularly in deeper staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring gathering for spawn	Shad schools in wind-blown areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in creek mouths and channel swings	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging and active in shallow water	Bluegill moving shallow with warming trends
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging as primary forage on hard bottom areas	Blueback Herring schooling in pre-spawn patterns near points
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad concentrating in spawning areas	Blueback herring moving shallow
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring during spawn	Suspended Herring Schools
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Blueback herring in transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Blueback Herring schooling near points	Shad spawning in backs of pockets
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Blueback Herring - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Crawfish - secondary forage option particularly around rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Blueback Herring
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring (primary forage during spring spawn)	Shad species in open water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad and blueback herring schools	Crawfish in rocky areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Blueback Herring - primary forage on main lake structure	Bluegill - especially around shallow cover and remaining spawning areas
Summer	Spotted Bass	Blueback Herring - primary forage driving schooling activity	Shad - secondary forage around brush and structure
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools in open water	Blueback herring around points and channel edges
Summer	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring schools in deeper, cooler water	Suspended baitfish near thermocline
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated around thermocline	Blueback herring in open water areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Blueback Herring schooling near points	Shad concentrating in creek arms
Fall	Spotted Bass	Crawfish around brush and rocky structure	Blueback Herring in open water and over structure
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and around points	Blueback herring suspending near structure
Fall	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring - primary forage base	Shad - secondary forage option
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools moving into creeks	Blueback herring in open water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad concentrated in slightly warmer water pockets	Crawfish becoming more active around rocky areas as water warms
Winter	Spotted Bass	Crawfish in and around rocky structure	Blueback Herring suspending near points and humps
Winter	Crappie	Minnows	Small shad
Winter	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring	Gizzard Shad
Winter	Catfish	Winter-stressed shad and herring	Bottom-dwelling crawfish

Bait Colors by Season for Clarks Hill Reservoir

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors