Keowee/Tugaloo Confluence / Tugaloo Pointon Lake Hartwell
What's working on Lake Hartwell
- 01Black bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth) are entering fall patterns, schooling up and feeding aggressively in Lake Hartwell.
- 02Main lake humps in approximately 20 feet of water are holding active bass and stripers.
- 03Opportunities for topwater action with poppers can still occur on warmer, overcast fall afternoons, especially along weedlines.
- 04Rainbow Trout in the tailwater below Hartwell Dam are consistently feeding on midges and aquatic worms.
- 05A slower, more erratic retrieve for streamers on the lake, and paying close attention to subtle takes on nymphs below the dam, will be key this week.
What to tie on at Keowee/Tugaloo Confluence / Tugaloo Point
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Clouser Minnow (Bass)
A versatile baitfish imitation that is highly effective for targeting active bass and stripers in clear, warming lake waters during the spring. Its weighted eyes help it get down to cruising fish.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Black/Olive)
An essential and versatile streamer pattern that imitates both leeches and baitfish, which are active in Lake Hartwell's warming spring temperatures. Effective for all target species.
Game Changer
A large, articulated baitfish imitation perfect for enticing trophy bass and aggressive striped bass looking for a substantial meal in the spring. Fish at varying depths with a strip-pause-strip retrieve.
Buy at AmazonCrayfish (Fly)
Crayfish are a primary food source for bass in rocky areas. This pattern is effective when stripped along the bottom with pauses to mimic a fleeing crayfish.
Buy at AmazonDamsel Nymph (Olive)
Damsel nymphs become increasingly active in late spring as they migrate towards shore to hatch. This pattern is effective when stripped slowly along weed beds, attracting bass and panfish.
Gurgler (Bass)
As spring progresses and water temperatures warm, topwater action for bass can begin. This popper creates disturbance, mimicking a fleeing baitfish or injured prey, enticing aggressive strikes.
White Woolly Bugger
White streamers are highly effective for targeting Striped and Hybrid Striped Bass at depth, imitating the baitfish they prey upon in Lake Hartwell's deeper sections.
Olive Woolly Bugger (Bass)
A versatile streamer pattern that imitates leeches and baitfish, a consistent food source for various predatory species, including bass, in Lake Hartwell.
Damsel Nymph (Olive)
Damsel nymphs are actively migrating towards shore in late spring and summer, making this pattern excellent for stripping slowly along weed beds and attracting cruising bass and panfish.
South Carolina season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.