Lake Hartwell guy here

[ddot305]

Hello all, and thank you for allowing me to join your group. I live in the upstate of SC and fish Hartwell most of the time, but we have several good lakes within an hours drive of my house. My buddy and I take a trip to Guntersville every year, but decided we wanted to try Chick out this year. We are coming down Oct. 29th and fishing until Nov.2nd. Hoping to catch the frog bite. We're staying at Island Cove Marina and hoping for a good trip. I've read that the water is down, so hoping I could get any feedback on creeks to be careful in, or any watch outs I need to be aware of. A recommendation of a good place to eat would be appreciated too. If you see 2 guys in a white Ranger 518 with SC stickers scratching their heads and trying to figure out the bite, pull up and say hi, it's probably us. Tight lines to you all and stay safe on the water.

 

[Aries 181]

Amigos mexican restaurant is right across the road from the motel and plenty of places all up and down
58 highway to eat. Hixson has numerous places also. The lake is only about two feet low so you should have no issues running anywhere you want to go.

Bill

 

[ddot305]

Thank you sir.

 

[thegman]

Fished the Chick Tuesday with my son. He was out of school for fall break. We had a few blow ups and boated a couple on the frog. It looked like the water was up from our last trip. The mat wasn't what we were looking for. The lake level should be falling and temp falling with the cool nights. We fished from Hwy 60 bridge to creek above Richland creek.

 

[Zhouni]

They are really drawing the water down now its about 3 1/2 feet low right now the water temp is around 62 degrees
If you like to fish grass stay between the 60 bridge and 30 bridge

 

[FishingwithRusty]

as stated above most of the grass mats are above hwy 60 bridge. with the water dropping there are some mats showing up in other places. there is a good one just below "pinkie's"(almost straight across the river channel from island cove. adjust your lakemaster mapping for the lake level and you wont have any problems getting around

 

[Aries 181]

Correction Daniel, it is lower than I thought, so be careful once you leave the channel.
Use the link for the latest water level. http://www.chickamaugalake.info/Level/

Bill

 

[ddot305]

Thank you.

 

[silvertalon]

Can't over stress keeping within the bouy markers while on plane. There are expansive flats everywhere that may only be in 6-12" of water right now. If you are outside of the main river markers, I rec'd idling with your trim up 1/2 way and bring a spare prop just in case. Not trying to scare you but , just be aware and prepared.
gps mapping is paramount here in low water.
.

 

[ddot305]

Thank you for the feedback. If any of you guys ever plan a trip to Hartwell let me know and I’ll be happy to help you.

 

[fishinvol]

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Zhouni - 10/20/2017 11:53 AM They are really drawing the water down now its about 3 1/2 feet low right now the water temp is around 62 degrees If you like to fish grass stay between the 60 bridge and 30 bridge

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I’d like to know where you’ve found 62 degree water temps . 71-73 everywhere I’ve been .</p>

 

[Floatingphil]

I would recommend trying the ribs at Steve's Landing.

 

[ddot305]

Awesome. Sounds good.

 

[fish4fun24]

Going to Hartwell in 2 weeks. Would love to chat and get some tips. Friend has lake house and a.little jon boat. Hoping to get on water 1 or 2 days. Let me know. I can send you a pm

 

[ddot305]

Sent you a PM

 

[ddot305]

Just two more days until we come up. I keep reading the reports and trying not to get discouraged. But, it will be a fun trip regardless. Get to see a new lake and meet some new people that share our same passion.

 

[FishingwithRusty]

dont be discouraged by others reports, read between the lines. if what theyre doing isnt working then do do that just fish the conditions and youll be fine

 

[ddot305]

Thanks Rusty. We had a real good day Sunday, but not so much today. I think we're going to put in at 60 Bridge tomorrow and try our luck up there.

 

[catfish170]

Hey there. Welcome!! I have family in Charleston and fish a lit there. Looking for more info on Striper in the lake's in SC. Been over 30 years since Lake Marion.

 

[ddot305]

I don't actively fish for striper, but do get on them occasionally. I know on Hartwell right now they are moving up the creeks. Most striper fishermen on Hartwell chase the birds. If they find the birds, then they have found the fish. Sorry I can't help you any more than that.