NOEoutdoors Fishing Report Clarks Hill Lake Second Week of October 2025

 

Fall has taken over at Clarks Hill. Surface temperatures are holding in the low to mid 60s, and the lake is clear on the main body with light stain up the rivers. Baitfish are schooling heavily in creeks and pockets, and all major species are feeding up. Cold fronts are starting to roll through, which can slow things briefly, but once conditions stabilize, the fishing gets better by the day.

 

 

 

Bass

 

 

Both largemouth and spotted bass are chasing shad and herring along main-lake points, humps, and creek mouths. Early mornings are excellent for topwater action walking baits, buzzbaits, and flukes will draw aggressive strikes when bait is active on the surface.

 

When the sun gets up, switch to crankbaits or spinnerbaits in shad or white patterns, and target rocky points or brush piles in 10–20 feet of water. If the bite slows after a front, go finesse. A shaky head or drop shot with natural green or brown plastics will get bites from pressured or suspended fish.

 

Wind is your friend right now focus on wind-blown points and pockets where shad are being pushed in.

 

 

 

Crappie

 

 

Crappie fishing is consistent, with fish stacking on brush, docks, and submerged timber in 12–20 feet of water. They’re holding tight to structure, especially after a front.

 

Vertical jigging small 1/16 oz jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics in white, chartreuse, or glow colors is the go-to pattern. Slow trolling along creek channels can help locate scattered schools. The best bites are coming mid-morning and late afternoon once the sun warms the water slightly.

 

 

 

Striper & Hybrid

 

 

Stripers and hybrids are in full fall mode, chasing herring into the creeks and mid lake areas. The most consistent bite has been early in the morning and late in the day when bait is near the surface.

 

Start with topwater plugs or flukes when you see fish busting on the surface. When they move deeper, switch to downlines or freelines with live herring. Umbrella rigs and trolling swimbaits are also producing solid fish near the dam and main river channel.

 

Keep an eye on your electronics bait is everything this time of year. Find the bait clouds, and you’ll find the stripers.

 

 

 

Cold Front Tips

 

 

1. Adjust Depth: After a front, fish drop slightly deeper. Follow them with slower presentations and lighter line.

2. Fish the Wind: Shad get pushed by the wind, and bass, crappie, and stripers follow. Target those areas first.

3. Be Patient: It may take a few hours after sunrise for the bite to warm up. The best action often happens mid to late morning once temperatures stabilize.

 

 

 

 

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