January 9, 2026

By NOEoutdoors

 

Clarks Hill is a true winter lake in January. Water temperatures are generally in the mid to upper 40s, with some areas touching the low 50s during extended warm spells. The lake is massive, and fish are spread out, but they are very predictable once you focus on the right structure. Fishing pressure is lighter this time of year, and anglers willing to slow down can have solid days even in cold conditions.

 

This lake is all about depth and structure right now. Fish are not shallow and they are not roaming aimlessly. They are set up on deep, channel-related structure and will only move short distances to feed.

 

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Bass Report (Spotted and Largemouth)

 

Bass on Clarks Hill are locked into winter patterns. Both spotted and largemouth bass are holding deep, but spotted bass remain the more consistent bite this time of year. Most bass are positioned along the Savannah River channel, major creek channels, long points, humps, and channel bends that provide quick access to deep water.

 

Depth plays a major role right now. Many bass are holding in the 25 to 50 foot range, depending on weather and water clarity. On stable days or during warming trends, some fish will suspend slightly off the bottom, especially when bait is present. After cold fronts, fish tend to slide deeper and stay tighter to structure.

 

Slow, deliberate presentations are key. Jerkbaits fished with long pauses can be effective over deep points and channel swings. Jigging spoons work well when bass are grouped up near the bottom. Football jigs, finesse jigs, and shaky heads also produce when crawled slowly along structure.

 

Wind blowing across points and channel swings helps position baitfish and can improve the bite. Calm, clear days usually require downsizing baits and slowing down even more.

 

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Crappie Report

 

Crappie fishing on Clarks Hill in January can be very productive once fish are located. Crappie are holding along the river channel, major creek channels, and deeper flats close to the channel edge. They are not shallow this time of year and typically suspend over deeper water.

 

Most crappie are found in the 20 to 35 foot range, but exact depth varies with weather patterns and light conditions. Electronics are critical for locating schools and determining how high fish are suspended off the bottom.

 

Slow trolling small jigs along channel edges is an effective way to cover water and locate fish. Once schools are found, vertical jigging allows you to keep your bait in the strike zone longer. Crappie are grouped tightly in winter, so staying on active schools is important.

 

Brighter jig colors and jigs with contrast tend to perform better in winter water, especially after rain or wind increases stain.

 

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Striper and Hybrid Bass Report

 

Stripers and hybrids remain active on Clarks Hill throughout the winter, but the bite is very dependent on weather and water conditions. Fish are focused on bait and often roam open water near the river channel and major creek arms.

 

Downlines and freelines are effective when fish are holding deeper. Planer boards can work when stripers move up in the water column to feed. Larger bait offerings tend to produce better quality fish during colder water periods.

 

Stripers often feed in short windows, especially during stable weather. Cold fronts typically push fish deeper and slow the bite, while warming trends can trigger more aggressive feeding behavior. Locating baitfish is the key to finding stripers right now.

 

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Three Key Fishing Tips for January

 

1. Fish Channel-Related Structure

Winter fish on Clarks Hill stay close to the river and creek channels. Focus on points, humps, and bends that connect directly to deep water.

 

2. Slow Down and Stay Patient

Cold water fish will not chase far. Longer pauses, slower retrieves, and fishing methodically will produce more bites.

 

3. Use Wind and Weather to Your Advantage

Wind helps position bait and fish. Pay attention to weather trends and adjust depth and presentation accordingly.

 

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Final Take:

January fishing on Clarks Hill is a grind, but it is consistent if you fish deep and stay disciplined. Focus on structure, trust your electronics, and fish slowly. The fish are there, and they will bite if you put your bait in the right place long enough