January 9, 2026

By NOEoutdoors

 

Lake Hartwell is fully in its winter pattern right now. Water temperatures are mostly in the mid to upper 40s, with some variation depending on recent weather and which part of the lake you’re fishing. Fishing pressure is lighter, but the lake fishes tough if you rush. The fish are there and catchable, but January on Hartwell rewards patience and precise presentations.

 

Below is a breakdown of how bass, crappie, and stripers are setting up on the lake right now.

 

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Bass Report (Spotted and Largemouth)

 

Bass on Hartwell are holding deep and relating heavily to structure. Most fish are set up along the main river channel, major creek channels, long points, humps, and areas where the bottom changes quickly.

 

Spotted bass remain more active than largemouth this time of year. Spots will suspend or hold just off the bottom near deep structure, while largemouth tend to stay tighter to cover and are slower to bite.

 

Depth ranges vary, but many fish are holding in the 25 to 45 foot range. On sunny afternoons or during warming trends, some bass will rise slightly to feed, especially where bait is present.

 

Slow moving baits dominate in January. Jerkbaits fished with long pauses, jigging spoons, football jigs, and finesse bottom baits all work when fished patiently. Wind pushing into points and channel swings helps position fish and can improve the bite.

 

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Crappie Report

 

Crappie fishing on Lake Hartwell is consistent in January if you stay deep and focus on channel-related areas. Most fish are holding along creek channels, river ledges, and deeper flats close to structure.

 

Crappie are commonly found in the 20 to 35 foot range, often suspended slightly off the bottom. Electronics are key for locating schools and staying at the right depth.

 

Slow trolling jigs or fishing vertically once fish are located has been productive. Crappie tend to group up tightly in winter, so once you find them, it pays to stay in the area and work it thoroughly.

 

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Striper and Hybrid Bass Report

 

Stripers and hybrids remain active on Lake Hartwell throughout the winter, but the bite can be inconsistent depending on weather conditions. Fish are focused on bait and tend to roam deep open water near river channels and major creek arms.

 

Downlines, freelines, and planer boards are effective depending on where fish are positioned in the water column. Larger bait offerings are producing better quality fish.

 

Stripers often feed in short windows, especially during stable weather. Cold fronts will slow the bite and push fish deeper, while warming trends can trigger more aggressive feeding behavior.

 

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Three Key Fishing Tips for January

 

1. Fish the Channel

Winter fish on Hartwell live near the river and creek channels. Focus your time on points, bends, and humps tied directly to deep water.

 

2. Slow Your Presentations

Cold water fish won’t chase far. Slow retrieves, long pauses, and keeping baits in the strike zone longer lead to more bites.

 

3. Watch for Bait

Where the bait goes, the fish follow. Use your electronics to find bait schools and fish nearby structure.

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Final Take:

January fishing on Lake Hartwell is about fishing deep, staying patient, and letting the fish tell you what they want. It’s not a fast bite, but it’s consistent if you focus on structure and fish deliberately.