Lake Hartwell

NOEoutdoors Fishing Report – Lake Hartwell – Second Week of October 2025

Fall has officially settled in at Lake Hartwell. Surface temperatures are sitting in the mid 60s, and the lake is clear on the main body with a light stain in the backs of creeks. The first few cold fronts have shaken things up, but overall, the fishing is solid once conditions stabilize. Shad and herring are starting to group up in coves, pockets, and along points, pulling bass, crappie, and stripers into feeding mode.

Bass

Both spotted and largemouth bass are transitioning from deep summer structure to mid depth and shallow feeding areas. Early mornings and evenings are prime time for topwater action around main lake points, humps, and blow-throughs where bait is present. Walking baits, buzzbaits, and flukes are producing quality bites.

During the day, move deeper and target brush piles, docks, and channel swings with crankbaits or underspins in shad and silver hues. When the cold front hits, slow things down with finesse presentations shaky heads, drop shots, or Ned rigs in green pumpkin or watermelon. Wind-blown points remain your best bet for active fish.

Crappie

Crappie are staging over brush piles, timber, and docks in 12–20 feet of water. The bite is best in the mornings and late afternoons. After a cold front, they tend to drop a few feet deeper and get tight to cover, so vertical jigging becomes the most effective approach.

Small 1/32–1/16 oz jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics are working well. Chartreuse, white, and natural shad colors remain the most consistent producers. Shooting docks or slow trolling creek arms can help locate scattered fish.

Striper & Hybrid

Stripers and hybrids are following schools of blueback herring into creeks and coves. Early mornings have seen good topwater action, especially on calm days. Watch for birds working — they’ll lead you straight to active fish.

When they’re up top, throw walking baits, Red Fins, or flukes into the commotion. During the day, switch to downlines and freelines with live herring, or troll umbrella rigs and swimbaits along ledges and points. After a front, expect them to drop deeper and hug the thermocline. Use your electronics to find the bait, and you’ll locate the stripers.

Cold Front Tips

Slow It Down: Cold fronts can make fish sluggish. Use smaller baits and more patient presentations.
Follow the Bait: Find the shad and herring, especially in wind-blown creeks and coves. That’s where the fish will be.
Afternoon Advantage: Once the sun warms the surface and pressure evens out, the bite improves drastically. Plan your best efforts later in the day.

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