January 9, 2026

By NOEoutdoors

 

Lake Murray settles into a consistent winter pattern in January. Water temperatures are generally in the upper 40s to low 50s, depending on recent weather and the section of the lake you’re fishing. The fish are not aggressive, but they are predictable. If you understand how Murray fish use structure and depth in cold water, this can be a very productive time to be on the lake.

 

Fishing pressure is lighter this time of year, and fish are set up in well-defined winter locations. This is a lake where patience and precision matter more than covering water fast.

 

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Bass Report (Spotted and Largemouth)

 

Bass on Lake Murray are holding deep and relating closely to structure near the main river channel and major creek channels. Long points, humps, channel swings, and steep banks close to deep water are the most consistent areas right now.

 

Spotted bass are more active and easier to target than largemouth in January. Largemouth tend to stay tighter to cover and are less willing to move far to eat. Many bass are holding in the 20 to 45 foot range, with some fish suspending off the bottom when bait is present.

 

Slow presentations are critical. Jerkbaits fished with long pauses work well over deep structure, especially in clearer water. Jigging spoons are effective when bass are grouped near the bottom. Football jigs, finesse jigs, and shaky heads also produce when crawled slowly along structure.

 

On days with stable weather or a warming trend, bass may rise slightly in the water column, especially in the afternoon. Wind blowing into points helps position bait and can improve the bite.

 

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Crappie Report

 

Crappie fishing on Lake Murray in January is consistent if you stay deep and focus on channel-related areas. Most crappie are holding along creek channels, flats near the river channel, and deeper structure in major creeks.

 

Fish are commonly found in the 18 to 30 foot range, often suspended off the bottom. Electronics play a major role in finding schools and determining how high fish are holding in the water column.

 

Slow trolling jigs is an effective way to locate fish. Once schools are found, vertical jigging allows you to stay in the strike zone longer. Crappie tend to group 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 during overcast conditions.

 

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Striper Report

 

Striper fishing is a strong winter option on Lake Murray. Stripers are feeding heavily on bait and are often suspended over deep open water rather than holding tight to the bottom.

 

Fish are commonly found in major creek arms and along the river channel. Downlines and freelines are effective when fish are holding deeper, while planer boards work when stripers move up in the water column.

 

Stripers feed in windows, and timing is important. Cold fronts can slow the bite and push fish deeper, while stable weather and warming trends can trigger aggressive feeding behavior. Staying around bait is the key to staying on fish.

 

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Three Key Fishing Tips for January

 

1. Focus on Structure Near Deep Water

Winter fish on Murray stay close to the river and creek channels. Points, humps, and channel swings are prime areas.

 

2. Fish Vertically When Possible

Cold water fish don’t want to chase far. Vertical presentations keep your bait in front of them longer.

 

3. Be Patient With Your Pauses

Long pauses and slow retrieves trigger more bites than constant movement this time of year.

 

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Final Take:

January fishing on Lake Murray is steady if you fish deep, stay patient, and let your electronics guide you. The fish are predictable, but they won’t chase. Slow down, stay focused, and fish deliberately.