January 9, 2026

By NOEoutdoors

 

Lake Russell is one of the most overlooked lakes in the region during winter, but January is actually a very consistent month if you understand how fish set up here. Water temperatures are generally in the mid to upper 40s, and clarity ranges from clear to lightly stained depending on recent rain and wind. Russell does not have the same fishing pressure as nearby lakes, which allows fish to settle into predictable winter patterns.

 

This is a structure-oriented lake in January. Fish are not roaming. They are relating tightly to depth changes, channels, and hard structure, and if you fish it methodically, Russell can produce some very solid days.

 

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Bass Report (Spotted and Largemouth)

 

Bass on Lake Russell are fully transitioned into winter mode. Both spotted and largemouth bass are holding deep, but spotted bass remain the most reliable bite. Most fish are positioned close to the Savannah River channel and the major creek channels feeding into it.

 

Key areas include long tapering points, channel bends, humps near deep water, and steep rocky banks where the depth drops quickly. Bass will often position on the deeper side of structure, especially after cold fronts.

 

Depth is critical this time of year. Most bass are being caught in the 20 to 40 foot range, with some fish suspending slightly off the bottom. On days with stable weather or afternoon warming, fish may rise a few feet in the water column to feed.

 

Slow presentations dominate. Jerkbaits worked with long pauses are effective over deep structure. Jigging spoons produce when bass are grouped up near the bottom. Football jigs, shaky heads, and other finesse bottom baits work best when crawled slowly and kept in contact with the bottom.

 

Wind pushing into points and channel swings helps position baitfish and can improve the bite significantly. Calm, bluebird days usually require even slower presentations and more precise casts.

 

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Crappie Report

 

Crappie fishing on Lake Russell in January can be very good once you locate fish. Crappie are holding along the river channel and major creek channels, often suspending over deeper flats close to the channel edge.

 

Most crappie are being found in the 18 to 30 foot range, but exact depth changes day to day based on weather and light conditions. Electronics are extremely important right now for finding schools and staying on the right depth.

 

Slow trolling small jigs along channel edges is an effective way to cover water and locate fish. Once crappie are located, vertical presentations allow you to stay in the strike zone longer. Crappie tend to group tightly this time of year, so once you find them, the action can be steady.

 

Brighter jigs with contrast work better in winter water, especially after rain or when the lake has some stain.

 

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Striper and Hybrid Bass Report

 

Stripers and hybrids are present on Lake Russell throughout the winter but are more scattered than on some larger reservoirs. Fish are closely tied to bait and spend much of their time roaming open water near the river channel.

 

Downlines and freelines are effective when fish are holding deeper, while planer boards can work when stripers move up to feed. Larger bait offerings tend to produce better quality fish.

 

The striper bite is very dependent on weather. Stable conditions can produce solid feeding windows, while cold fronts often push fish deeper and slow the action. Finding bait is the key to finding stripers on Russell this time of year.

 

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Three Key Fishing Tips for January

 

1. Fish Structure Connected to the River Channel

Russell fish winter close to the channel. Focus on points, humps, and bends that give fish quick access to deep water.

 

2. Slow Down More Than You Think You Need To

Cold water fish will not chase far. Longer pauses and slower retrieves get more bites.

 

3. Use Wind to Your Advantage

Wind blowing into key areas positions bait and triggers feeding. Calm days require more finesse and patience.

 

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Final Take:

January fishing on Lake Russell is not about covering water fast. It’s about fishing deliberately, staying deep, and trusting structure. If you slow down and fish methodically, Russell can be one of the more consistent winter lakes in the region.