"I'll either be pulling crankbaits or spoons. The only public boat ramp on the lake is located at Devils Fork State Park, just down the road from Hoyett's Grocery and Tackle in Salem, S.C. For information on boat launching, cabin rentals and camping in the park, call (864) 944-2639 or go to www.southcarolinaparks.com. riggers. Clarity is typically high. Rates & Contact. That's when they will tend to hit more lures. And he can also fish multiple depths. Call or Text 864-280-9056. And after several visits over the past years…here are my tips to make your weekend amazing. Lake Jocassee has been called many things over the years, from the “Lake Tahoe of the East” to “South Carolina’s Little Switzerland.” But perhaps the greatest praise came in the autumn of 2012 when National Geographic named Jocassee Gorges as one of “50 of the World’s Last Great Places.” It is not uncommon, while using any of these methods, to catch Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Spotted bass, Smallmouth bass, and Redeye bass. But when the surface temperature hits 55 degrees, the herring become active and more difficult for trout to catch. The lake has 75 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline and depths of up to 300 feet. Essiks said he likes to use the No. As one of two South Carolina lakes that make up the Santee Cooper Lake System, … 3 Bad Creek spoon is also a consistent producer of big brown trout. (Photo by Robert Sloan). Plan your next fishing and boating adventure here. From mid-April to the end of May, largemouth bass enter a spawning/bedding pattern on Lake Jocassee when water temperatures reach a steady 58 degrees. I'll tighten them up from 10 to 15 feet of the depth that's producing trout.". Here's how the experts do it at Lake Jocassee. I also love to have new anglers on the boat. While fronts can affect the fishing from day to day, Guide Sam Jones (864-280-9056) reports that overall it continues to be a good period for trout fishing on Lake Jocassee. It's not unusual for trout to "gum" a minnow sideways. 44CS Sutton spoon," Jones said. February 5. Paddle the pristine waters of Lake Jocassee right from your campsite and explore extensive trail networks a short drive from the park. Nice largejaw! Blueback Herring and Treadfin Shad are the main source of protein for bass and trout throughout much of the year. Or don’t do anything at all. "I'll also use stacker clips to pull two lures on each rigger. Jim will take care of all the details and whether you’re a beginner Angler or seasoned Pro, you will learn tips and tricks to fish for big Bass on Ray Roberts. My joy is sharing this beautiful and unique place with others, sharing my knowledge of the lake and area, and hooking up with those amazing trout. pleasant, but not what I had expected. The main rivers are most easily accessed from Lake Jocassee, and anglers who fish in North "That's when I'll go with a lightweight spoon with more wobble.". Your Guide. Lake Jocassee is at 97.3% of full pool and surface water temperatures in the big water are in the low 50s, but cooler up the rivers. The Hobie MirageDrive 360 pedal propulsion system is the pinnacle of kayak control with more efficient fin designs, glide technology and allows the boat to be moved in any direction. The simplest way to go about catching live bait is at night. For example, they will have a crankbait on top, and a mix of spoons and cranks on the downriggers. Fishing at Lake Jocassee is also a rewarding experience, as it is home to both cold-water and warm-water fish species. "Live shiners are what most fishermen use, but live blueback herring are what most prefer to use when they are available. He'll rig them just like spoons on the riggers. Another expert angler on Jocassee, guide Warren Page, is a noted spoon fisherman. He's very meticulous about his lure selection, as well as colors. This is one of the best months of the year to catch big fish. The firetiger is a color combination that greatly resembles a perch, with yellow, orange and green, along with black stripes. You want to go after the biggest trout in the state? Do you have a fishing report for this lake? This trip is for the trout angler looking to put a giant on their wall. Fish will be as shallow as they can be found all year, and they will take both live bait and artificials. We caught nothing..." Mirror Lake, "Whatever the dam is doing upstream greatly affects where the fish are in Yonah Lake. Aug, 02, 2018 Thomas Readett 0. February 7, 2017 ODU Admin Fishing News - Fresh Comments Off on Are there Stripers In Lake Jocassee North Carolina Sportsman reported first: Lake Jocassee is known for large lake trout, great smallmouth and largemouth fishing, but anyone in the Upstate will tell you the lake … Lake Jocassee fishing: Trophy trout can be caught using various methods including trolling, drifting and night fishing. "It's kind of like matching the hatch. Big trout ace Larry Essiks was the last to weigh in. Lake Jocassee is a 7,500-acre lake and is 300-foot in depth, located in northwest South Carolina, it was created by the state in partnership with Duke Power. 4 hook through the bottom and upper lips of the bait. "But I have used them on up to a No. You'll love Lake Jocassee's crystal clear mountain water and secluded sandy beaches. All reviews boat ramp state park amazing lake devil's fork lake tours dive fishing parts. North Carolina Sportsman reported first: Lake Jocassee is known for large lake trout, great smallmouth and largemouth fishing, but anyone in the Upstate will tell you the lake does not have stripers. Lake Jocassee is a deep lake fed by the clean, cold waters of the Appalachians in northwest South Carolina. 31 and 71 Sutton spoons. Conditions : Lake Jocassee: Trout: Guide Sam Jones (864-280-9056) reports that as expected the trout fishing really improved late in December, and in January it should continue to be very strong. He casually ties off to the dock, reaches down and picks up one of the prettiest brown trout you have ever seen. Essiks said that when the water is in the lower 50s, herring are lethargic and easy for trout to feed on. Follow a creek channel across a flat to the back of a cove, and chances are you will find catfish somewhere along it. Easton 6.5 Carbon Matrix Arrows Comes in New Size, Straight-Wall Rifle Cartridges: Deer Hunting Advantages, The South's Best Waters for Trophy Catfish, New Bow Stabilizers, Accessories for Hardcore Archers, Savage Renegauge Shotgun Review: A Fast-Shooting, Smooth-Cycling Semiauto, New for 2021, Rinehart's 1/3-Scale Moose Archery Targets, Stay and Go to Up Your Ice-Fishing Success, 240 Pounds! "And they will all be fishing at different depths. Nongame Freshwater Fishing Regulations. A detailed fishing report for the Lake Jocassee will make the difference between a good fishing here and a bad one. "There is no doubt that trout hang close to big wads of baitfish. That way I know exactly what the fish prefer at any given time. Some areas of the lake seem to hold baitfish year after year. Essiks said that about 75 percent of the time he'll be fishing lures. The most popular colors are silver and copper. Tent campers can set up on any reservable spot in the park. There is even an option of boat-in camping. He also likes black/silver and silver/gold. Page, whose heaviest Jocassee brown weighed 10 pounds, 4 ounces, almost always uses a crankbait. HookandBullet.com, a KC Online Media brand. During the autumn months, the trees will turn bright yellow, orange, and red, and it is worth the experience. What an incredible afternoon!! There are several tournaments a year including the Lake Jocassee Trout Tournament and the Jimmy Orr Championship. When I catch a trout then, I know exactly what they want.". That way I can fish a lure off the downrigger ball, and another about 20 feet up on the stacker clip. Jocassee depths go down to 300 feet deep, but Jones said the most consistent bite is usually from trout holding in 30 to 50 feet of water. I’d highly recommend chartering mr jones’ boat. Jones is big on crankbaits, too. That's why a No. "It might be upwelling currents, or some sort of current break.". Largemouth Bass with a buzzbait. Gee wrote a review Jul 2020. All rights reserved. AHQ INSIDER Lake Jocassee (SC) Fall 2020 Fishing Report – Updated February 5 . Available species are a variety of species. The Lake. "But in 1985, I switched from smallmouths to trout. In the 7,565 acres of Jocassee waters lie trophy Rainbow and Brown trout that can be caught year around, however the best fishing is from November-June. Not as large as some of the other lakes in South Carolina but still covers right at 7.500 acres of surface area. This trip is for the trout angler looking to put a giant on their wall. were caught here. In large lakes (those that are actually impoundments) catfish, especially big ones will hang out along an old creek and river channels in deep water. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Tightlining bait is the way to go right now. That gives the trout time to eat the bait.". Guide Sam Jones agrees: Most of the time he'll be using a Sutton or Doctor spoon that's 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches long. About Lake Jocassee. That tourney was over and Essiks had caught the winning trout at the last minute on a live shiner. Home. A few of the state records the lake holds are a 17.9 pound brown trout, 11.5 rainbow trout and a 2 pound 12 oz brook caught in 2010. It will make a memory that they will always have for the rest of thier life. The line is attached to the leader with a No. 35 in. I'll bump troll with the trolling motor. Specific Regulations for Lake Jocassee. Wilderness abounds as only 2 miles of shoreline is developed!! With that rig I can troll lures at 30-, 40-, 50- and 60-foot depths.". On HookandBullet, we invite you to share your knowledge with others - what tackle is working, Lakes Blalock, Greenwood, Jocassee, Marion, Monticello, Moultrie, Murray, Secession, Wateree, Wylie, and the middle reach of the Saluda River and the upper reach of the Santee River—no largemouth bass less than 14 … His favorites are the Rebel and Rapala cranks that will run about a foot deep. This is the fishery for which Lake Jocassee is most well-known. Find More Fishing Places in Dallas County: Lake (48) Stream (87) Dallas County, Texas is home to 135 lakes, rivers, and other fishing spots. I'll also fish two live baits on the surface, and two on the downriggers. 4 short-shank stinger hooks. At times, catches of trout on Jocassee are easy to come by. Lake Jocassee Fishing Report. Guided Fishing. During April, the trout are probably going to be spread out feeding on baitfish. Sam Jones has guided on Jocassee since 2001. Guide Sam Jones can be reached at (864) 350-9056. Subscriber Services. And since the baitfish are there, so are the trout. Lake Jocassee, surrounded by pristine mountains with beautiful forest, cascading waterfalls, sheer rock cliffs, white sand beaches and crystal clear water, is the most scenic lake in South Carolina. Fishing at Lake Jocassee, South Carolina Lake Jocassee holds state records for 5 species of fish, including three in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae). Lake Jocassee is a man-made lake covering 7,500 acres built by Duke Energy for the generation of electricity. However, some of the best areas on Jocassee will be at the mouths of rivers and over treetops. Lake Tours. Education about Keowee. Narrow down your tackle selection by adjusting season, water clarity, structure and technique. and rainbow trout (11 lb., 5 oz.) With standard packages to fully customizable trips, Jocassee Quest is here for all of your lake needs. 72, the largest. His favorites are the Rapala stick baits and broken backs. Tourist Tips. It is a popular lake for boating, skiing, fishing, and swimming. Jocassee Reports is where you can post your fishing reports, photos and ask for tips on fishing Lake Jocassee. Look for bait schools on your graph, and then lower down a jigging spoon or drop shot rig. Now Fishing on Lake Jocassee may reward you with more than a catch of trout. Home. The lake is commonly known for the clean and cold Appalachian mountain rivers that feed the lake to keep its waters cool and clear year-round. Start times vary with seasonal patterns. South Carolina anglers must stay south of the border unless they possess a North Carolina license. Your new favorite Lake Jocassee rental house features a private dock in a secluded cove. Whether you are looking to chase the abundant Striped Bass in Lake Hartwell or a Trophy Trout on Lake Jocassee, charter your trip today. said. However, Sutton spoons are very popular on Jocassee. Lake Jocassee is a deep lake fed by the clean, cold waters of the Appalachians in northwest South Carolina. So whether it's a bass fishing report, or a trout we invite you to submit a fishing report and help us to promote the sport. And that's how some of the best fishermen on the lake catch more and bigger trout. Massive Alligator Gar Taken on Father's Day, Summer Family Fishing in Midwest: A Minnesota Mixed Bag, Summer Schooling: Join the Feeding Frenzy, Fishing Lake Jocassee For Carolina's Biggest Trout, New for 2021: Hoyt RX-5, RX-5 Ultra, Ventum 30 and Ventum 33, New for 2021: Elite Archery Bows, Slick Trick Broadheads and CBE Sight, Hobie MirageDrive 360 Kayak Propulsion: Amazing Control and Power. Santee Cooper System. Lake Jocassee is only accessible from inside Devils Fork State Park. Jones will normally use 2- or 3-inch minnows, and will rig them on a No. 6 Lake Moultrie. Jocassee Lake Tours: Incredible Experience and A lot of fun - See 273 traveler reviews, 250 candid photos, and great deals for Salem, SC, at Tripadvisor. They originate in North Carolina and include the Toxaway, Horsepasture, Thompson and Whitewater rivers. Jocassee Charters offers trout fishing trips and waterfall tours on beautiful Lake Jocassee. In 2001 a 5 lb 2.5 oz Redeye bass and a 9 lb 7 oz Smallmouth bass were caught. Trout: Guide Sam Jones (864-280-9056) reports that in February the trout fishing should continue to improve from what has been a good January. Essiks notes that he used to troll so many lures his boat looked like a porcupine on the water. He first started fishing the lake in 1978. He prefers a 2- to 3-inch-long shiner. The reels are seated on 6- to 8-foot-long Shakespeare Ugly Sticks with a medium to medium/light action. They will usually be holding in the same area for a few days at a time. His top colors are blue-white, yellow-chartreuse-white and gold-white. "Most of the time I'll be catching both browns and 'bows from 15 to 50 feet deep. In 2001 a 5 lb 2.5 oz Redeye bass and a 9 lb 7 oz Smallmouth bass were caught. "The silver/copper-colored Sutton spoon is tough to beat," Essiks said. An ability to read your electronics is vital for this style of fishing, and right now about 35 feet down seems to be a good starting point. "You never know at what depth the trout will be feeding," Jones pointed out. I was under the HWY 28..." West Fork Chattooga River, "My wife and I fished around the bridge and the sitting area just up the road. The lake is known for crappie fishing, but … Fish & Game tips good times ahead for Lake Arapuni anglers. © 2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Another expert angler on Jocassee, guide Warren Page, is a noted spoon fisherman. If those times won’t work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising. "It's been a consistent producer of trout over the years.". Stay in one of only seven homes that rents to the public on the 75 mile shoreline that has a total of 45 homes. Fishing Lake Jocassee, SC on 11/30/2020 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. But Evans and Brent Lalas found out last week there was at least one. Jocassee is one of those lakes that has a great population of rainbow and brown trout, and it's a popular fishery for anglers in South and North Carolina. With a single hook you'll usually miss that type of strike. Essiks, a retired builder, is one of the best big trout anglers on Jocassee. The South Carolina record for brown trout (17 lb., 9 oz.) Approximately 30,000 trout are … While trolling lures in those areas, I'm always watching my depthfinder. What I'll do is cut out a stripe or use a paper punch to pop out a small dot to stick on a spoon. Taken near Laurel Fork Falls. Get everything Bass Fishing from Anglers Channel, straight to your inbox. Lake Jocassee Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Big trout are being caught this time of year. Great time on Lake Jocassee with my good friends from Greenville. The Boat. Try Rainy River, Lake of the Woods, for a mid-summer dream trip.