SENECA, S.C. — If one is good, two is better, right? It might be that way on Lake Keowee.
The South Carolina fishery is set to host two Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Savannah River Division events on back-to-back days April 25 and 26. That should mean many sore thumbs for anglers who compete in both.
What to expect
Keowee was originally slated to kick off the Savannah River Division season back in January. Unfortunately, Mother Nature and her ice storms had other plans. Thus, that event was rescheduled, making for a doubleheader.
Not that locals will be complaining, according to Britt Myers Jr.
While part of the Savannah River system of fisheries, Myers said what makes Keowee unique is it fishes more similar to North Carolina lakes like Norman and Wylie. By that, he means it’s a “shallow fisherman’s lake.” And considering the fish should all be shallow right now, there was no hesitation about his expectations.
“Oh, the fishing is going to be insanely good in terms of catching numbers,” Myers said.
Myers figures the bass will be about equally split between sitting on beds or having been off them long enough to be gorging. That means so long as pros stay shallow, they can pick how they want to fish.
“I think you’ll see pros focus solely sight-fishing and do really well,” Myers said. “There should still be plenty of big ones sitting on deeper beds.
“I also think there might be a shad spawn going on, and someone could start their mornings catching big ones on that or on topwaters.”
While the lake may fish a bit differently than its downriver sisters, it’s still a Savannah River fishery, meaning both spotted bass and largemouth will come into play. Will one be more dominant than the other? Myers doesn’t think it will matter.
“There are plenty of 5-pounders of both species,” Myers said. “And I’ve caught them both in the same places. It will just be about putting yourself in the right areas, and if you bring in five spots or five largemouth, they can weigh the same.”
Baits to bring
While an angler may key in on sight-fishing or the shad spawn, Myers expects plenty of the same things on most decks.
For sight-fishing, soft-plastics will reign, especially Neko rigs, which he says are more efficient at getting down to deeper beds than wacky rigs.
For topwaters, plopper-style and buzzbaits will certainly catch plenty of fish around docks. And for anyone hoping to maximize the shad spawn, don’t forget a white swim jig or spinnerbait.
What will it take?
Myers expects the fishing to be good and the weights to reflect that. While 15 pounds often gets a pro in contention on Keowee, Myers is upping his estimation to the 17- to 18-pound mark to have a shot at winning either derby.
“You get to that, and your odds of winning are pretty dang good,” he said.