Stripers Slow to Migrate

Striper Report for Lake Hartwell As of 7-18-11 Water Temp. Mid 80's Water Level-3 ½ feet below full pool Stripers have been slow to migrate down lake. Fish have been moving around in the river channels, suspended above the thermo cline. They have been in the river channels, in 60 to 90 feet deep water. They have been mostly suspended about 25 to 35 feet above the thermo cline. The thermo cline comes up to about 40 feet. They are moving to the mid to lower lake where there is better water quality and no thermo cline. They will go deep in the lower half of the lake. By August, they may be at 120 feet deep feeding on herring keeps herring in a good tank with condition and salt at about 65 degrees to 75 degrees. Use a Carolina rig to get the bait down to the level of the fish quickly. Big 1 oz jigs and soft plastic or jigging spoons reeled up and down through fish will also get bit. Do not expect schooling activity until about mid September, when the water starts to cool. Preston Harden www.bucktailguideservice.com