Fishing Report For Lake Waccamaw, NC

Current Report: Good To Very Good

FALL. Now that Fall has arrived, bass here have moved shallow, following schools of baitfish into coves and shallow bays around 4 to 8 feet of water. Bass grow big here due to the extremely healthy population of white perch, and other sunfish. Due to the shallow nature of the lake, docks and vegetation are primary places where bass hang out. Currently topwater, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and slow-rolled spinnerbaits are catching most of the bass. Later in Fall, bait and bass move out to deeper water, where flutter spoons, jigs and drop shots are often good choices in 8 to 10 feet of water. Look for weed lines and brush piles.

WINTER. Winter will isolate largemouth around slightly deeper. They can be found from 4 to 11 feet deep. Here they hold, feeding less frequently, awaiting warmer water to return in Spring. Slow presentations are key to getting bites. On warmer days, especially during late afternoons, bass may move into 2 to 6 feet of water to feed.

SPRING. Once water temperatures rise into the low 60's, largemouth will move from deep wintering holes, to shallower water nearby spawning areas. Vibrating jigs, jerkbaits and spinnerbaits typically get bites just away from the shoreline. At this time they are feeding aggressively in about 2 to 8 feet of water, preparing for the spawn. Once water warms into the mid to high 60's, they will move into 1 to 4 feet of water, and create nests, then lay their eggs. Immediately afterwards, females move to deeper water and males remain to guard the eggs, and then the fry. After a couple weeks, the males also move to slightly deeper water. Deep-diving crankbaits, vibrating jigs, plastic worms and swimbaits are catching bass during this period.

SUMMER. Water temperatures will warm considerably in Summer. Bass will feed shallow, early and late in the day, where they will be caught in 3 to 6 feet of water, on square-bill crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Wacky-rigged stick worms can most always catch finicky bass. Largemouth bass here feed on shad, small sunfish and crawfish. During the hotter parts of the day, they are being caught around docks and vegetation, 4 to 10 feet deep.

Current Report: Poor To Good

FALL. Baitfish, which are moving into shallow flats, coves and bays, are drawing crappie into these areas. Crappie fishing can be hot or cold on Lake Waccamaw. However, when it turns on, locals report catching bunches of big slabs. Focus on locating brush piles, especially around docks. Nice crappie are being caught while feeding heavily, in preparation for the cold Winter. Anglers report that 2 to 8 feet of water is where most bites are coming. Minnows, hair jigs, and crappie jigs, are good options during this feeding marathon. Late fall starts the migration deeper, toward winter holding areas, for both crappie and baitfish. Good results are coming around medium-depth brush piles.

WINTER. Once the shallows start cooling rapidly, crappie will migrate to deeper holding areas, mostly off shore. At this time they are typically caught using a very slow presentation, in 4 to 10 feet of water. Most are caught around deep brush piles and vegetation. During warming trends, especially warm afternoons, they are drawn into 2 to 5 feet of water to feed.

SPRING. In early Spring, crappie begin staging in 2 to 6 feet of water, just outside spawning areas. Spring is prime time to be on the water, as crappie have moved shallow to spawn. At that time, they are typically caught in 2 to 4 feet of water. Vegetation, docks and brush are where most anglers catch crappie using small crappie jigs or live minnows. After the spawn, crappie typically move outside the spawning area and hold on cover close by, in 6 to 8 feet of water. Light tackle, with 4 lb to 8 lb line, is a popular choice. Later in Spring, focus on shallower weed lines around 5 to 8 feet deep.

SUMMER. Water temperatures get quite warm, and crappie fishing is usually pretty good. They feed in 3 to 4 feet of water early and late in the day, until the hot Summer sun causes them to retreat to depths of 8 to 10 feet. Also, a few have embedded in the shade of slightly shallower vegetation. This is a good time to focus around brush piles and deeper docks.

Current Report: Good To Very Good

FALL. Early Fall finds yellow perch feeding aggressively in 3 to 9 feet of water. Later in the season, they begin to migrate toward Winter holding areas. Small crankbaits, imitating minnows are catching quality white perch, according to reports by locals. These perch are growing to good size due to fertile water and plenty of vegetation and cover. Fishing around docks, and outside weed lines with small lures is drawing them out of cover.

WINTER. The cold of winter drives perch deeper again in search of food and stable water conditions. Perch often feed in weedy areas, in 4 to 10 of water, this time of year. Good catches are being reported using minnows, spoons, underspins, and jigs tipped with nightcrawlers.

SPRING. Perch spawn in Spring when the water temperature warms to the mid 50's and mid 60's. Docks, bridges, vegetation, trees and brush all attract white perch in search of a meal. Anglers catch them shallow, using spinnerbaits, spinners, minnows, mealworms, maggots, and nightcrawlers.

SUMMER. Fat white perch here feed primarily on small fish and invertebrates. Spinners, underspins, small crankbaits, mealworms, nightcrawlers and maggots are catching perch in 4 to 10 feet of water. Seek them out around drop-offs and areas with submerged vegetation.