Bass Whoopin

Lake Russell

Your local source for fishing reports, launch ramps, seasonal patterns, and tournament news on Lake Russell, SC/GA.

Weekly Fishing Report

August 23, 2026

Water temps are holding in the low 80s with good clarity in the upper coves. Bass are staging on main lake points and secondary structure in 8–15 feet.

Topwater action has been solid early morning — poppers and walking baits producing fish before 8am. Midday, drop down to finesse rigs on shaded banks.

Evening bite picking up on the north end near the Calhoun Falls area. Swimbaits and chatterbaits working well along grass edges.

Launch Ramps & Access Points

  • Calhoun Falls State Park Ramp
    Paved, 2 lanes. Fee required. Open year-round.
  • Clarks Hill / Russell Tailrace Ramp
    Free public ramp. Gravel surface. Good for smaller boats.
  • Hesters Ferry Ramp
    Paved, single lane. No fee. Limited parking.
  • Leroy's Landing
    Private marina with full-service ramp and fuel. Day fee applies.

Local Tournament Schedule

  • Russell Bass Club — Monthly Open
    First Saturday of each month
    Launch from Calhoun Falls. Registration 5:30am, lines in at 6am.
  • Savannah River Bass Series
    Check srbs.com for current schedule
    Multi-lake series including Russell. Points-based season standings.
  • BASS Nation Georgia — District Events
    See bassnation.com for dates
    Qualifying events for state and national championships.

Seasonal Patterns

Spring

Pre-spawn bass move to shallow flats and creek arms. Jigs and swimbaits on secondary points. Spawn typically mid-April through May.

Summer

Fish go deep midday — ledges and main lake humps in 15–25 feet. Early/late topwater bite on shaded banks and grass edges.

Fall

Shad migration pulls bass shallow. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits along riprap and points. One of the best times of year on Russell.

Winter

Slow down with finesse presentations. Drop shot and shaky head on main lake points. Fish stack up on deep structure near the dam.