Welcome to winter on the lake!
I’ll be honest; as a confirmed lake rat, I get a little restless in the winter waiting for that first long spring cruise or first dip in the water. (I’m not a “polar bear plunge” kind of guy, so that first dip happens in the spring, folks.) But over the years, I’ve come up with some great
ways to enjoy the lake experience during the colder months.
For all you captains who have not needed to winterize your boats for the season, winter on the lake brings great fishing opportunities. Traditionally the best winter fishing method is with a drop shot, and with some patience, you can bring up a good size bass.
If you don’t like using a drop shot, there is a second winter fishing choice on Keowee. Get your boat over to the “hot hole” (where the warm water is released back into Lake, hence the name “Hot Hole”) next to Duke Energy and fish like it's summer with a crankbait or your favorite bass bait. The hotspot water temps make the fish behave as they do in the spring. If you go to the hotspot, remember to bring along a good anchor or trolling motor-the current is very strong there. 
Also, for any lake excursion in the winter, dress in multiple layers and include face protection. Even on our warmer days, things get very cool when boating at speed. On warmer days, it is not unusual to enjoy the calm waters and warm water for what's typically done in the summer - wake surfing! If you do this, consider wearing a wet suit and have plenty of dry, warm blankets for the ride back to shore.
If you have winterized your boat and are waiting for the spring thaw, there are still things you can do:
- Boat Shows: Boat show season begins in January and presents a great opportunity to check out what’s new for the season. The Upstate South Carolina Boat Show, one of the largest events of its kind in the state, is scheduled for January 26-29, 2023.
- Land Cruises: Team up with fellow winterized boaters, get out of the house, and head out for some winter activities like axe throwing, foodie tours, or waterfall hikes. Find links to various activities such as these here.
- Find a fellow Captain: who hasn’t winterized, and plan a short winter cruise. Here in the Upstate, we often get “gift days” where the temps can get as high as the 70s-take advantage of that and get out in the sun-either on or off the water.
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