It's not all about Lake Norman.

South Carolina red fish.

Get ready for the cold weather fishing on the lake

The water temperature on Lake Norman is holding around 57 degrees and that's a great temperature for all species in the lake. Unfortunately that will not continue forever. Within a week or so the water temperature will drop into the low 50's and possibly high 40's and at that time the bait fish will seek warmer water. The bait will leave the coves and creeks and go into 40 to 50 feet of water where a degree or two will be more comfortable for them. As the bait schools go, so go the bass and other predators.
You will probably see fish holding around the 20 to 30 foot level until mid January or early February and then they will go slightly deeper to around 30 to 40 feet.

You can fish using nearly the same trolling techniques that you would use in shallow water except that you must use more weight to get that bait down to where the fish are. Live bait is always best in cold water but move the bait very slooowly.

Hybrids are finding their way south in the lake and they like live bait, fish them just as you would fish bass.

Don't forget to pick up your free copy of The Angler Magazine at sporting goods stores. My article this month is about red fishing in South Carolina.