Lake Hartwell anglers adapt as drought drops water levels
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. —
Low water levels at Lake Hartwell are changing the way the lake looks for property owners and creating challenges for anglers.
The lake has experienced prolonged drought conditions this year, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to maintain a lower operating level while work continues to address an issue involving the Clemson Lower Diversion Dam Saddle Dike.
But what does that mean for the wildlife living in the lake? Local angler and Bassmaster champion Andrew Blanton has spent years fishing Lake Hartwell. He won the College National Championship at the lake in 2024 and says the current conditions are some of the worst he has experienced.
Blanton says areas that were easily accessible to fish last year are now extremely shallow. “I’m going in areas and pockets and coves that I fished last year, and you know it’s so shallow. My trolling motor is kicking up dust.”
“There’s really not a whole lot of shade on the bank because the water line is so far off of the trees,” Blanton said. “So that definitely has an impact on the fish that live shallow.”
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Despite the changes, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources fisheries officials say anglers should not panic about the lake’s fish population. SCDNR’s Dan Rankin says there is no population depression expected even during drought conditions. Fish in Lake Hartwell are accustomed to fluctuations in water levels, and Rankin says the lake fish population did not decline during the severe drought of 2008.
In fact, when water levels eventually rise again, conditions could become favorable for fish. Terrestrial vegetation that grows along the exposed shoreline can become flooded when lake levels recover, creating additional habitat and potentially leading to a boost in fish populations.
For anglers, however, the lower water levels can make fishing more difficult — particularly in shallow areas that have changed significantly from previous years.
The Army Corps of Engineers is continuing to manage Lake Hartwell’s levels as it works to address the Clemson dike issue and maintain the safety of the lake system. For now, anglers may have to adapt to a different Lake Hartwell — but experts say the fish themselves are more resilient than the low water might suggest.