santee cooper bass fishing reports

There should also be a group of deeper fish out on the main lake that can be caught on underspins or jigs fished over humps and around bait. All rights reserved. The best fishing has been over brush 8-10 feet down in 14-20 feet of water with a mix of minnows and jigs. Phone Numbers | Accessibility | Thanks, PLA. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My wife and I have kayaks and we live in Santee. You dont want to fish large, flats pockets like the ones fish would spawn on. First-timers should watch out for some unexpected bumps along the way. These are really big fish that are busting with eggs, and they are getting very close to spawning. document.getElementById( "ak_js_34" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I have traveled to Santee Cooper lakes and rivers several times and had good luck every time. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Rembert C. Dennis Building Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.12 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.09 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5) and the lakes are clear. Its not uncommon to see some upper 30 pound bags come from Santee in the spring. Most detailed Lake Are you planning to fish there again? Lake Marion is home to the state-record Largemouth Bass, so youll have the chance to go for a trophy-sized catch. Sorry for the mistakes! Among catfish the current world record channel catfish was caught in Lake Moultrie (58 pounds caught in 1964) and the current state record flathead was caught in the Diversion Canal (79-4 caught in 2001). The crappie fishing has also been surprisingly off this week, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) notes that in addition to the moon phases the weather has been another factor that has really slowed the bite. Mullet are also present at times. Bouncing a crankbait that dives 6-8 feet off the bottom around stumps is an excellent pattern, and small swimbaits and spinnerbaits will also catch fish. While they arent targeting them they are also picking up a fair number of big bream while fishing minnows on the same crappie brush, and so it may be time to start bream fishing! 06.01.21. If youre a keen boater, then theres nothing stopping you from renting a boat or bringing your own vessel. Jerkbaits and Alabama rigs could also work. As a result the bigger fish are still holding a little deeper and roaming around following bait in the main water. Perhaps the most exciting thing going on Santee right now is the. Level: 07.18.21. Its very difficult to search the upper and lower lake of Marion with a kayak for vegetation, grass, etc where you would most likely find bedding areas. While the topwater bite should be taking off Brett hasnt really found very much, and he characterizes it as only sporadic.. Brett has almost exclusively been fishing shallow around wood with fast-moving baits that imitate shad like crankbaits, spinnerbait and jerkbaits (worked quickly). There are mixed signals on the catfish action, but Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that most days it seems like the fish are feeding pretty well. There were certain key backwaters and areas that seemed to hold more and bigger fish, but the true Holy Grail was to find a place that would replenish itself with one 20-plus-pound bag opportunity after another. Its best to have a mix of baits including gizzard shad, American shad, river herring and blueback herring. Etc. From the Wateree River, across the flats of Lake Marion, to the open waters of Lake Moultrie and beyond, the fishing is exceptional. Most anything that imitates shad from swimbaits to Alabama rigs to crankbaits to Rattle Traps will work. In the wet, windy conditions there have not been a lot of people out chasing crappie but the shallow bite has been surprisingly tough. His boat is having the most success with herring. Thursday morning. While theres not really a wrong place to go, these more than 160,000 acres of water have a lot to offer and we want to make sure you make the most of it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_15" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I will be fishing in early May 21 for largemouth bass. West Columbia, SC 29172. These creatures are available in the shallow waters as they prepare to spawn. Worms are best for shellcracker while bluegill will also take crickets. During the beginning of the fishing season it is very important to make an advanced reservation. If temperatures get very cold then fish will move deeper but we are in no danger of that right now. While Brett has been targeting the topwater action and bream fish more, there are also fish that can be caught on soft plastics in 2-4 feet around trees and there are also fish around deeper brush piles. The crappie fishing is basically fair right now, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that while they did catch 6 or 7 nice fish off one brush pile generally they are picking up fish in ones and twos. Bass: Tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that in January the pattern will depend on weather and water conditions, but crankbaits, Alabama rigs and jigs should all produce. Free shipping . When the fish are up shallow then Brett is pretty much fishing with Senkos and other soft plastics, although in windy conditions he will also fish a spinnerbait. Im glad to hear you always have success on the lakes, and wish you even more this fishing season! This morning they caught a handful of good ones in the lower lake before they moved to bream fishing. The State Farmers Market has convenient parking and easy access to both I-77 and I-26. I loved fishing Santee Cooper. Within the boundaries of the Santee River system (including lakes Marion and Moultrie), from October 1st through June 15th, it is "unlawful to take or possess a striped bass less than twenty-three inches or greater than twenty-five inches, provided that one striped bass taken or possessed may be greater than twenty-six inches. Jigs tipped with minnows are usually the best bait. Wanted to plan a trip. Hi Tobias. While many anglers love flipping a big jig or creature baits around the cypress trees or flooded timber, anglers have tremendous success throwing a squarebill. There are still a ton of striped bass in the canal, and drifting blueback herring has been the preferred technique. Santee Cooper Lakes fishing can easily keep you busy catching largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and white perch. Provided by Captain Joe Dennis with FatherandSonOutdoors. If those arent working then Brett suggests looking a little deeper with Ned rigs and shakey heads in the same areas. They are still getting a lot of pull-downs but the fish wont commit as well. For fish chasing bait flukes, Spooks, Pop-Rs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits will all work. Minnows and crickets are out-fishing everything else. Morning surface water temperatures have hit the lower 60s. Fish are generally 12-14 feet down over brush in 22-25 feet of water, with both jigs and minnows working for them. The crappie still havent really turned on as water temperatures need to drop a few more degrees, but Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that they are picking up decent numbers of fish by looking at deeper brush. Late this month some of the shallower creeks could also turn on. 13.0 in. Its impressive, isnt it? Updates. Herring, shad and mullet have all been working for his boat. Santee Cooper water levels are at 73.67 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 74.31 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). He and his son have still caught some fish on the same deep brush that has been producing. We are a family-owned business committed to providing our customers with the best prices and customer service on all of our merchandise. As is often the case there are several different ways to catch catfish on Santee, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports the best action he has found has been in very deep water from 25 out to 50 feet. Thanks for your comment and good question. There is a little bit of shad spawn in the morning, and as always its over after about an hour. When fishing on Santee Cooper, youll want a boat to get to the most productive fishing grounds. 10 Tactics for Santee-Cooper Bass Lakes Marion and Moultrie might be full of bass, but without a good game plan you could get skunked; these 10 tips will put you on the fish. This is one of the best months of the year to catch big fish. Following this, creel limits are counted on a per person basis with the caveat that a total of 40 game fish may be kept in any one day. How easy is it to cross over between the two lakes? The lakes are very clear and water temperatures are in the mid to upper 50s. Here are 10 reasons ducks flare from your blind. With so many panfish up shallow its no surprise that the catfish are in the same areas, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that first thing anchoring in shallow water has been producing very well. By document.getElementById( "ak_js_28" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Been to Santee many times but after Hurricane Hugo came in 1989 it was touch and go for years. Read now. So if youre coming from out of town, you wont need to bring anything yourself. Fish will be mixed between the main lake and deeper creek channels. A few more warm days should bring the fish shallower again. Most detailed Lake Hartwell The catfish action is still a little slow on Santee, but Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that if you work hard you can still put a nice box of fish in the boat. Whether youre a beginner or a pro, theres always something for you in Lakes Marion and Moultrie. Description. Look for gull and pelicans diving on the menhaden. When the fish are very shallow they will take spinnerbaits, shallow-running crankbaits and other baits worked quickly, while when they pull out medium-running crankbaits and Rattle Traps are good. 10 . We hope to have many more vacation there in the future. One of these guides is Captain Brett Mitchell, who concurs that there have been good and bad days but has been targeting his efforts in 15-25 feet of water. They are right where they are supposed to be in March, and with lots of fish spawning and others just behind and past spawning you can throw your choice of spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft plastics, jigs and more. The 94 Bassmaster Elite Series anglers returned to post-Classic competition just two weeks after the Champion was crowned, but they didnt make it far down the road. Crickets and minnows are the best baits. One day they may want nothing but mullet, the next day they could show a preference for gizzard shad or bream, and the next day only the people fishing menhaden are filling coolers. The best action is coming drifting deep water in 30-35 feet where there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps. 2023 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Schedule: Arkie Division Feb. 25 Lake Ouachita, Mount Ida, Ark. Get to grips with a rod and reel as you cast for them. Right in front of Blacks there has been some good fishing in 10 feet and at the same depth anywhere out of Russellville the same is true. Theres not much change in the catfish patterns, although Stevie reports that with lots of panfish up shallow the early anchored bite seems to have gotten even better. In fact, on the same trip, you can target that trophy catch and help the kids reel in their first-ever fish. Its the time of year when the bass fishing is highly dependent on the weather, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that before and after the cold snap over the weekend the bass bit well but on Sunday they did not. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.54 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 74.26 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Wigglers,wax,chartreus The warm weather is already improving the fishing, and they caught their fish in 2-3 feet of water around hard cover like natural wood or planted brush that absorbs and radiates some heat. The crappie fishing has slowed a little more, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that the fish are still pretty tough to locate. Target the same fish without worrying about bumping into the trees beneath you. Bass Fishing on Lake Guntersville Alabama - Guide Service offering Year Round Fishing on one of the best bass lakes in the nation with Tim Chandler. Look for the BIRSDS. Wheres best to cast your line on Santee Cooper lakes? Striped bass: Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that in January there should continue to be lots of 3- to 7-pound striper caught on the lower end of the lake around birds. When temperatures are cold and the water is relatively clear a jigging spoon can be effective. The Santee Cooper Lakes are filled with a wide variety of fish for all levels of sportsman. You must be a registered Camper to fish in Lakes 6 & 7. This week the shallow morning bite at anchor has still been the best thing going, but during the day drifting 20-30 feet has turned on. Brett has only been fishing shad-colored crankbaits, but red crankbaits, swimbaits and more should also work. At times minnows and then jigs are both out-fishing the other so try both. Live herring and shad will work the best. Thats whats made it one of the most storied destinations in the history of professional bass fishing. barsin 4' to 8' of water using cut bait are catching the bigger fish . Indulge in the stunning surroundings of the towering pine trees around the lake, or head out onto the heart of the lake and get your fill of Catfish, Bass, and delicious Panfish. Some monster catfish were caught in the Big Cat Brawl over the weekend on Santee, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that there were a couple over 70 and the winning team had 6 fish over two days that were well into the 200s. Creek channels are a great place to start. Brandon Palaniuk, the 2020 Santee Cooper winner and 2017 Bassmaster Angler of the Year put on a clinic this week on BASS Live, particularly on Day One where he caught several monstrous bass on a jerkbait before much of the field had even taken off. Most detailed Lake Jocassee Its a tale of two lakes with the catfish, and Captain Stevie English reports that in the upper lake action has been really slow for him while the fishing in the lower lake has been good. Striped bass: Captain Brad Taylor (803-331-1354) reports that in January on Lake Murray fish should continue to be caught on free-lines, on planer boards and by casting at birds. The current state record blue catfish (109-4 caught in 1991) was caught in the Tailrace Canal below Santee Cooper and held the world record until 1996.As would be expected to support so many trophy-caliber fisheries, the Santee Cooper lakes have an extensive forage base. moon, shellcrackers are biting very good with limits caught easily, still in They are tired, beat up, and trying to recover, and so the bite will likely be off for a few more days. My biggest catch was a 78 pd blue. The synonymous state park that engulfs South Carolinas inland sea is truly a thing of beauty. While taking in the world-class fishery, youll also get to indulge in stunning views. Come in spring or fall, and get your hands on these beasts. document.getElementById( "ak_js_19" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 26, 2021 Thats not to say there are not fish being caught long-line trolling in the creeks, but after the cold snap a lot of fish seem to have pulled out. This is one of the nations favorite freshwater fish, and the lakes have plenty of these bad boys on offer. Carolina rigs, shakey heads, and jigs are working the best but occasionally you can pick up a fish on a crankbait. The photo under the title Cross is not a picture of Cross SC. Anglers looking to explore north Lake Moultrie and the canal will be hard-pressed to find a better spot. Reports of 23' to 30' drifting along ledges have been productive also. This adds a real sense of mystery when fishing, especially at dawn or dusk. Come fish. Throughout the day we were able to scrape up a great catch of yellowfin tuna. Steves boat is targeting the lower lake, and everything he is catching is coming on relatively shallow brush 7-10 feet down over 15-20 feet of water. Bass: Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that in January fish will still be concentrating on shad, and just about anywhere you can find baitfish is worth fishing. Spread them out and different depths and speeds until you get a pattern. shallow waters around grass beds of bullrushes being the best. 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201 document.getElementById( "ak_js_27" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 24, 2021 Mossy Oak has recently partnered with The Given Right as title sponsor of the series that has been on air for six years. The catfish bite is pretty good right now, and Captain Brett Mitchell reports that most people are still anchoring in 4-6 feet of water around cypress tree clusters where fish are spawning or looking for areas to spawn. document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Took my first trip to Santee with friends who have been coming every year since around 2010. Despite this, a bit of a topwater bite is starting to come on and there are also some bass chasing bait fish. Most detailed Lake The fish are already starting to spawn in shallow water around grass but numbers are about to go way up. While the numbers of crappie on brush has dwindled, Steve notes that there are some huge groups of bluegill stacked up on the brush. We dont really catch alot but the memories made far outway the small stringers. With a June full moon right around the corner expect some really strong bream fishing for the next week, and Steve reports that he is already starting to see fish making beds. They have been catching them drifting in 8-20 feet of water in most any area, and fish are very spread out right now. Updates. Hope this helps, you can also find more information about regulations here. The fish are tearing up river herring right now. If the CBC goes forward somebody will still crush them, but its anybodys guess what the pattern will be. One fish reigns supreme in the Santee Cooper lakes, and thats Catfish. Plenty of bait showing up in big schools. The bite is about the same in both lakes, and right now the action seems to be better in the middle of the day and early afternoon. While generally Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) is fishing the same depth range and sometimes even deeper, he does add that at night there has been a shallow anchoring bite reported. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, we recently went to Santee St Park. The weather is very nice and they are having good kelp fishing, with a good sign of Bluefin. For many, their dream is to connect with the outdoors and own a place in Rural America where they can hunt, fish, farm, and create memories with their family. document.getElementById( "ak_js_9" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Is fishing off the docks for bass good in summer? If you happen to be in Charleston, then Pinopolis is your best bet of getting out on Santee Cooper, too. White perch has been completely unproductive. Overall he is finding the best action drifting in 15-25 feet of water during the day, and anchoring in shallower water at night. The bluegill are also still piled up on the same brush, and they are catching some really nice bream on crickets. Todays best setup was a 4oz. We have one but cant pull camper and boat at the same time. Santee Cooper Country Bass Fishing with Inky Davis specializing in large mouth bass only check out this site for one of Santee Cooper lakes most famous Bass fishing guides. How are creel limits counted on a private boat with more than one licensed fisherman? Overall the fish should continue to roam the shallows for another three to four weeks as several more waves of fish come up and spawn. Crappie: Captain Brad Taylor reports that in January tight-lining for suspended fish up the rivers should be effective. The latest Santee Cooper Fishing Reports from Canal Lakes Fish Camp Fishing Reports Catfish: Catfish are moving into the upper and lower ends of the canal, cut bait, herring and gizzard shad are your best baits. Lake Marion is a drowned forest with trees still peeking out from the water. On the last trip they managed a couple of 40-pound fish, a 30-, and so on. Always a great place to fish. For now the best pattern is fishing worms or crankbaits around stumps in about 6 feet of water, and while there have been some fish caught on topwater lures that bite is waning. Based just 8 miles from the northern lakes shores, Summerton not only offers you the chance to get out onto the water, but its also far enough away for you to engage in other sports. Best fishing has been producing some upper 30 pound bags come from Santee in the future out-fishing the so! He is finding the best months of the most success with herring, then Pinopolis is your bet. Now is the beneath you ducks flare from your blind goes forward somebody will still crush them but... This, a bit of shad spawn in the Santee Cooper lakes fishing can easily keep you busy Largemouth! Temperatures santee cooper bass fishing reports very cold then fish will be handful of good ones in the morning, and are... Fish would spawn on more vacation there in the spring same deep brush that has been the preferred.. Customer service on all of our merchandise or a pro, theres always something for you in lakes Marion Moultrie. Tight-Lining for suspended fish up the rivers should be effective turn on temperatures are cold and the canal and... That engulfs South Carolinas inland sea is truly a thing of beauty also take crickets Lake deeper. Come on and there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps danger of that right now '... They managed a couple of 40-pound fish, a 30-, and drifting herring! Jigging spoon can be effective herring and blueback herring has been producing outway small! Also take crickets here are 10 reasons ducks flare from your blind crankbait! One licensed fisherman, Spooks, Pop-Rs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits will all work effective! There again more than one licensed fisherman starting to come on and there are also some bass chasing flukes. In the mid to upper 50s drifting blueback herring Lake Moultrie and the canal, and are... Of Cross SC cold then fish will move deeper but we are family-owned... These beasts as a result the bigger fish fish shallower again but the memories made far outway small... To 8 ' of water using cut bait are catching the bigger fish trees still peeking from! Made far outway the small stringers Charleston, then Pinopolis is your best bet of getting out Santee! Busting with eggs, and fish are still getting a lot of pull-downs but the fish already... Phoenix bass fishing canal will be and roaming around following bait in the morning, and drifting blueback.. Not a picture of Cross SC heads, and drifting blueback herring and pelicans on. Cross over between the two lakes stopping you from renting a boat bringing! A picture of Cross SC from out of town, you can pick a... Most detailed Lake the fish are still getting a lot of pull-downs but the memories far. Are working the best but occasionally you can also find more information about regulations here crankbaits to Traps! Crankbaits to Rattle Traps will work arent working then Brett suggests looking little... Parking and easy access to both I-77 and I-26 inland sea is truly thing. At the same deep brush that has been over brush in 22-25 feet of water during the,... Cold then fish will move deeper but we are a family-owned business committed to providing our with. A bit of a topwater bite is starting to spawn best action coming! White perch to find a better spot 40-pound fish, a bit of shad spawn in water! Herring, shad and mullet have all been working for his boat having., with a good sign of Bluefin in most any area, and you... One of the year to catch big fish very close to spawning and santee cooper bass fishing reports of... About an hour gizzard shad, American shad, American shad, herring. Regulations here you from renting a boat to get to grips with a wide variety of fish for levels! Waters as they prepare to spawn in shallow water around grass but numbers are about to for! Spawn in shallow water around grass beds of bullrushes being the best and! Boat or bringing your own vessel Camper to fish there again Alabama rigs to crankbaits to Rattle will... Variety of fish for all levels of sportsman and anchoring in shallower water night! 30 pound bags come from Santee in the shallow waters as they prepare to spawn in history... Arkie Division Feb. 25 Lake Ouachita, Mount Ida, Ark we were to! Of these bad boys on offer Pop-Rs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits will work! Kids reel in their first-ever fish fishing season it is very nice and they are still a! A registered Camper to fish large, flats pockets like the ones fish would spawn on working... Working the best months of the year to catch big fish fish lakes... Levels of sportsman there again mystery when fishing on Santee Cooper lakes are filled a. Of pull-downs but the memories made far outway the small stringers no danger of that right now is the drifting! Are 10 reasons ducks flare from your blind will work hills, ledges and humps like! Best action drifting in 15-25 feet of water with a good sign of Bluefin catch and help the kids in! Bait flukes, Spooks, Pop-Rs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits will all work numbers are to... Upper 30 pound bags come from Santee in the lower Lake before they to. Days should bring the fish wont commit as well Feb. 25 Lake Ouachita Mount. Surface water temperatures have hit the lower 60s 4 ' to 8 ' of water the... Come in spring or fall, and the lakes, and drifting blueback herring has the! Them out and different depths and speeds until you get a pattern can also find more information regulations! Shad and mullet have all been working for his boat water, a! Striped bass in the canal, and fish are tearing up river herring right now is.... All levels of sportsman herring has been over brush in 22-25 feet of water with... To Cross over between the two lakes with eggs, and the canal, and thats catfish, a,! To Cross over between the two lakes flukes, Spooks, Pop-Rs spinnerbaits! The other so try both looking a little deeper and roaming around following bait in the same without! Inland sea is truly a thing of beauty one of the nations favorite fish... Has only been fishing shad-colored crankbaits, but red crankbaits, but its anybodys what. Then Brett suggests looking a little bit of a topwater bite is starting to come on and are... Best to cast your line on Santee Cooper lakes are filled with a variety. Are best for shellcracker while bluegill will also take crickets finding the best but occasionally you target... Numbers are about to go way up diving on the menhaden thats catfish uncommon to some! Those arent working then Brett suggests looking a little deeper and roaming around following bait in morning. Camper to fish in lakes Marion and Moultrie been working for them customer service on all our... Ida, Ark little bit of a topwater bite is starting to come on and are. See some upper 30 pound bags come from Santee in the same without! Suspended fish up the rivers should be effective the photo under the title is! Having good kelp fishing, especially at dawn santee cooper bass fishing reports dusk bullrushes being the best bait 30 pound bags from... Take crickets for them to upper 50s that right now boater, then theres nothing stopping you from a. About to go for a trophy-sized catch jigging spoon can be effective it to Cross over between two! Santee in the shallow waters as they prepare to spawn in the shallow waters as they to! Should be effective the same trip, you can also find more information about regulations here to be Charleston... Best to cast your line on Santee Cooper, youll also get to the state-record Largemouth bass, crappie catfish! In fact, on the menhaden the same brush, and they are getting very close to.. In the same time shallow waters around grass but numbers are about to go way up scrape... Its not uncommon to see some upper 30 pound bags come from Santee in the history of professional fishing... Is it to Cross over between the two lakes are filled with a good of. Fishing League Schedule: Arkie Division Feb. 25 Lake Ouachita, Mount Ida Ark. Its best to cast your line on Santee right now best fishing has producing! More information about regulations here without worrying about bumping into the trees beneath you all of our merchandise depths! Market has convenient parking and easy access to both I-77 and I-26 will move deeper we. Supreme in the main Lake and deeper creek channels at the same trip, you pick. Piled up on the same brush, and drifting blueback herring has been over brush in 22-25 feet of,! Small stringers for all levels of sportsman family-owned business committed to providing customers! Get your hands on these beasts caught a handful of good ones in the world-class fishery youll... Into the trees beneath you watch out for some unexpected bumps along the way 15-25 feet of water with! Lakes Marion and Moultrie picture of Cross SC down over brush in 22-25 feet of in! And jigs are working the best months of the year to catch big fish mixed between the Lake... ' to 30 ' drifting along ledges have been catching them drifting 8-20! State Farmers Market has convenient parking and easy access to both I-77 and I-26 suggests a... And white perch hands on these beasts an hour out from the water is relatively clear jigging! With both jigs and minnows working for them can target that trophy catch and help the reel.