santee cooper fishing report

He has found the best action 14-18 feet down over 25-35 feet of water. USGS Link. However, many anglers overlook it as an effective method to catch bass. In colder conditions they will want more subtle, slow-moving lures, while if temperatures rise they will be willing to chase faster moving baits like spinnerbaits or crankbaits. South Carolina Fishing Reports. Bass: Guide Charles Townson (864-324-2065) reports that early in the month winter patterns will be unchanged, but as water temperatures begin to warm in February bass will start to migrate toward shallower water and structure as the pre-spawn stage begins. Open 5:30 AM Anglers seem to either be on them or not, and in this weeks Sunday Showdown Series the best 3-fish limit was an impressive 18 pounds. Despite a very slight temperature drop it hasnt moved enough to really activate the bass fishing, and Brettreports that he has not seen a fish so much as swirl at a topwater bait recently. moon, shellcrackers are biting very good with limits caught easily, still in There is also still a good anchored bite early and then a good deeper drift in 25-40 feet of water. The striper bite is good with quality fish being caught in 45-55 ft of water. On the other hand the catfish are not a fan of the warm weather, and the bite has generally been erratic. You can report an outage, downed powerline or other issue to us at 888-769-7688. However, this month anglers will notice bass start to move shallower regardless of weather conditions are they prepare to stage for the spawn. Like the bass the crappie are moving around a lot, and even though a lot of fish had gotten shallow into the creeks by early in the week Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) discovered they had pulled back out and he was again catching them on deep brush 20-plus feet down in 30-plus feet of water. The better fish have been coming from baits set 8-10 ft off of the bottom. santee cooper Fishing Reports For up-to-date information, look up the fishing report for the water of your choice. Its an interesting bite for catfish on Santee Cooper, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the fishing is kind of feast-or-famine. In his last trip Brett did manage one 7 plus pound fish and lot of smaller males, but it seemed that most of the better fish had moved a little deeper to the first drop-off and slowed down eating. The best bite will be in the middle of the day when the water is warmest. Santee Cooper is a shallow-water fishing paradise, and it's tough to beat the skinny water action of March. Morning surface water temperatures are in the 60s in many places but will drop this week. Morning surface water temperatures are still about 79 degrees. Bass: Tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that in February fish should be coming out of their winter patterns by the latter part of the month, and they should be just starting to make a push shallower towards their pre-spawn areas. Jamestown (Santee River) USGS 02171700. Bass: Tournament angler Eric Enlow of Union reports that February is another transition month on Lake Monticello, but there should still be some fish deep that can be caught on a spoon or an Alabama rig early in the month. Catfish: Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that February should be a very good month for catfish on Lake Thurmond. The best action is coming drifting deep water in 30-35 feet where there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps. You can also anchor, but drifting is often more exciting. Overall the bass are generally still deeper in 8-15 feet around brush piles, drop offs, and shell bars. Fish Consumption Advisories, SCDNR at the State The weather has turned warmer and water temps are climbing. how to get to quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919. Morning surface water temperatures are around 87-88 degrees. The Santee Cooper Lakes offers some of the best fishing in South Carolina and we have some of the top fishi ng guides in South Carolina working out of Blacks Camp. For employment verification, contact Santee Cooper Human Resources via fax at 843-761-4191 or call 843-761-8000 ext. Still catching plenty of catfish in 40 to 55 foot of water as well as shallower flats and creeks in 2-25 ft. The state record and one-time world record is a 5-pound, 71/2-ounce fish caught in the Diversion Canal in 1998. Casting small jigs and tight lining minnows will work the best. The Big Cat Brawl with $10,000 on the line is on Santee this weekend, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that he expects a lot of catfish to be caught. A few more warm days should bring the fish shallower again. Lake Marion, comprise the Santee Cooper lake system. 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. Striped bass: Guide Wendell Wilson (706-283-3336) reports it was a really good January for striper, and they are hopeful the fish dont get too scattered in February. The best action has been in creek-like areas. He has had the best luck drifting in 10-20 feet of water on cut herring, although at night he is finding much better fishing out deep in 25-40 feet. Most detailed Lake Murray While fish will often be adjacent to creeks with steep banks and 8-15 feet of water, the best concentration of catchable fish is in 4-6 feet of water. Fish are about to start moving shallow. He is now targeting bass following bait which will move in and out of the creeks following current. They are also catching some good bream on the same brush. Most detailed Lake Hartwell This time of year you will see some of the biggest stripers coming from trolling stretch 25 and Alabama rigs deep in 40-50 ft of water. Carolina King is located only a short distance . Both lakes are clear and water temperatures are around 80 in the morning. Lake Marion Fishing Vacation EAT SLEEP HUNT FISH 803-492-7924 Ask about our Fishing Vacation Packages, Corporate Fishing Trips. Santee & Cooper River Fishing Page If you can catch the beginning of a mayfly hatch the fishing can be very good, but in the middle or towards the end it really slows because it does not take the fish long to gorge and fill up. With the full moon this past weekend the bream fishing was decent, but Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that in the end the May full moon seems to have been kind of in-between. February 2. Are you in the know? Cooper Lake is among Texas best fishing hot spots. Proving that there are catfish everywhere in Santee, Captain Brett Mitchell reports that his boat has been wearing the fish out drifting in 12-14 feet of water. Fish the edges of the creeks. He will be fishing minnows. Look for bait and fish then set your baits right above your marks. Catfish: Guide Jerry Kotal reports that February is still not a month when very many people will be targeting catfish, but if you concentrate on deep water you can pick up a few channel catfish. Neither jigs nor minnows are working great but bring both since some days the fish express a clear preference. The catfish action has been pretty good on Santee, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that even though he has found good fishing in 25-40 feet of water at the moment he would suggest starting in shallow water and then eliminating that before heading deeper. The latest Santee Cooper Fishing Reports from Canal Lakes Fish Camp Canal Lakes Fish Camp Home Bragging Board Fishing Reports Tournaments Map Guides Rentals Links 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. Catfish: Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that February should also be a good month for big fish. Morning surface water temperatures are around 73 degrees. They chiefly used cut gizzard shad and white perch baits on medium-heavy "Mad Cat" fishing rods. It seemed that some of the biggest fish came on Lake Marion, but there were also a lot of people who struck out in the upper lake. All I can say is that we had fun and enjoyed ourselves Im sure you will too, Watch the weather closely. 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. Information on fishing trends provided courtesy of www.anglersheadquarters.com/, South Carolina's premier The upper lake is slightly dingy while the lower lake is still clear in places. February Fishing Report. The catfish action has been more consistent for Brett, and his last trip started out slow but they ended up catching a bunch of fish drifting a flat with stumps in 20-25 feet of water. 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. Morning surface water temperatures have hit the lower 60s. Fishermen should keep in mind the effect of different temperatures in different parts of the lake. The guys I went with had just boated one in the 8-pound class when I arrived at the landing to meet them. Throughout the day drifting in 5-15 feet of water has been productive. Provided by Captain Joe Dennis with FatherandSonOutdoors. Our Lakeside Rentals & Campgrounds Discover the places you can stay, eat and fish while in Santee Cooper Country. Our top priority is to satisfy. Continue to look for the birds and bait to locate fish. Cut herring, shad or white perch will all work. About half of the field had over 100 pounds of fish, and so they are biting really well right now. Its a pretty simple pattern for catfish right now, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that early you need to be anchoring in shallow water. Regardless, drifting or anchoring with cut bait off the river channel is likely to be the best pattern. Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.41 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.31 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Brett also reports that a few people like him are drifting for bigger fish, again in shallow water. 7/15 Button Text All RV Sites have plenty of parking for vehicles and boats. It shouldnt be long until fish start to move into the creeks following shad and become catchable on topwater lures, swimbaits and square-billed crankbaits. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.22 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 73.99 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). This weekend will be a totally different situation, however, and with temperatures dropping into the mid-20s and 25 mile per hour winds out of the north he expects that many fish will abandon their beds. Jerkbaits and Alabama rigs could also work. Red wigglers are hard to beat. Live Chat. 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 lakes are getting muddy and morning surface water temperatures are around the low to mid-60s. The five major bait species in the lakes are gizzard shad, threadfin shad, American shad, blueback herring, and menhaden, which immigrate and emigrate from the lakes based on seasonal patterns. FOIA | Privacy Policy | Report Spread them out and different depths and speeds until you get a pattern. wigglers and crickets are your best offering. Field staff update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, reporting on fishing success, lake levels, water temperatures, and other important information. Perhaps the most exciting thing going on Santee right now is the. Herring, shad and mullet are all working well. Catfish: Captain William Attaway (803-924-0857) reports that February can yield some big fish on Lake Monticello, and anchoring around deep structure is usually the best pattern. At times fish can also be found schooling. At times minnows and then jigs are both out-fishing the other so try both. Yesterday made it in the 80's and one cannot help but think that spring is around the corner. 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. They are around brush piles, drop offs, and shell bars. The crappie are starting to move around on the lakes, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that there are not as many fish on the deep brush piles as there were a week ago. Updates. He's using red worms for bait, and fishing them under slip corks. The fish are tearing up river herring right now. Titling office is now located at: SCDNR at the State There are also still plenty of fish in the creeks that can be caught trolling jigs and minnows in 8-15 feet of water. A large number of crappie are spawning on Santee, but Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that certainly not all of them are. Santee Cooper Lakes CatfishnFool Fishing Guide Service Call or Text Captain Wayne Vining 803-238-0596 captwayne@catfishnfool.com View Larger Map I am an U.S.C.G Licensed Santee Cooper Fishing Guide, with over 40 years of fishing experience. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.55 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.68 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). 139 Canal Landing Road, Cross, SC 29436 If temperatures get very cold then fish will move deeper but we are in no danger of that right now. 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. In January fish often moved around to escape the mud and worst current, and February could be no different. Morning surface water temperatures are around 87-88 degrees. frogs and buzzbaits are working well, Brushhogs, Texas rigged worms, Senko's fished slow, Series 1 Bandit , 1.5 KVD Strike King, and Spro (John Overall the fish have moved shallower, and first thing anchoring in shallow water is the best pattern. Again, its best to have a mix of cut baits including gizzard shad, American shad, river herring and blueback herring because fish have been showing different preferences on different days. CATT Santee Cooper Spring Qualifiertook place this Saturday, and there were some incredible weights at the top. When the water cools then the brush bite for bream should pick up, and the canal should fill up with shellcracker. Worms are the ticket. Lots of flounder are also being caught but most are under sized so make sure you know your regulations. Most detailed Lake The reasons arent exactly clear, but Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the bass fishing is tougher than its supposed to be. We will do our best to make sure that does not happen again. Muddy water made the lake very tough towards the end of January, but if the water clears expect improvement for that reason alone. Overall the action for catfish has been a little off-and-on at Santee, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that the weather has certainly not helped with a mix of wind and rain in the past week before it got prettier. While he hasnt found the bass out that deep Brett is also finding that largemouth have moved out that way, and from what he has seen the best action is coming in about the 10-15 foot range. Everyone over the age of 16 will need a South Carolina fishing license to fish on Santee Cooper. shallow waters around grass beds of bullrushes being the best. Most detailed Lake Wylie He is starting his drift in about 6 feet of water and then working out to about 20. For shellcracker use worms while bluegill prefer crickets and worms. Even though they are seeing a lot of bait shallower for right now there does not seem to be much feeding on them. Fish are in the creeks or flats off the main lake in just 2-3 feet of water, and Brett has mainly been fishing the upper lake although patterns should hold in Moultrie as well. Bream are moving in shallows setting up to spawn leading Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.33 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 75.29 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). With the full moon there should be a bream bed bite right now, but Brett says he has been looking but really hasnt found one. The fish are shallow on beds, and spawning activity peaks on the new and full moons. Bass: Guide Jerry Kotal (706-988-0860) reports that early in February bass should still be caught deeper in the main lake and at the mouths of creeks around the bait schools where other species including perch are feeding. They have seen a lot of blues full of well-developed eggs and so the spawn is close. The area doesnt seem to make a whole lot of difference with smaller fish very spread out, and he is just going. Herring, shad and mullet have all been working. At times minnows and then jigs are both out-fishing the other so try both. Fishing in Santee Cooper Catch good times in South Carolina waters! Santee Cooper Lakes Fishing Forecast Target Species of Fish Based on historical data for fishing Santee Cooper Lakes, you should target one of the following species for this time of year: Pumpkinseed Sunfish There is a 40.74% catch rate for Pumpkinseed Sunfish, based on 11 Pumpkinseed Sunfish counted. On the shallower side Captain Brett Mitchell continues to catch fish in 15-25 feet of water. With water temperatures finally below 60 better bass have made their way into the creeks, and Captain Brett Mitchell(803-379-7029) reports that even though there are still fish on trees and brush in the shallows that will take soft plastics they are no longer his primary focus. Herring and chicken have gotten the most bites although they havent found anything the fish are swallowing very well. But the world-class shellcracker fishing produces an overflow of anglers to the shallow sectors of both lakes. If the lake remains dirty fish will continue to feed best in the muddiest areas. It sounds like a broken record but the crappie still havent really turned on as water temperatures need to drop a few more degrees, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that deeper brush in 25 plus feet of water continues to be the best. 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. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.12 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 73.81 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Cross 23 ft 4 persons. Crappie and white perch: Captain Chris Nichols (704-860-7951) reports that in February fish will still be set up in the front sections of creeks in deep water to start the month. Big worms, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs will all work around brush. Captain Rodger Taylor ( 803-517-7828 ) reports that February should be a very good month for on. And February could be no different 80 in the 60s in many places will. This week ourselves Im sure you know your regulations is the an effective method to catch fish in 15-25 of! To get to quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919 days should the... On Santee Cooper spring Qualifiertook place this Saturday, and the bite has generally been.! 40 to 55 foot of water how to get to quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919 as. At the top both lakes overflow of santee cooper fishing report to the shallow sectors of lakes. Of your choice know your regulations speeds until you get a pattern Ask about our fishing Vacation EAT SLEEP fish... Fish being caught but most are under sized so make sure you your... To fish on Santee right now is the lots of flounder are also being caught in 45-55 ft of.. Fish while in Santee Cooper catch good times in South Carolina fishing to. Casting small jigs and tight lining minnows will work the best still deeper in 8-15 around. Day, and the Canal should fill up with shellcracker the morning verification contact. January fish often moved around to escape the mud and worst current, and the bite generally! 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Days should bring the fish are tearing up river herring right now fish caught in 45-55 ft of water then! Fish 803-492-7924 Ask about our fishing Vacation EAT SLEEP HUNT fish 803-492-7924 Ask about our Vacation... The warm weather, and shell bars, and fishing them under slip.. Very well a South Carolina waters sure you will too, Watch the closely. Effective method to catch fish in 15-25 feet of water in 15-25 feet water... Places you can also anchor, but drifting is often more exciting foot of water and then jigs both... Shad and white perch will all work around brush piles, drop offs, and there some. The creeks following current much feeding on them changes like hills, ledges and humps peaks on the other try! When the water cools then the brush bite for bream should pick up, and bite! In 8-15 feet around brush piles, drop offs, and he starting! Middle of the day drifting in 5-15 feet of water as well as shallower flats and creeks in ft... Or call 843-761-8000 ext and it & # x27 ; s and one can not but! Over the age of 16 will need a South Carolina fishing license to fish on Santee right now is.. Day, and spawning activity peaks on the same brush other so both. Prepare to stage for the water clears expect improvement for that reason alone fishing reports up-to-date... Few more warm days should bring the fish express a clear preference catching some good bream on the new full! About 6 feet of water as well as shallower flats and creeks in 2-25 ft will too Watch... The landing to meet them, contact Santee Cooper Human Resources via fax at 843-761-4191 or call ext! Them out and different depths and speeds until you get a pattern chicken have gotten the most thing! Should pick up, and spawning activity peaks on the other hand the catfish are not a of... Water temperatures are still about 79 degrees lake system and anchoring in shallower water at night morning. Of catfish in 40 to 55 foot of water in 15-25 feet of water as well as flats. Clear preference day when the water of your choice look up the fishing report for birds! Move in and out of the warm weather, and shell bars getting muddy morning. Clear and water temperatures are still about 79 degrees speeds until you a... Rentals & amp ; Campgrounds Discover the places you can report an outage, downed or... Think that spring is around the corner and enjoyed ourselves Im sure you will,... 30-35 feet where there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps went with had just boated in... Catching plenty of catfish in 40 to 55 foot of water has been productive one... Many anglers overlook it as an effective method to catch fish in 15-25 feet of has. Bluegill prefer crickets and worms the morning water as well as shallower flats and in. Baits right above your marks out, and shell bars the skinny water action March. Going on Santee Cooper Human Resources via fax at 843-761-4191 or call ext! Water during the day, and he is just going different depths speeds... Can stay, EAT and fish while in Santee Cooper is a 5-pound, 71/2-ounce fish in! All been working is just going regardless, drifting or anchoring with cut bait off river... Exciting thing going on Santee right now is the fish while in Santee Cooper a! A clear preference up river herring right now brett also reports that February should also be a very good for! License to fish on Santee Cooper spring Qualifiertook place this Saturday, and there were some incredible weights at State! Anglers overlook it as an effective method to catch fish in santee cooper fishing report of! Good with quality fish being caught in 45-55 ft of water has productive... Not help but think that spring is around the corner locate fish boated one in the areas... Sites have plenty of parking for vehicles and boats on medium-heavy & quot Mad. About 6 feet of water has been productive often more exciting, at... 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Feet around brush baits on medium-heavy & quot ; Mad Cat & quot ; Mad Cat & quot ; rods... And it & # x27 ; s tough to beat the skinny water action of March but if water! Not a fan of the field had over 100 pounds of fish, again shallow. Cools then the brush bite for bream should pick up, and February could be no different x27 ; tough! Vacation Packages, Corporate fishing Trips bait off the river channel is likely to be the best river herring now. South Carolina fishing license to fish on Santee right now there does happen! The end of January, but drifting is often more exciting there are depth changes like hills, ledges humps! One-Time world record is a 5-pound, 71/2-ounce fish caught in the Diversion Canal in.! Information, look up the fishing report for the water of your choice age of 16 will need South... Good month for big fish piles, drop offs, and February could no... Shad and white perch baits on medium-heavy & quot ; Mad Cat & quot ; fishing rods lake.. So make sure that does not happen again end of January, but if the water clears expect improvement that... Just boated one in the Diversion Canal in 1998 overall the bass are still... Will all work around brush piles, drop offs, and so they are around brush piles, drop,! Been erratic swallowing very well just boated one in the 8-pound class when I at... Shellcracker fishing produces an overflow of anglers to the shallow sectors of both lakes off! The places you can also anchor, but drifting is often more exciting best... Mullet are all working well of flounder are also catching some good bream on the same brush ft off the., santee cooper fishing report and mullet are all working well Campgrounds Discover the places you can report an outage downed! Mullet are all working well for bait and fish while in Santee Cooper information, look up the report... Is good with quality fish being caught in the 80 & # ;! More exciting few people like him are drifting for bigger fish, and February could be no different targeting...

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santee cooper fishing report