I live this lake and am planning even now a trip to celebrate my turning 60. The verdict is in from the recent CBC tournament, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that a few people are whacking the bass but most people are not. One fish reigns supreme in the Santee Cooper lakes, and that's Catfish. With up-and-down water temperatures the bass are in a pretty typical early winter pattern, and Captain Brett Mitchell(803-379-7029) reports that means that fish will move back and forth between very shallow and slightly deeper water as the bait does the same. Updates. Click here for 30 day free trial! document.getElementById( "ak_js_12" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); July is a very productive time on lake Marion the Catfish bite can be excellent in summer. However, during the day the best pattern is still drifting in 25-40 feet of water when fish pull out deeper. document.getElementById( "ak_js_29" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on October 28, 2020 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 Bass Top water baits and swimbaits are turning on with some furocious explosive bites, Stripers Season is open October 1st good catches have been coming in and the fish are schooling. This year. After about 10 oclock the fish move deeper and it switches over to a drifting bite, and about 15-18 feet of water has been the magic depth. The topwater bite has also been slow around grass in 2-6 feet of water, and overall Brett says that any bite right now is a good bite! Conditions reports for this lake are available when Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. There were some good fish in the 20-30 pound range caught on chicken, but the best bait seems to be river herring and gizzard shad. Ive learned that when I fish my style of bassing, I usually can place in the money in a tournament. document.getElementById( "ak_js_24" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love to get some guides to call at the best lakes. . Morning surface water temperatures are mostly in the low to mid-70s. Throughout the day drifting in 5-15 feet of water has been productive. Fishing is good, going today and I expect it to be off the chain. document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on April 14, 2021 This adds a real sense of mystery when fishing, especially at dawn or dusk. They have been catching them drifting in 8-20 feet of water in most any area, and fish are very spread out right now. 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. Senkos and soft plastics are Bretts go-to lures right now, and if there are windy, cloudy conditions he will pull out a spinnerbait. gas, RVsitesand lodging if you decide to stay overnight. Stevie reports that they are still catching some fish shallow at night but the daytime bite has been pretty tough. If youre looking for a more traditional lake fishing experience, then Lake Moultries open waters are just what you want. However, the most effective pattern has typically been casting at shallow cover with jigs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for getting in touch, were happy to answer any questions you have! 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. Looking to head to Murray on 4/10 to fish. You can explore a number of guides in the area on FishingBooker. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.65 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 74.5 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). The tournament features a 3-fish limit and goes every Sunday through their April 5 final, all in support of the SC High School Bass Challenge. When trying to locate turkeys, here are some options to consider. These fish are extremely difficult to target with conventional bass fishing techniques. We are a family-owned business committed to providing our customers with the best prices and customer service on all of our merchandise. He has had the best luck drifting in 10-20 feet of water on cut herring, while Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) is concentrating more on the 15-20 foot range. Click here for 30 day free trial! The vast amount of shallow water in the Santee Cooper lakes has distinct advantages for early season largemouth bass fishing. 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. These freshwaters are often called the Catfish capital of the world because of the vast numbers of Catfish you'll find in its waters. Lake Marion, north side of lake, Coca Cola Slough to Jacks Creek has been good. While the bluegill and crappie continue to hold deep in the clear conditions on Santee, Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that the bite is still really good around offshore brush piles. Swimbaits can also work. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_35" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading and for sharing your experiences with us! Does that sound like wishful thinking? The Sunday Showdown Series had their first tournament of the season yesterday on Santee Cooper out of Black's. reports. 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. Surface water temperatures range from about 78-81 degrees. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.90 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.48 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). For up-to-date information, look up the fishing report for the water of your choice. You can still catch some crappie on deep brush in 20-35 feet, but the numbers are dwindling. If the CBC goes forward somebody will still crush them, but its anybodys guess what the pattern will be. Phone Numbers | Accessibility | However, if there is a hard cold front then fish will hunker down and move into deeper water where they will be caught fishing right off the bottom on minnows and jigs. Stevies boat has also been drifting in 10-25 feet of water and finding a good bite during the day, but he has heard reports of drifting out to 40 feet and catching fish. Have fun and get those lines tight! Head to the heart of the lakes and fish the deep waters where the Stripers go in winter, the Largemouth hide in summer, and the Catfish love to feed year-round. If youre a keen boater, then theres nothing stopping you from renting a boat or bringing your own vessel. Etc. "Weeds, brush, trees and pads are all good places. 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. North Iowa fishing report for Feb. 8. You wont be able to fish for any of these beauties in the summer months. They have been catching both bluegill and some big shallcracker with worms, while with crickets you will mainly get bluegill. Sonny's blood bait and Murrells stink bait are your best baits. The bass patterns are mostly unchanged on Santee, but Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that one thing which can create some variation during a generally stable, hot period is a mayfly hatch. Crappie: Veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that, depending upon water conditions, in January most of the Wateree crappie should be caught tight-lining minnows and jigs along the river channel. Catfish: Catfish: Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that drifting cut herring, shad or white perch in mid-depths should be the best pattern in January. We use cookies on our website to give you the best shopping experience. Anchoring on same bars using stink baits have been productive for smaller Waste or Abuse to SC Inspector General | 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. Apologies for the lack of bass update last week Brett gave us a post-tournament report but we failed to publish it. Today we spent the day tuna fishing. Come along year-round and theres plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Report this item Report this item - opens in new window or tab. document.getElementById( "ak_js_10" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 23, 2021 Spread them out and different depths and speeds until you get a pattern. Let's hear from you guys about this area or elsewhere, it's Bass fishing in the greatest season of the year! $14.99 . The catfishing here is so good, in fact, that Santee Cooper Bass fishing often gets overlooked. I loved fishing Santee Cooper. For now the lower lake is still mostly clear but muddy water is headed towards the system. This is critical. The crappie spawn should be getting close to winding down on Santee Cooper, and for guides who prefer the predictability of brush pile fishing like Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) it couldnt come soon enough! outside structure 15' to 25'. Its been a good week for catfish on Santee Cooper, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that you can catch them pretty much everywhere right now. This week the sweet spot has generally been 14-18 feet down over 20-35 feet of water. You must be a registered Camper to fish in Lakes 6 & 7. You can post now and register later. If youre a semi-proficient sight fisherman, bring craws and creature baits for the fish you can see among the pads and cypress knees. Most detailed Lake Greenwood Hi Tobias. As for launching, Packs Landing out of Rimini is the most northern starting point youll find, while Summerton, St. Pauls, and Adams landing are all great spots. Santee Cooper Bass: Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that until the spring rolls around fish will be concentrating on shad, and in December that usually means looking for areas with current where the schools of bait are found. All rights reserved. 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. Is it based on the number of rods? Overall, based on what he is seeing the fish are still very spread out. The best range for drifting right now is in 25-40 feet, and on cooler days they will move towards the deeper end of that range. There is some speculation that the population is down right now, and they do generally go in cycles, but there also seem to be some seasonal factors at play. The water temperatures have still not dropped quite enough to really change the bass fishing, and Brett reports that everything he is catching is coming around scattered wood and grass in the 4-6 foot range. It sounds like youve had some great times in Santee Cooper! The AHQ Report is your source for exclusive fishing reports, tournament updates, and more! Nothing is good but brush in about 14-20 feet has been the most productive, and generally the fish are 8-10 feet down. Anglers looking to explore north Lake Moultrie and the canal will be hard-pressed to find a better spot. For now the lower lake is still mostly clear but muddy water is headed towards the system. The fish are shallow on beds, and spawning activity peaks on the new and full moons. Brett has only been fishing shad-colored crankbaits, but red crankbaits, swimbaits and more should also work. Trolling numbers have been a bit down this week but that will also work. Thanks for reaching out. And he found plenty. Todays best setup was a 4oz. There are staging fish around trees, but the bulk of the big fish seem to be shallow. The smaller lake still offers some swampy spots, but the waters get deeper quicker. Continue to look for the birds and bait to locate fish. Santee Cooper has been known to be one of the best bass fishing locations in the country for throwing a squarebill around wood. Today we went out with 6 passengers who ignored yesterdays fish count and understand that fishing is more about spending time in nature than harvesting meat. Check out his website, fishingwithbrett.com and take a look around. Red wigglers are hard to beat. During warm periods the fish will be in just 2-3 feet of water and sometimes less near the banks around wood off the main lake or in creeks, but when the water gets colder the fish will back off into deeper water in pockets in 4-6 feet of water. The blues were on the deeper end of that range, while when he pulled back to 35 or less feet he encountered more channels. However, as the biggest prizes in Santee Cooper are further out in the middle of the lakes, fishing from shore is not a popular choice around here. Paste as plain text instead, The AHQ Report is your source for exclusive fishing reports, tournament updates, and more! Both lakes are clear and water temperatures are around 80 in the morning. Bass: Guide Josh Rockefeller and tournament angler Tyler Matthews of Evans, GA, reports that in January patterns will depend on weather conditions, but there should be a big group of fish in the creek ditches that can be caught on blade baits. Agree bud have contacted every crappie guide in area with no reply except one who says he doesnt do crappie. document.getElementById( "ak_js_25" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on November 16, 2020 Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.51 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 74.53 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). fish. Striper and hybrids: Little River Guide Service (706-210-3474) reports that during January fish may get harder to catch in cold conditions. But dont you miss out on the incredible fishing on offer! Morning surface water temperatures are around 87-88 degrees. The best bite will be in the middle of the day when the water is warmest. . Enjoy the freedom of exploring the lake at your own leisure, as you take the day at your own speed. May is a great time to fish these lakes, with the warmer weather combined with active Bass making for perfect conditions. Overall the fish have moved shallower, and first thing anchoring in shallow water is the best pattern. Starting to see some real nice stripers coming from trolling stretch 25 and Alabama rigs deep in 40-50 ft of water. The bass on Santee Cooper are doing exactly what they are supposed to doing, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that they have been catching fish that are chasing shad in the backs of pockets. They are dirt shallow, and today just fishing while waiting for a camera guy Brett has caught a bunch of fish in no more than a foot or two of water. These small, delicious fish are the quintessential first catch for any angler. Level: 07.18.21. The co-state record largemouth bass was caught out of Lake Marion (16-2 caught in 1949), until 1993 the world record freshwater striped bass came from Santee Cooper (55 pounds), the state record white crappie came from Lake Moultrie (5-0 caught in 1957), and the state record shellcracker (5-7.5 caught in 1998) came from the Diversion Canal. Live bait fishing document.getElementById( "ak_js_21" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 22, 2021 Thankfully, the fish in Santee Cooper werent too affected, unlike the saltwater species off the coast! The upper lake has slowed down but they are catching fish around brush in the lower lake in 25-30 feet of water. document.getElementById( "ak_js_36" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What is the smallest size motor you would take out I see people on kyaks but everyone says not our 5 hp for around the banks. In most major species categories the lakes have produced state or even-world record class fish. 13.0 in. Lake Marion is a drowned forest with trees still peeking out from the water. 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. Remember the limit is 3 per personwith a length being 26" It should not be long until a topwater bite comes on but for now they have not been productive. 1 lb. Updates. Bass: Guide Jerry Kotal (706-988-0860) reports that in January bass should still be caught deeper in the main lake and at the mouths of creeks. Multiple species of fish are in spawning mode, with stripers, largemouth bass and crappie in their annual reproductive rituals. The feat has become a growing trend among the turkey hunting community in recent years with hunters across the country making the Super Slam a lifelong hunting goal. The upper lake is slightly dingy while the lower lake is still clear in places. 267 sold . Minnows will work the best for crappie and crickets for bream. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. What triggers turkeys to gobble? Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I was told the ramp at John C Land is closed is that correct? White perch has been completely unproductive. santee cooper bass Fishing Reports For up-to-date information, look up the fishing report for the water of your choice. The fish they have caught have been 8-12 feet down over brush in 15-20 feet of water. 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. Clear Lake: Ice thickness is 12 to 18 inches. 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. More trip open. document.getElementById( "ak_js_26" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 23, 2021 It took me like 45 minutes to get that giant in. Most days minnows are best, but some days chartreuse, straight-tail jigs will out-fish them. Learn more. Brush piles, fallen trees, standing timber, and As we are between moon phases at the moment, Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that the shallow breambite is a little off but they are getting nice numbers of bluegills around brush on crickets. 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. 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