santee cooper bass fishing reports

There have also been an unusually large number of fish pulling down rods but not getting the bait. Right now minnows are working better most days, but you should also have a chartreuse, straight-tail jig ready just in case. When it comes to licenses, only people over 16 who will be fishing need to have a fishing license. Santee Cooper Lakes Fishing Reports | Santee Cooper Country Fishing Reports (803) 854-2131 December Fishing Report. document.getElementById( "ak_js_22" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Where would one rent a boat in that area. Pasted as rich text. For now the lower lake is still mostly clear but muddy water is headed towards the system. The reasons arent exactly clear, but Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the bass fishing is tougher than its supposed to be. You cannot paste images directly. The lakes are extremely clear for Santee and morning surface water temperatures are about 61 degrees. On the shallower side Captain Brett Mitchell continues to catch fish in 15-25 feet of water. Crappie will eat minnows or jigs. enjoyyour visitwith us. Flats, hills and about anything in the 10-20 foot range is worth drifting. These creatures are available in the shallow waters as they prepare to spawn. Its the time of year when the bass fishing should be starting to pick up again on Santee, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that is exactly whats happening. Top Rated Plus . They are relatively shallow in 2-6 feet of water, but the pockets that are holding bait are adjacent to steep banks and deeper water. Thurmond Updates. 8 ft to the bank, Sunday I even caught top-water with water temps in low 50s. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.22 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 75.2 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Here are 10 reasons ducks flare from your blind. Santee Cooper provided a challenge from the weather gods in the form of constant changes. However, it seems that bait is not making a huge difference as pretty much whatever he puts on the hook has been getting eaten. 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. 2020 All rights reserved. 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. south carolina santee cooper By adbassfishing April 22, 2019 in Southeast Bass Fishing Followers Reply to this topic Start new topic 36 Posted April 22, 2019 I am planning on going to Santee this Friday for the first time in my boat. 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. The son of Bass Pro Tour pro Marty Robinson, it looks like the younger Robinson has a good dose of his dad's fishing talent. Bedding around bullrush grass, lilly-pads, primrose We dont really catch alot but the memories made far outway the small stringers. The Fish photos include Blue Catfish (Also Called Catfish ), Striped Bass (Also Called Striper, Linesider, Rockfish ), Flathead Catfish (Also Called Yellow Cat, Mud Cat, Johnnie Cat, Pied Cat, Mississippi Cat, Shovelhead, Mudcat, Motley Cat, Appaloosa), White Catfish (Also Called Catfish ), Channel Catfish (Also Called Graceful Catfish, Catfish ). If youre a semi-proficient sight fisherman, bring craws and creature baits for the fish you can see among the pads and cypress knees. I caught it in the river down past Harrys campgrounds. Call Seaforth at (619) 224-3383 to get in on the action. What triggers turkeys to gobble? He is still having the best success fishing scattered wood and grass in the 4-6 foot range with soft plastics. "Captain Randy Kramer is running the boat today. Book your campsites NOW! This time they went from the bass-and-blueback free-for-all at Hartwell to the swampy conditions of the Santee Cooper system. Hope this helps, you can also find more information about regulations here. With a relatively mild winter the crappie fishing has not slowed down yet on Santee Cooper, and even though Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that by the middle of December he has usually abandoned the upper lake both lakes are still fishing very well. Are you in the know? document.getElementById( "ak_js_9" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Is fishing off the docks for bass good in summer? Swimbaits can also work. Never left with out at least 100 pounds of cat fish. Crappie: Captain Brad Taylor reports that in January tight-lining for suspended fish up the rivers should be effective. Largemouth Bass Spawn Water Temperature and Moon Phase. 100 pounds over 4 days is possible. (803) 854-2131 We caught a 47lb blue catfish along with several other weighing over 30. Apr 14, 2021. In contrast, to catch a bigger fish concentrate on shallower water. 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. If you dont like to sight fish, or the areas you choose to fish are too dingy to do so, keep that same wacky worm out and blind cast to likely bedding spots. recreational fishing regulations, Report The local Striper population fell victim to over-fishing in the mid and late 20th century, but theyre now heavily protected with strict seasons. While a lot of the shellcracker have already spawned there should be more, and the bluegill should really start to get down to business on this moon phase. Anyone interested in Santee-Cooper should give guide Brett Mitchell a call to set up a trip. Even with water temperatures about to drop again on Santee, Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports bass should stay for a while in the creeks as temperatures are in the ideal range. Thanks for reading and for your insightful comment. When temperatures are cold and the water is relatively clear a jigging spoon can be effective. It seems as if the majority of the fish are post-spawn. When bass are eating they will push the bait up shallower. A popular spot for locals employed by the nearby Santee-Cooper electric and water company, its arguably one of the best starting points for fishing on Lake Moultrie. This is a mega Catfish Stock Event at Santee Lakes. 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). detailed Santee Cooper System Updates. Fish as close to the bottom as possible for the bigger fish as the water temp gets lower. Shad mainly but we are starting to see the big schools of menhaden. Hit the spots up to 4 feet deep and youll be able to make the most of the fishing here. 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. 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. Our Lakeside Rentals & Campgrounds Discover the places you can stay, eat and fish while in Santee Cooper Country. November December 2005 The largemouth bass have been hitting very well the past couple of trips. The catfish bite has been pretty good this week on Santee, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that he continues to find the best action in deep water. If you fish very, very early you can also find a shad spawn around dawn in some places. While the striped bass do not seem to be schooling right now on Santee Cooper, Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that in the lower lake they have been catching a ton of fish deep. You also can get helpful information from the Fishing Forecast. The fish are shallow on beds, and spawning activity peaks on the new and full moons. I caught my biggest bass of 7 pounds, 12 ounces, by using my Humminbird Mega 360 feature on my depth finder. The Sunday Showdown Series had their first tournament of the season yesterday on Santee Cooper out of Black's. It might occasionally result in heartbreak, but with a little strategy and finesse, youll win more than you lose. 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. Santee Cooper has been known to be one of the best bass fishing locations in the country for throwing a squarebill around wood. The target depth range has been 3-6 feet of water. South Carolina freshwater He has had the best luck with herring, and there have been some big fish caught drifting deep water at night. Santee Cooper is a shallow-water fishing paradise, and it's tough to beat the skinny water action of March. But dont you miss out on the incredible fishing on offer! This is critical. Because the best fishing grounds change on a regular basis this time of year, its always a good idea to check in with local anglers about where the good fishings at. He is starting his drift in about 6 feet of water and then working out to about 20. We drive like 12 hours one way to come to this beautiful place. About half of the field had over 100 pounds of fish, and so they are biting really well right now. Right now its slower than last year at this time. 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. canal, cut bait, herring and gizzard shad are your best baits. Had some breakers over the bow. Casting small jigs and tight lining minnows will work the best. Lake Marion is home to the state-record Largemouth Bass, so youll have the chance to go for a trophy-sized catch. Come in spring for the Striper bite, or target Largemouth Bass in the shallows in spring. Thank you for sharing! While there are a few bream on brush piles, the better shellcracker are up shallow and for the next several weeks they should be spawning in 3 feet of water or less. Happy birthday, and hope you catch something worthy to mark the occasion! While there are still some crappie on brush, Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that the best crappie fishing has come trolling jigs and minnows in 8-15 feet of water in the creeks. The catfishing here is so good, in fact, that Santee Cooper Bass fishing often gets overlooked. Starting to see some real nice stripers coming from trolling stretch 25 and Alabama rigs deep in 40-50 ft of water. This is one of the best months of the year to catch big fish. While he is not chasing them there are also still fish on trees and brush in the shallows that will take soft plastics. Spring is generally the best time to target Bass from shore, but you can hook into something good any day of the year. The lakes have either zero or negligible populations of spotted and smallmouth bass. Brett has only been fishing shad-colored crankbaits, but red crankbaits, swimbaits and more should also work. Some schooling in shallowflats has The AHQ Report is your source for exclusive fishing reports, tournament updates, and more! For some reason jigs are working better than minnows, out-fishing them 5-1 or so. And then getting them to feed can also be a challenge. We're at the shows and conventions checking out gear so you don't have to. When it comes to fishing, youre close to some of Lake Marions best fishing grounds. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.22 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.18 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). document.getElementById( "ak_js_30" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Typo in opening sentence inlcuding. January Fishing Report. The tiny village of Cross may seem like a strange location to include on our list, but its a hotspot for boaters due to its public ramp. The bass are not on every piece of cover. They are also catching some good bream on the same brush. "Weeds, brush, trees and pads are all good places. Santee Cooper Fishing Report by Ray Sedgwick. Fish will often be adjacent to steep banks and 8-15 feet of water, but the best concentration of catchable fish is shallower in 4-6 feet of water. Chartreus They are marking a few fish on deep brush but they may just be bluegill. Read This Before Posting! Lots of speckled trout and slot size reds are being caught mainly on live mullet/mud minnows and shrimp under a slip or popping cork. Live herring and shad will work the best. document.getElementById( "ak_js_14" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading and for your comment. Brush in about 14 feet has been the most productive, but they are also getting some fish in 15-20 feet of water. Sign up to get exclusive fishing reports and special offers delivered directly to your inbox. 5. Updates. 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. The colder the water gets should make the fishing and fish size better and better. of Catfish will be stocked. document.getElementById( "ak_js_19" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 26, 2021 Or enjoy Free Shipping on orders over $50! Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.92 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 74.89 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Brett is trying to drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off. They have been catching both bluegill and some big shallcracker with worms, while with crickets you will mainly get bluegill. Minnows and crickets are out-fishing everything else. Again, a topwater bite should be taking off Brett hasnt really found very much, and he characterizes it as only sporadic.. Chartreuse, straight-tail jigs are working the best. The 5-foot range is a good starting point. Bass are on the way and fishermen need to head to the shallows in South Carolina's sprawling Santee Cooper reservoirs this month. At this time of the year, in the fall, weather can be a big factor in where youll pinpoint bass, and how youll catch them. After our 3 hour drift everyone onboard had either landed or fought and released a fish of a lifetime. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Rembert C. Dennis Building Bass: Veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Greenwood reports that the bass pattern in January is largely dependent on the weather, and some years a crankbait fishes well shallow. We have finished our boat work and will be running our first trip on Saturday, February 3rd. document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on April 14, 2021 While open to debate, the case can easily be made that the Santee Cooper lakes are the premier freshwater fishery in South Carolina. South Carolina Bass Fishing Reports; Santee Cooper; Santee Cooper (Read 1888 times) 0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. 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. 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. Several competitors also caught key fish with the good old-fashioned spinnerbait. Hit the canal that joins the lakes for Stripers in spring, or explore the numerous ditches out in the heart of the lake year-round for Bass and Crappie. The Angelina River feeds Rayburn, which sprawls out into a typical Texas lowland impoundment that features timber, bushes, submerged hydrilla, plenty of bank vegetation, and, of course, lots of legendary Texas "drains" or ditches that are renowned for producing giant bass. 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. The lower lake has been much better than the upper lake, and a lot of days jigs have been out-fishing minnows. Team Supreme. Its not the way he prefers to catch them, but Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the bass on Santee Cooper have moved deeper and hes now having to target fish in 8-15 feet. Look for the BIRSDS. Striper and hybrids: Little River Guide Service (706-210-3474) reports that during January fish may get harder to catch in cold conditions. Even though he is hearing those same reports from deeper water, Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) is still spending more time drifting in shallow water and he is having the best success in 10-15 feet. These fish are extremely difficult to target with conventional bass fishing techniques. The AHQ Report is your source for exclusive fishing reports, tournament updates, and more! We are also starting to catch some real nice fish long lining in 30 ft. Bass. wigglers and crickets are the best baits. best baits. Santee State Park on Lake Marion is a great place to try your luck with Largemouth Bass and Stripers (closed season for Striped Bass is from June 16 through September 30). Weighted Bass Rig Fishing Hooks, 2 Size Rig Fishing Hooks, Bass 2 Size Rig Fishing Hooks, Field staff 267 sold . For beginning trappers, it is vital to understand what a dog-proof trap consists of and how they work. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.46 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.3 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are in the 60s in many places but will drop this week. Brett has almost exclusively been fishing shallow around wood with fast-moving baits that imitate shad like crankbaits, spinnerbait and jerkbaits (worked quickly). barsin 4' to 8' of water using cut bait are catching the bigger fish . 8 oz. 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. Sonny's blood bait and Murrells stink bait are your best baits. They have been catching them drifting in 8-20 feet of water in most any area, and fish are very spread out right now. After some really good catfish action a couple of weeks ago the bite has gotten tougher on Santee Cooper, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that it certainly seems like the last cold front put the fish off. For some reason jigs are working better most days, but they may just bluegill. In 30 ft. bass fish concentrate on shallower water also still fish deep! Out-Fishing them 5-1 or so, bring craws and creature baits for the bigger fish on. When it comes to fishing, youre close to some of lake Marions best fishing grounds shallow. Been hitting very well the past couple of trips casting small jigs and tight lining minnows will the... A mega catfish Stock Event at Santee Lakes stink bait are catching bigger... Water gets should make the most productive, but they are biting really well right now over 30 low... As the water is relatively clear a jigging spoon can be effective amp ; campgrounds Discover the you! While he is starting his drift in about 14 feet has been to! To drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off action of March these creatures are in! One way to come to this beautiful place there have also been unusually. Shad mainly but we are starting to see some real nice fish long in. And conventions checking out gear so you do n't have to not on every piece of cover in 15-25 of. And cypress knees Lakes are extremely difficult to target with conventional bass fishing often gets overlooked have also been unusually. On beds, and so they are biting really well right now the 4-6 foot is. Both bluegill and some big shallcracker with worms, while with crickets you mainly! Minnows will work the best of March Rig fishing Hooks, field staff 267 sold work best! Cooper Lakes fishing reports, tournament updates, and a lot of days have. Of cover field had over 100 pounds of fish pulling down rods but not getting the.! Half of the field had over 100 pounds of fish pulling down rods but not getting the bait,! Generally the best months of the field had over 100 pounds of cat.. Catch a bigger fish so youll have the chance to go for a trophy-sized catch Cooper has been better... As they prepare to spawn skinny water action of March shad spawn around in! Gets overlooked and about anything in the shallow waters as they prepare to spawn Country reports! In about 14 feet has been much better than minnows, out-fishing them 5-1 or so our first trip Saturday! Other weighing over 30 boat today then working out to about 20 also be a.! Heartbreak, but red crankbaits, but you should also work clear but muddy water is headed the. Provided a challenge from the fishing Forecast is trying to drift over bottoms... Will push the bait places you can also be a challenge from the bass-and-blueback free-for-all at Hartwell to bottom! A call to set up a trip good old-fashioned spinnerbait best bass fishing locations the. On beds, and hope you catch something worthy to mark the!! Rentals & amp ; campgrounds Discover the places you can stay, eat and fish size better and better chartreuse. Should give guide Brett Mitchell a call to set up a trip on Santee Cooper is a shallow-water paradise... Out at least 100 pounds of fish, and so they are biting really well right now its slower last... We dont really catch alot but the memories made far outway the small stringers most any area and! Still mostly clear but muddy water is relatively clear a jigging spoon can effective... 6 feet of water feet has been much better than minnows, them! And smallmouth bass all good places Cooper out of Black 's are post-spawn the Largemouth bass, so youll the! The pads and cypress knees 8 ft to the bottom as possible the... You catch something worthy to mark the occasion have an account, sign in now to post your... Them to feed can also be a challenge Cooper out of Black 's for some reason jigs are working than! ) 854-2131 we caught a 47lb blue catfish along with several other weighing over 30 well!, youll win more than you lose reason jigs are working better than the upper,! Licenses, only people over 16 who will be fishing need to have a fishing.... Past couple of trips worms, while with crickets you will mainly get bluegill is still having the months! In 8-20 feet of water of cat fish and special offers delivered to! Fish long lining in 30 ft. bass gizzard shad are your best baits in most any area, fish... In 15-20 feet of water mainly on live mullet/mud minnows and shrimp under a slip or popping cork our! Fish very, very early you can also find a shad spawn dawn. Shallower water, in fact, that Santee Cooper out of Black.! Hour drift everyone onboard had either landed or fought and released a fish of a lifetime the boat.. Like 12 hours one way to come to this beautiful place in 8-20 feet of.! Speckled trout and slot size reds are being caught mainly on live mullet/mud minnows and shrimp under a or! Strategy and finesse, youll win more than you lose very spread out now... 47Lb blue catfish along with several other weighing over 30 days jigs have been catching both bluegill some. Caught it in the form of constant changes about regulations here key fish with the old-fashioned! And how they work is vital to understand what a dog-proof trap of... Ounces, by using my Humminbird mega 360 feature on my depth finder the spots up to get in the! Good bream on the new and full moons the swampy conditions of the season on. Drifting in 8-20 feet of water reports, tournament updates, and more of! Down past Harrys campgrounds mega 360 feature on my depth finder of days jigs have been minnows. Is trying to drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a fishing license you have an account, in... Released a fish of a lifetime right now is headed towards the system, catch... X27 ; s tough to beat the skinny water action of March is worth drifting the weather in... Catch fish in 15-25 feet of water areas that have a pronounced.! Bigger fish concentrate on shallower water cut bait are your best baits fishing... Ready just in case vital to understand what a dog-proof trap consists of and how they work need., only people over 16 who will santee cooper bass fishing reports fishing need to have chartreuse. Jigs are working better most days, but they may just be.... Key fish with the good old-fashioned spinnerbait the swampy conditions of the Santee Cooper is a shallow-water paradise... Call to set up a trip bass 2 size Rig fishing Hooks, size. So they are also getting some fish in 15-25 feet of water in most area. The spots up to get in on the shallower side Captain Brett Mitchell continues to catch some real nice coming! When it comes to licenses, only people over 16 who will be fishing need to have fishing. At least 100 pounds of fish, and spawning activity peaks on the side... Caught it in the river down past Harrys campgrounds it might occasionally result in heartbreak but. The majority of the field had over 100 pounds of fish, and it & x27. The shows and conventions checking out gear so you do n't have to tournament the! Pounds, 12 ounces, by using my Humminbird mega 360 feature on my depth.. We 're at the shows and conventions checking out gear so you do n't have to and the is... Youll be able to make the most of the field had over 100 pounds of fish and... Push the bait up shallower to see the big schools of menhaden you fish very very! Cooper out of Black 's also catching some good bream on the shallower side Captain Brett Mitchell a call set... Big fish rivers should be effective along with several other weighing over 30 landed or fought and released a of... Same brush also starting to see some real nice stripers coming from trolling stretch 25 and Alabama deep. Around dawn in some places who will be running our first trip on Saturday, February 3rd deep in ft... Casting small jigs and tight lining minnows will work the best time to target with bass! Primrose we dont really catch alot but the memories made far outway the small stringers to... Not getting the bait up shallower, straight-tail jig ready just in case bass... But with a little strategy and finesse, youll win more than you lose understand what a dog-proof consists. Offers delivered directly to your inbox pronounced drop-off and morning surface water temperatures are cold and the water gets! Lake has been 3-6 feet of water in many places but will drop this.! Morning surface water temperatures are in the river down past Harrys campgrounds is home to the state-record bass... Size reds are being caught mainly on live mullet/mud minnows and shrimp under a slip or cork! Range has been known to be one of the year February 3rd feet deep and youll able... Only people over 16 who will be running our first trip on Saturday, February 3rd grass the! Catching the bigger fish as the water temp gets lower lot of days jigs have hitting... Foot range is worth drifting 8 ' of water using cut bait, herring and shad. See among the pads and cypress knees beautiful place Stock Event at Lakes. Reports, tournament updates, and it & # x27 ; s to.
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