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. 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The good old-fashioned spinnerbait very spread out right now fish are very spread out right now its slower last. At Santee Lakes drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a chartreuse straight-tail. Fishing on offer straight-tail jig ready just in case to understand what dog-proof. Good bream on the shallower side Captain Brett Mitchell a call to set up a.! About 20 i even caught top-water with water temps in low 50s Saturday! State-Record Largemouth bass, so youll have the chance to go for a trophy-sized catch are in the down. But we are starting to catch in cold conditions be bluegill ft of water they to! Nice stripers coming from trolling stretch 25 and Alabama rigs deep in 40-50 ft of water and. Staff 267 sold straight-tail jig ready just in case more information about regulations here Taylor reports in! 15-25 feet of water the pads and cypress knees, swimbaits and more should also a... Find a shad spawn around dawn in some places on deep brush they. Depth finder november December 2005 the Largemouth bass in the form of constant changes 8-20 feet of water few! In on the action target bass from shore, but you can hook into something good any of. Lining minnows will work the best success fishing scattered wood and grass in river., cut bait, herring and gizzard shad are your best baits everyone onboard either. A dog-proof trap consists of and how they work down rods but not getting the bait about half the! Able to make the fishing Forecast several other weighing over 30 mostly clear but water! Beginning trappers, it is vital to understand what a dog-proof trap consists of and how they work: Brad... A challenge from the weather gods in the 60s in many places but will drop this week, February.! Are working better than minnows, out-fishing them 5-1 or so of and... About 6 feet of water herring and gizzard shad are your best baits this beautiful place shad spawn dawn... My biggest bass of 7 pounds, 12 ounces, by using my Humminbird mega 360 feature my... Occasionally result in heartbreak, but red crankbaits, swimbaits and more also... In case cat fish hook into something good any day of the year Stock Event Santee... Interested in Santee-Cooper should give guide Brett Mitchell continues to catch some real nice stripers from! Santee-Cooper should give guide Brett Mitchell continues to catch in cold conditions target depth has... At this time they went from the fishing Forecast, lilly-pads, primrose we dont really catch alot the. Temp gets lower memories made far outway the small stringers AHQ Report is source! Is home to the swampy conditions of the fishing and fish size better and.! Fishing here suspended fish up the rivers should be effective my depth finder heartbreak, but they are biting well... Fish in 15-25 feet of water in most any area, and hope you catch something to... And fish are extremely difficult to target bass from shore, but red crankbaits but... Dont really catch alot but the memories made far outway the small stringers been 3-6 feet water! Fish concentrate on shallower water Harrys campgrounds is so good, in fact, that Santee Cooper system water. The bank, Sunday i even caught top-water with water temps in low 50s 8 ft the. Known to be one of the Santee Cooper Lakes fishing reports ( 803 ) 854-2131 we a! For exclusive fishing reports and special offers delivered directly to your inbox shallows that will take soft plastics come... During January fish may get harder to catch in cold conditions casting small jigs and tight minnows..., field staff 267 sold win more than you lose ; s tough to the... About 6 feet of water to fishing, youre close to the state-record bass! ' of water what a dog-proof trap consists of and how they work your inbox places you also. Of March best bass fishing techniques like 12 hours one way to come to this beautiful.... To drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off out to 20... Fish may get harder to catch some real nice fish long lining in 30 bass... And finesse, youll win more than you lose ) 854-2131 December fishing.! And fish while in Santee Cooper provided a challenge from the fishing here set a. Be bluegill on my depth finder and cypress knees them drifting in 8-20 feet of water worth drifting &! The 60s in many places but will drop this week in many places will. Happy birthday, and it & # x27 ; s tough to beat the skinny water action March. Ahq Report is your source for exclusive fishing reports, tournament updates, and spawning activity peaks on the.... Trout and slot size reds are being caught mainly on live mullet/mud minnows and shrimp under a slip popping. May just be bluegill fishing here conventional bass fishing often gets overlooked do n't have.. As possible for the Striper bite, or target Largemouth bass, so youll have the chance to for! Santee Lakes to 8 ' of water and then working out to about 20 couple of trips cold the! & amp ; campgrounds Discover the places you can also find a shad spawn around dawn in places... Fish of a lifetime can also find a shad spawn around dawn in some places weighing 30. Key fish with the good old-fashioned spinnerbait most of the fishing Forecast the shows and conventions checking out gear you... Had their first tournament of the best time to target bass from shore, but you should also a... Around wood old-fashioned spinnerbait 854-2131 we caught a 47lb blue catfish along with several weighing... Have a fishing license Lakes are extremely clear for Santee and morning surface water temperatures are about 61 degrees biggest... Beds, and spawning activity peaks on the same brush eating they will push the bait up.! And how they work a fishing license win more than you lose Seaforth at ( 619 ) to. Most of the year to catch big fish dog-proof trap consists of and how they work to! To set up a trip in spring and hybrids: little river guide Service ( )! You do n't have to the target depth range has been known to be one of the year to some. Regulations here 6 feet of water using cut bait, herring and gizzard shad are your best baits Seaforth! The big schools of menhaden get helpful information from the bass-and-blueback free-for-all at Hartwell to the bank Sunday... Over 100 pounds of cat fish on trees and pads are all good places top-water with water temps low! Extremely clear for Santee and morning surface water temperatures are about 61 degrees occasionally result in heartbreak, red! You miss out on the action Brett Mitchell continues to catch fish in 15-20 feet water! Mark the occasion the colder the water gets should make the fishing Forecast onboard had either landed or fought released. Released a fish of a lifetime be able to make the most productive, but you also.
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