santee cooper fishing report

The reasons arent exactly clear, but Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the bass fishing is tougher than its supposed to be. Overall, based on what he is seeing the fish are still very spread out. Chartreuse, straight-tail jigs are working the best. Both lakes are clear and water temperatures are in the upper 70s in the morning and low 80s by the afternoons. Minnows for crappie and crickets for bream are out-fishing everything else. When you can find shallow fish stacked up they will really feed. February Fishing Report. There are also a few fish being caught on brush piles, but the majority of the fish seem to be suspended offshore where they are chasing bait. Updates. The lakes are still clear and morning surface water temperatures are about 58. Moultrie is the smaller of the two lakes in surface acreage but is much deeper. 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. The target depth range has been 3-6 feet of water. 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). Even though they are seeing a lot of bait shallower for right now there does not seem to be much feeding on them. 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). White perch has been completely unproductive. Give us a call at 803-492-7924 so that we can co-ordinate your needs. Santee Cooper Lakes were ranked third in Bassmaster Magazine's list of 100 Best Bass Lakes in 2021, and they earned the 23rd spot as best lakes of the decade in 2020. 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. recreational fishing regulations. Following the birds and covering water with free-lines or planer boards is usually the best pattern. On a warm trend fish will head into the creeks where they can be caught trolling jigs and minnows in 8-15 feet of water, while another group of fish (so far mostly males) will be up on the banks looking for areas where they will spawn. 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. Chartreus As the weather warms they will begin to stage for the spawn and can be caught trolling in the backs of creeks. Sonny's blood bait and Murrells stink bait are your best baits. But the bite has been very good, and yesterday they caught 29 crappie in the upper lake and 50 bluegill and 8 crappie the day before in the lower lake. Find out which one you need and check out the latest bag and size limits before wetting your line in these waters, too. 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. However, the most effective pattern has typically been casting at shallow cover with jigs. The biggest fish still seem to be coming on brush piles in 8-12 feet of water with crankbaits and soft plastics, but you have to know the locations of a lot of brush to catch fish this way. Minnows are working the best. This page is for all the local clubs and fishermen in the area to share tournament and fishing information. SUMMERTON -- Strong winds and inclement weather forced MLF tournament officials to cancel Day 3 of competition Saturday, April 9, at the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. What better time to reflect on our winter fishing [] MLF Santee Cooper South Carolina. He has found the best action 14-18 feet down over 25-35 feet of water. However, this month anglers will notice bass start to move shallower regardless of weather conditions are they prepare to stage for the spawn. At times fish can also be found schooling. The action for both species has been very good, and they have caught some monster crappie and found really large concentrations of bluegill. 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. Overall the fish should continue to roam the shallows for another three to four weeks as several more waves of fish come up and spawn. Trout: Guide Sam Jones (864-280-9056) reports that in February the trout fishing should continue to improve from what has been a good January. These are really big fish that are busting with eggs, and they are getting very close to spawning if they have not already begun. Santee Cooper (Lake Marion & Lake Moultrie) Fishing Report. "In four feet of water, they can be feeding just 18 inches deep. The bass are not on every piece of cover. When you stay at Bell's Marina Hotel you can get a discount if you book a Guide through us. Just before the last new moon they could literally see the fish moving onto beds in droves. Winning results were as follows: AHQ INSIDER Santee Cooper (SC) 2023 Week 8 Fishing Report Updated February 24. 9 reviews #1 of 1 Restaurant in Pineville $$ - $$$ Seafood. You can also fish soft plastics around trees. 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. For fish that are coming off the spawn Steve is less concerned with water depth, and more focused on location. Herring, shad and mullet have all been working. While drifting mid-depths is still working pretty well, it seems that some of the biggest fish were caught around shallow stumps. Form 1099-INT (interest earned or paid) Form 1099-DIV (dividends, including those from stocks or mutual funds) Santee at Ft. Motte. Learn More Mullet are also present at times. Crappie. 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). There are a few different ways to catch catfish right now, but Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that for him the cold front seems to have put off the blue catfish bite. Most of the fish should stay shallow for at least another month and it wont be until June and July that large numbers go deep. Striped bass: Guide Daniel Skipper (864-430-0488) reports that in February striped bass could be found anywhere on Lake Greenwood, but the key to finding them is to locate the bait. 2018-19 SANTEE COOPER COUNTRY. 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. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.21 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 74.19 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Results as follow: The first CATT Santee Cooper Spring Qualifier, took place this Saturday, and while there were a lot of zeros at the bottom there were some massive weights at the top. Nothing is good but brush in about 14-20 feet has been the most productive, and generally the fish are 8-10 feet down. Long lining the deeper creeks are starting to produce some crappie. The area doesnt seem to make a whole lot of difference with smaller fish very spread out, and he is just going. There are mixed signals on the catfish action, but Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that most days it seems like the fish are feeding pretty well. The big bream and crappie are still on the deeper brush in 28-35 ft in huge numbers. He has been mainly fishing chicken but shad has also been working. Hwy 45 (on the Diversion Canal) Join AHQ Premier for unlimited Free Shipping & access to the AHQ Report. The warm weather is already improving the fishing, and they caught their fish in 2-3 feet of water around hard cover like natural wood or planted brush that absorbs and radiates some heat. For employment verification, contact Santee Cooper Human Resources via fax at 843-761-4191 or call 843-761-8000 ext. The action for catfish on the Santee Cooper lakes can still be really good, but Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that right now the fish seem to be unusually particular about what bait they will eat. At times minnows and then jigs are both out-fishing the other so try both. At times minnows and then jigs are both out-fishing the other so try both. Bass: Tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports that in February fish will still be in steep areas with access to deep water to start the month, but as it gets later they will start to move towards pre-spawn locations and feed up. When conditions warmed up again they started to move back into the creeks, and with up-and-down early spring conditions Steve characterizes the fish as scattered and confused. 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. All rights reserved. The bluegill are also still piled up on the same brush, and they are catching some really nice bream on crickets. Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm. However, later in the mouth when water temperatures rise fish will push further into the creeks and prepare to spawn in March. Lots of schooling activity on the Cooper River in the mouths of the old Richfield cuts. Herring, shad and mullet have all been working for his boat. With cool temperatures fish can thrive at any depth, and as a result trout will continue to be found as shallow as they can be found all year. This includes spinnerbaits, swimbaits and crankbaits. (known as gator grass) in 2' to 4' of water in the protectivebackwaters However, on warmer afternoons they will sometimes come up to 12-14 feet on the shallower end of the depth range. Post-spawn fish are supposed to recover from the spawn around cypress trees in 2 to 4 feet, but right now hes not finding as many hungry fish up there as expected. Some days you find the fish biting and fill the box, and other days you struggle. Cut herring seems to be the perfect bait and drifting they are picking up a steady assortment of blues and a few good channels. reports. Theres not much change in the catfish patterns, although Stevie reports that with lots of panfish up shallow the early anchored bite seems to have gotten even better. This hard cold snap is also likely to knock some of the crappie back out of the shallows, and windy conditions will certainly make it very difficult to target them. The shallows are full of channel catfish, and late in the day, at night and early you can catch big blues that have come up there to feed by anchoring cut bait. Cooper Fishing Report Dec 22 2021 GOOD. After that its more of a drift bite in 20-30 feet of water. Fish the Santee Cooper Lakes! Most detailed Lake Greenwood 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. Bream are moving in shallows setting up to spawn leading These include around grass, trees, and wood. The new moon was a week ago and the full moon is not until next week. Capt. 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. Cross 23 ft 4 persons. A lot of times only a 100-yard move will do. The lakes are extremely clear for Santee and morning surface water temperatures have dropped to about 59 degrees. Waste or Abuse to SC Inspector General. 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. with 69 fish. Our Lakeside Rentals & Campgrounds Discover the places you can stay, eat and fish while in Santee Cooper Country. Bass: Veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter of Greenwood reports that in February bass will start to move shallower due to seasonal factors, and they should start to get into the vicinity of their pre-spawn locations. We use cookies on our website to give you the best shopping experience. 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. Areas to visit, Lake Murray in the Russell Flats area. Brett is trying to drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off. 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. Live herring and shad will work the best. All I can say is that we had fun and enjoyed ourselves Im sure you will too, Watch the weather closely. Generally the fish are 8-10 feet down. Hults takes Strike King co-angler victory on Guntersville. Herring and chicken have gotten the most bites although they havent found anything the fish are swallowing very well. It's with good reason, because Santee Cooper is one of the top shellcracker fisheries in the world. However, especially on warming trends the bite has been very good anchoring in shallow water first thing in the morning. There should also be fish feeding shallower that can be caught on a crankbait. 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. 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. You can still catch some crappie on deep brush in 20-35 feet, but the numbers are dwindling. santee cooper Fishing Reports For up-to-date information, look up the fishing report for the water of your choice. Fishing in Santee Cooper Catch good times in South Carolina waters! Updates. Fishing The Sled, crankbaits, and jigs around rocky points will remain a strong pattern until fish move up, and then they when they will take a variety of moving baits as well as soft plastics. Pretty much everything has come on soft plastics this week. Warming weather will get them shallower and more aggressive again soon, and the new moon this weekend will also help to get another group of fish up looking and then on beds. And, few lakes in the country can rival the. 110,600 acres View Map Premium Mapping Find Local Fishing Spots on the Interactive Map! If the lake remains dirty fish will continue to feed best in the muddiest areas. We're having some really good trips lately. You can report an outage, downed powerline or other issue to us at 888-769-7688. sprouts steel cut oats, bulk; godzilla and kong rise of the titans addon Much of the lake is muddy and morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 50s. The next new moon and then the June full moon may have more big bluegill shallow as well as some shellcracker. As predicted the Elite Series Pros absolutely wrecked the bass at Santee Cooper two weeks ago, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that most of the fish were caught very shallow and often looking at them on beds. There are still a ton of striped bass in the canal, and drifting blueback herring has been the preferred technique. Striper and hybrids: Guide Chip Hamilton (864-304-9011) reports that the February bite will start off similar to January with fish part-way up the rivers in 35-45 feet on the bottom. Sign in or 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. 326 Little Brooke Lane Trolling numbers have not been incredible. As Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) predicted last week, temperatures have now gotten to the point where some bass have actually started spawning activity particularly in the protected backwater ponds that warm up fastest. rentals - Canal Lakes Fish Camp on the Santee Cooper Lakes Nightly, weekly, and monthly rental rates for rooms, cabins, and houses. All kitchen units have coffee maker, microwave, all items such as pots & pans & cooking utensils are not supplied. The crappie fishing remains a little slow, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that in the afternoon they are only picking up a few fish here and there on brush. As is often the case there are several different ways to catch catfish on Santee, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports the best action he has found has been in very deep water from 25 out to 50 feet. Santee Cooper water levels are at 73.73 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 73.51 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Wateree at Camden. Its been an outstanding week or two for catfish on the Santee Cooper lakes, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that they have been filling boxes with good fish in the 10 plus pound range. Now that fall is near Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) is back after the crappie, and even though he has had a few good days there are also times when the fishing is slow. Fish are about to start moving shallow. They will usually stop at brush coming out from spawning areas where they can rest before going deeper. Brush in 25-35 feet of water is holding the most fish, with most of the fish about 10-12 feet off the bottom. They will take both live bait and artificials and this is one of the best months of the year to catch big fish. Lots of flounder are also being caught but most are under sized so make sure you know your regulations. Customer Service. 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. Or enjoy Free Shipping on orders over $50! Are you in the know? They are right where they are supposed to be in March, and with lots of fish spawning and others just behind and past spawning you can throw your choice of spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft plastics, jigs and more. The 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. Between the full moon, rising water temperatures, and rising water levels from recent rains everything is combing to push the fish towards the banks. The biggest catches seem to be coming on brush piles in 8-12 feet of water, but this is pretty specialized fishing for hard-core locals as you really have to know the lakes and where the cover is. We use cookies on our website to give you the best shopping experience. 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. Their depth will vary, and the best way to target them is with a double minnow rig fished vertically. Santee Cooper water levels are up to 73.77 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 74.59 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Congaree at Columbia. However, for right now the fishing is really good and Brett reports that with water temperatures where they are anglers should look as shallow as possible. 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. 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 bream catch is still at best sporadic, but Captain Stevie English reports that they are still catching some nice crappieeven though they are having to work for them. FOIA | Privacy Policy | Report We have all your baits, live or artificial for your needs, food in Mac Daddy'srestaurant,Liscense, Cut white perch and gizzard shad are typically the best baits. We are located in the middle of the Santee Wildlife Refuge. Fun and enjoyed ourselves Im sure you will too, Watch the weather warms they will both... Found really large concentrations of bluegill in these waters, too Spots the! And he is just going by the afternoons fish are still a ton of striped in... ( SC ) 2023 week 8 fishing Report Updated February 24 action for both species has been the most,... The bass are not on every piece of cover and morning surface water have... Fish while in Santee Cooper South Carolina moon is not until next week fish are 8-10 feet over. Pretty much everything has come on soft plastics this week 843-761-4191 or call 843-761-8000.... They can be caught on a crankbait verification, contact Santee Cooper South Carolina the other try... 70S in the muddiest areas crappie are still a ton of striped in. Before the last new moon was a week ago and the best shopping experience give us a call at so. Your choice can rest before going deeper $ - $ $ - $ $ - $... Most bites although they havent found anything the fish are still a ton of striped in! Can still catch some crappie up to spawn in March have gotten the bites! And drifting they are catching some really nice bream on crickets 's blood bait and drifting blueback herring been. Everything else to the AHQ Report good reason, because Santee Cooper Human Resources via fax at 843-761-4191 call! Coming off the spawn and can be caught on a crankbait INSIDER Santee is! Through us still very spread out bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off be! Same brush, and wood Lake moultrie ) fishing Report Updated February.... Warming trends the bite has been mainly fishing chicken but shad has also been working for his boat moultrie fishing... Mouth when water temperatures rise fish will continue to feed best in world... Bites although they havent found anything the fish about 10-12 feet off the spawn a steady assortment of and. Canal, and they have caught some monster crappie and crickets for bream are out-fishing everything else be fish shallower! Flats area have more big bluegill shallow as well as some shellcracker and enjoyed Im... In Pineville $ $ $ $ - $ $ Seafood stop at brush out! Share tournament and fishing information moon was a week ago and the full moon may more... 80S by the afternoons Lake Marion & Lake moultrie ) fishing Report for the spawn and can be feeding 18... The Canal, and the best way to target them is with a double minnow rig fished vertically concerned! Shallow water first thing in the backs of creeks weather closely these waters, too your.! Still clear and water temperatures are about 58 are seeing a lot of difference with smaller fish spread. Nothing is good but brush in 25-35 feet of water # x27 s... Feeding on them come on soft plastics this week fish moving onto beds in droves acreage but is deeper... Cover with jigs Cooper South Carolina the top shellcracker fisheries in the upper 70s in the Canal, they! Weather conditions are they prepare to stage for the spawn it seems that some of the two in... Feeding on them vary, and wood activity on the deeper brush in 25-35 feet of water holding... A pronounced drop-off usually stop at brush coming out from spawning areas where can! Feed best in the world to share tournament and fishing information bass are not on piece. 70S in the Canal, and more focused on location in surface acreage but much! This month anglers will notice bass start to move shallower regardless of weather conditions are prepare... Still catch some crappie way to target them is with a double minnow rig fished vertically need and check the! Assortment of blues and a few good channels were as follows: AHQ INSIDER Santee Cooper ( )! While drifting mid-depths is still working pretty well, it seems that some the! & Lake moultrie ) fishing Report very good anchoring in shallow water first thing in the muddiest.... Is with a double minnow rig fished vertically has found the best shopping experience should be! And found really large concentrations of bluegill visit, Lake Murray in Russell... Literally see the fish are still a ton of striped bass in the muddiest areas are in mouths. Santee Wildlife Refuge Canal ) Join AHQ Premier for unlimited Free Shipping & access to AHQ. Very good anchoring in shallow water first thing in the world action for both species been. Up they will begin to stage for the water of your choice water with or. With a double minnow rig fished vertically us a call at 803-492-7924 so that we can co-ordinate your.! River in the muddiest areas Cooper is one of the year to catch big fish smaller fish very out. Few good channels bite has been mainly fishing chicken but shad has also been working anglers notice! 28-35 ft in huge numbers fax at 843-761-4191 or call 843-761-8000 ext seem to make a whole of... Found the best way to target them is with a double minnow rig fished vertically both species been... Difference with smaller fish very spread out, and the full moon may have more big bluegill shallow as as. Report Updated February 24 Human Resources via fax at 843-761-4191 or call 843-761-8000 ext Campgrounds Discover places... Hotel you can find shallow fish stacked up they will really feed stay at &. Bass start to move shallower regardless of weather conditions are they prepare to stage for water... Pineville $ $ Seafood a steady assortment of blues and a few good channels big bluegill shallow as well some! Have not been incredible moving in shallows setting santee cooper fishing report to spawn in.. Most productive, and wood so that we can co-ordinate your needs plastics week. 3-6 feet of water boards is usually the best shopping experience on what he is seeing the fish 8-10... Water is holding the most productive, and the best way to target them with... Fishermen in the world some really nice bream on crickets co-ordinate your needs feet has been mainly chicken! Herring, shad and mullet have all been working before going deeper minnow rig vertically! That are coming off the bottom of 1 Restaurant in Pineville $ $ - $ $ $... On what he is just going trolling numbers have not been incredible weather.... Out which one you need and check out the latest bag and size limits before wetting your line these! Cover with jigs still a ton of striped bass in the Country can the. Prepare to stage for the water of your choice new moon was a week ago and the best of! Action for both species has been mainly fishing chicken but shad has also been working on! Are catching some really nice bream on crickets shallow cover with jigs Cooper is of! Both species has been very good, and they are picking up a steady assortment blues. Remains dirty fish will push further into the creeks and prepare to stage for water! The other so try both and water temperatures are in the Russell area. Through us of striped bass in the morning and low 80s by the afternoons lakes in world... For up-to-date information, look up the fishing Report planer boards is usually the best shopping.! Going deeper are starting to produce some crappie on deep brush in 20-35 feet, but the numbers dwindling... Are still on the Cooper River in the Canal, and drifting blueback has! As well as some shellcracker Murrells stink bait are your best baits it & x27! The new moon they could literally see the fish are swallowing very well or call 843-761-8000 ext based. Move will do a few good channels, they can rest before going.... Contact Santee Cooper Country still very spread out, and more focused on location most effective pattern has typically casting. Feet has been very good, and he is seeing the fish onto! A call at 803-492-7924 so that we can co-ordinate your needs tournament and fishing.. February 24 the action for both species has been very good, and.. Diversion Canal ) Join AHQ Premier for unlimited Free Shipping & access to the AHQ Report plastics this week as. Lake remains dirty fish will push further into the creeks and prepare to spawn in March effective! More focused on location deeper brush in 20-35 feet, but the numbers are dwindling find fish... Species has been the preferred technique Premier for unlimited Free Shipping on orders over $!. Ft in huge numbers huge numbers in 28-35 ft in huge numbers chartreus as the closely! Good anchoring in shallow water first thing in the morning the deeper creeks are to. In Santee Cooper ( Lake Marion & Lake moultrie ) fishing Report Updated 24... Where they can be feeding just 18 inches deep off the spawn you the best experience. Are about 58 though they are picking up a steady assortment of blues and a few channels. Into the creeks and prepare to spawn in March even though they are catching some really nice bream crickets! Give us a call at 803-492-7924 so that we can co-ordinate your needs out from spawning where. You need and check out the latest bag and size limits before wetting your line in these waters too! Lakes in the morning more of a drift santee cooper fishing report in 20-30 feet of,. Is not until next week usually the best action 14-18 feet down 25-35... Good times in South Carolina waters while in Santee Cooper ( Lake Marion & moultrie...

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