Tight lines. However, on warmer afternoons they will sometimes come up to 12-14 feet on the shallower end of the depth range. Water temperatures are in the low 60s and there is some dirty water rolling into the lakes. While the numbers of crappie on brush has dwindled, Steve notes that there are some huge groups of bluegill stacked up on the brush. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, we recently went to Santee St Park. Morning surface water temperatures are still about 79 degrees. While the fish are shallow they are still not on very flat areas like they will spawn on, and they are more likely to be outside of those areas where there is deeper water nearby. 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. 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. Its a similar story from Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029), who also reports that the best cat action is coming in about 30 feet. Big worms, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs will all work around brush. barsin 4' to 8' of water using cut bait are catching the bigger fish . Feb 26, 2021. Mossy Oak Fishing Report: Bassmaster Elite Series Santee Cooper, 49 - The Pursuit of a Turkey in Every State Across the Country, Bill Lowen Fishes Various Lures at Santee Cooper Bassmaster Tournament, Brandon Palaniuk Catches His Biggest Bass in the Santee Cooper Tournament, Brandon Palaniuk's Preparation for the Santee Cooper Bass Tournament, Bill Lowen Explains His Lures and Equipment for the Santee Cooper Tournament, John W. Weeks: Conservation Legend, 20-Million-Acre Man, Mossy Oak Joins The Given Right as Title Sponsor, Launches New Digital Series, The History of the Legendary Bayou Meto WMA, A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Rural Land. How are creel limits counted on a private boat with more than one licensed fisherman? document.getElementById( "ak_js_29" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on October 28, 2020 It would not be surprising if someone has found a shallow anchored bite, too. Where can I get information about when to launch and where to fish the swamps in the upper part of Lake Marion? He has been mainly fishing chicken but shad has also been working. For fish that are coming off the spawn Steve is less concerned with water depth, and more focused on location. They will be caught on jigging spoons, drop shots and jigs. The best brush has been in the 20s, and the fish are 10-12 feet down. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.33 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 75.29 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). They continue to pick away at the crappie on Santee, but Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that the bite in both lakes is pretty much tracking and fish are only sporadic. The Sunday Showdown Series had their first tournament of the season yesterday on Santee Cooper out of Black's. Hit up the deep waters of Lake Marion or Moultrie in summer, and you can expect plenty of 20-pounders. The AHQ Report is your source for exclusive fishing reports, tournament updates, and more! At the April full moon it should be gangbusters again, while this week they have caught decent numbers and a few big fish but nothing has been hot. 139 Canal Landing Road, Cross, SC 29436 For some reason the catfish bite has gotten really tough, and while there are some fish being caught its not unusual for anglers to strike out right now. In the fall, your best bet is to look for migrating baitfish that youll see in smaller groups. Farmer's Market, freshwater After our 3 hour drift everyone onboard had either landed or fought and released a fish of a lifetime. Brett also reports that a few people like him are drifting for bigger fish, again in shallow water. Water temperatures are likely to drop as much as 10-15 degrees in the shallow lake with this hard freeze, and he expects bass to run out of the shallows like their houses are on fire. FishingBooker has a number of guides to choose from in Santee-Cooper, and you can filter your search for the species you want. Thanks for reaching out. In the next week or two there should also start to be a topwater bite, but that really doesnt usually kick off until water temperatures hit a magic range of about 75 degrees. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Striper and hybrids: Little River Guide Service (706-210-3474) reports that during January fish may get harder to catch in cold conditions. The new moon was a week ago and the full moon is not until next week. 10 ponders are not uncommon in the spring. Bream. 267 sold . THE DRAGON SHAD DEMON - THE ULTIMATE IN LINE CATFISH FLOAT - SANTEE COOPER RIG . They will take minnows fished around deeper schools of bait. Just make note Ive heard inexperienced can get lost in that area so be careful. If the CBC goes forward somebody will still crush them, but its anybodys guess what the pattern will be. 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. 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. I hope this helps. I was fishing a flat and spotted a brush pile off to the side of my boat. On Sept. 15, Bassmaster Magazine released its list of the 100 Best Bass Lakes for 2022. Thanks for your comment and good question. Anyone interested in Santee-Cooper should give guide Brett Mitchell a call to set up a trip. Enjoy the freedom of exploring the lake at your own leisure, as you take the day at your own speed. For fish chasing bait flukes, Spooks, Pop-Rs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits will all work. 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. They will usually stop at brush coming out from spawning areas where they can rest before going deeper. Come and take advantage of the Largemouth and Striped Bass bite in the deeper waters. The lakes are dingy in places but not muddy, about right for this time of year, and morning surface water temperatures are about 52-53 degrees. They were led to few fans or pundits surprise by Brandon Palaniuk, who won the last time B.A.S.S. Swimbaits can also work. You may have a very effective predator control program but if your neighbors and their neighbors dont, the results will be temporary, at best, and could ultimately do more harm than good. Drifting and bouncing the bottom is working well, and there are also intermittent spots where you can anchor up and catch fish. March 23, 2021 in Fishing Reports. This week he has mostly been drifting 32-44 feet, and mullet has been his primary bait. Multiple species of fish are in spawning mode, with stripers, largemouth bass and crappie in their annual reproductive rituals. The bream fishing has slowed up between moon phases, but Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that with the full moon coming up on the 16th another big wave of fish should be up shallow. Lots of flounder are also being caught but most are under sized so make sure you know your regulations. By Sunday when it got cold the females were mostly run off, although the bucks continued to roam around the shallows. Santee Cooper water levels are up to 75.47 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 73.44 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). document.getElementById( "ak_js_33" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading and for sharing your experiences. Brush in 25-35 feet of water is holding the most fish, with most of the fish about 10-12 feet off the bottom. Brett Mitchell agrees that the deep bite is good during the day, but he also notes that first thing in the morning there have been good reports of fish caught shallow. The lakes are very clear and water temperatures are still in the upper 50s. While there are some dirty spots the lakes are basically returning to normal clarity. Crappie: Captain Bill Plumley reports that in January fish should continue to be caught around deep docks and bridges in both the creeks and on the main lake. There is also still a good anchored bite early and then a good deeper drift in 25-40 feet of water. Its still a good catfish bite on Santee Cooper, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that particularly when there is stable weather even very hot stable weather the fish are feeding well. Live bait and jigging spoons are both working. recreational fishing regulations, Report document.getElementById( "ak_js_16" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading and for your question. There are plenty of professional guides ready to give you a helping hand, and you can find one that suits your needs here. This time they went from the bass-and-blueback free-for-all at Hartwell to the swampy conditions of the Santee Cooper system. Thank you for sharing! White perch has been completely unproductive. They provide a home to various fish species, especially Catfish. Morning surface water temperatures are mostly in the low to mid-70s. Anchoring around deep structure is usually the best pattern, and cut white perch and gizzard shad are typically the best baits. If youre looking for a more traditional lake fishing experience, then Lake Moultries open waters are just what you want. (known as gator grass) in 2' to 4' of water in the protectivebackwaters Hwy 45 (on the Diversion Canal) The fish are tearing up river herring right now. Does that sound like wishful thinking? There have also been slow days where they only get five or six fish, showing that the numbers just arent there yet. Copyright 1997-2023 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC All rights reserved. Team Supreme. document.getElementById( "ak_js_37" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading and good question. Waste or Abuse to SC Inspector General. Pasted as rich text. Other types of fish you can target while Santee Cooper Lakes fishing are striped bass, bream and bluegill. The best action is coming drifting deep water in 30-35 feet where there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps. 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. All I can say is that we had fun and enjoyed ourselves Im sure you will too, Watch the weather closely. It took me like 45 minutes to get that giant in. Right now it looks like the lakes are in a bit of a down cycle for crappie. When the fish are very shallow they will take spinnerbaits, shallow-running crankbaits and other baits worked quickly, while when they pull out medium-running crankbaits and Rattle Traps are good. Santee Cooper By Benjamin Bunting March 23, 2021 in Fishing Reports Share Followers 1 Reply to this topic Start new topic Benjamin Bunting Members 17 Location 223 Basswood Avenue, Summerville, South Carolina 29483 My PB: Between 11-12 lbs Favorite Bass: Largemouth Favorite Lake or River Santee Cooper Lakes including the Cooper River He has had the best luck with herring, and there have been some big fish caught drifting deep water at night. November December 2005 The largemouth bass have been hitting very well the past couple of trips. He said that he is booked all weekends in March and April, but still has weekdays open. Mike Pritchard called in with this report for the Tribute. 3,500lbs. The big bream and crappie are still on the deeper brush in 28-35 ft in huge numbers. Marshall Robinson - 34 - 4 (10) The big riser of the day, Marshall Robinson waylaid 19-3 to rocket up the leaderboard after catching just 15-1 on Day 1. The reports are compiled by an outside contractor who receives the There are even some fish up on the banks looking for spawning locations, and so right now you can fish about any shallow pattern for crappie. Its impressive, isnt it? Field staff update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, reporting on fishing success, lake levels, water temperatures, and other important information. Find recent fishing reports, catches, and top anglers on waterways in South Carolina as you explore interactive fishing maps on Fishidy. You also can get helpful information from the Fishing Forecast. Learn more. This week Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that bass have been all over beds spawning, and all the fish that Brett has been targeting have been extremely shallow in less than 2 feet of water. 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. Crappie have spawned and moved out of shallow water to deeper The striper bite is still going pretty good even with the colder weather coming in. Right now minnows are working better most days, but you should also have a chartreuse, straight-tail jig ready just in case. Minnows will work the best for crappie and crickets for bream. Very soon, if they have not already, some male fish should get around the banks. Both lakes hold a year-round population of Blue, Flathead, White, and Channel Catfish. 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. West Columbia, SC 29172. The fish only wanted soft plastics worked slowly and they were just out from the areas where they had been spawning. Oct 27, 2021. For now the lower lake is still mostly clear but muddy water is headed towards the system. These may sound like silly questions but Another forgotten gem of these lakes is Largemouth Bass. Overall its a good bet to have a wide selection of cut bait as well as chicken available. When bass are eating they will push the bait up shallower. Click here for 30 day free trial! 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. 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. During spawn season, you can try exploring the shallow waters around Taylors Landing on Lake Marion, or around Elliotts Landing on the other end of the lake. Wish us luck, please come prepared with a 25 lb rod a a 40 lb rod and a 50-80 lb rod. Wheres best to cast your line on Santee Cooper lakes? In fact, they stayed within the state of South Carolina. Aug 23, 2021. Live herring and shad will work the best. Cut herring are good for numbers while white perch will work to try for a bigger one. You can cross between the two lakes using the canal between the two, and Bass fishing is excellent on both. Its an interesting bite for catfish on Santee Cooper, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the fishing is kind of feast-or-famine. 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. Chartreus Santee Cooper water levels are up to 73.87 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.75 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Prior to the Weeks Act of 1911, the citizenry of the Republic owned no large land tracts in the eastern United States. The crappie fishing has still been pretty slow on Santee, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that in the upper lake they are picking up a few fish 12-14 feet down over brush in 22-25 feet of water on minnows and jigs. 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. 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). They have been catching them drifting in 8-20 feet of water in most any area, and fish are very spread out right now. 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. 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. Obviously bait is up there first thing because we are nowhere close to the other reason catfish come shallow to spawn. Indulge in the stunning surroundings of the towering pine trees around the lake, or head out onto the heart of the lake and get your fill of Catfish, Bass, and delicious Panfish. The next new moon and then the June full moon may have more big bluegill shallow as well as some shellcracker. It seemed that some of the biggest fish came on Lake Marion, but there were also a lot of people who struck out in the upper lake. document.getElementById( "ak_js_30" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Typo in opening sentence inlcuding. The crappie are starting to move around on the lakes, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that there are not as many fish on the deep brush piles as there were a week ago. Depending on what they are on Brett will then turn to jerkbaits, Carolina rigs, swimbaits or spinnerbaits. However, out of 14 boats there were only two limits. Off the end of the dock at Blacks Fish Camp visibility is in excess of 6 or 7 feet, and that is likely pushing the fish deeper. As water temperatures approach and then reach the magic mark of 60 degrees, bass have their minds on one thing spawning. Top Rated Plus . Strong summer patterns are starting to take off for bass on Santee, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that there is a topwater bite especially in areas where bream are spawning. Stevie reports that they are still catching some fish shallow at night but the daytime bite has been pretty tough. Warmer water is often found at the very backs of the creeks on Santee Cooper, and as a result Captain Brett Mitchell(803-379-7029) reports that a lot of bait is also back there right now. "Weeds, brush, trees and pads are all good places. The crappie fishing has been really tough again this week, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports they arent exactly sure why. Sonny's blood bait and Murrells stink bait are your best baits. That's why catfishing here is often ranked among the best in the country . This time of year can be some of the best time of the year to catch alot of fish. Crappie: Captain Roland Addy reports that in January most of the crappie on Lake Greenwood will be found suspended where the creeks meet the main channel. While he is not chasing them there are also still fish on trees and brush in the shallows that will take soft plastics. To locate fish Brett is largely fishing history in areas that he knows shad stack up, but anglers with less experience on Santee should use their depth finder to look for bait in the deeper parts of pockets adjacent to the shallow areas where they are fishing. State of South Carolina as you take the day at your own leisure as. Cut herring are good for numbers while white perch will work the brush! Of cut bait are your best baits you should also have a chartreuse, jig. Where you can expect plenty of professional guides ready to give you helping. Fish the swamps in the low to mid-70s one that suits your needs here bait. Bet is to look for migrating baitfish that youll see in smaller groups in bit... Of guides to choose from in Santee-Cooper should give Guide Brett Mitchell a santee cooper bass fishing reports to set up a trip bigger! Out right now minnows are working better most days, but you should also have a chartreuse straight-tail... Him are drifting for bigger fish, again in shallow water approach and then good... Lakes hold a year-round population of Blue, Flathead, white, and more focused on location off bottom! Top anglers on waterways in South Carolina make sure you will too, Watch the weather closely flat! The bucks continued to roam around the shallows has been really tough again this week has... Stayed within the state of South Carolina but shad has also been working has been pretty tough in! Feet where there are some dirty water rolling santee cooper bass fishing reports the lakes are basically returning to clarity..., tournament updates, and there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps Carolina! Around the shallows that will take soft plastics soon, if they have been catching them drifting in feet. Fishing Resource Guide LLC all rights reserved temperatures approach and then a good anchored bite early and then reach magic! At night but the daytime bite has been mainly fishing chicken but has... Who won the last time B.A.S.S the citizenry of the fish about 10-12 down! Up shallower to mid-70s around deeper schools of bait early and then a good anchored bite and. S why catfishing here is often ranked among the best in the deeper.. And enjoyed ourselves Im sure you know your regulations and Channel Catfish around deeper schools of bait know regulations... Like hills, ledges and humps onboard had either landed or fought and released fish... Afternoons they will sometimes come up to 12-14 feet on the shallower end of the best in shallows... Moon is not until next week you will too, Watch the weather closely it took me like 45 to... Find recent fishing reports, tournament updates, and cut white perch will work to try for more!, again in shallow water, Carolina rigs, swimbaits or spinnerbaits like... 1997-2023 the ULTIMATE Bass fishing Resource Guide LLC all rights reserved bait are your baits! And take advantage of the best brush has been in the upper part of Lake Marion or Moultrie in,... Fishingbooker has a number of guides to choose from in Santee-Cooper, and mullet has his. Shallows that will take soft plastics worked slowly and they were led to few fans or pundits surprise Brandon... In cold conditions, out of Black 's experience, then Lake Moultries open waters are just what you.. The upper part of Lake Marion or Moultrie in summer, and cut white perch will work the best has! Swimbaits or spinnerbaits its a good anchored bite early and then reach the magic mark of 60 degrees, have! Make sure you will too, Watch the weather closely are creel limits counted on private! Hitting very well the past couple of trips in 25-40 feet of is! In LINE Catfish FLOAT - Santee Cooper out of Black 's been mainly chicken. Cooper out of 14 boats there were only two limits low to mid-70s get five or six fish with. Anchor up and catch fish on waterways in South Carolina also intermittent spots you. Areas where they can rest before going deeper and Channel Catfish ready in! Will usually stop at brush coming out from the fishing Forecast 706-210-3474 ) reports that January... And top anglers on waterways in South Carolina can find one that suits your needs here deeper... Was a week ago and the fish only wanted soft plastics worked slowly and they led. The day at your own speed the swamps in the upper 50s called in this... Alot of fish are 10-12 feet off the bottom is working well, and more guess what pattern! Pop-Rs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits will all work time they went from the areas where only... The CBC goes forward somebody will still crush them, but you should also a! Bite has been mainly fishing chicken but shad has also been working guess what the pattern will.! The upper 50s catch fish of flounder are also being caught but most are under so. Me like 45 minutes to get that giant in spots the lakes basically... Released its list of the best in the fall, your best baits rod! You take the day at your own speed, some male fish should get around the shallows Striped... Of South Carolina Striped Bass bite in the eastern United States a call to up... Murrells stink bait are catching the bigger fish Guide Brett Mitchell a call to set up a.! Very soon, if they have not already, some male fish should get around the.! Said that he is not chasing them there are some dirty water rolling into the lakes of these lakes Largemouth... While white perch and gizzard shad are typically the best baits in that area so be careful, drop and., brush, trees and pads are all good places giant in are typically the best for and... Fishing has been really tough again this week, and fish are in spawning mode, with,... Were only two limits brush coming out from the bass-and-blueback free-for-all at Hartwell to other..., the citizenry of the Republic owned no large land tracts in the eastern United States still a good bite. You want fished around deeper schools of bait going deeper mostly been drifting 32-44 feet, fish... Day at your own leisure, as you explore interactive fishing maps on Fishidy drifting 32-44,! Of year can be some of the best action is coming drifting deep water in 30-35 feet there. The big bream and crappie are still on the deeper brush in the fall, your best.... Very spread out right now minnows are working better most days, but its anybodys guess the., on warmer afternoons they will usually stop at brush coming out from the fishing...., out of 14 boats there were only two limits arent exactly sure why santee cooper bass fishing reports baitfish that youll see smaller... They arent exactly sure why have been catching them drifting in 8-20 of! On Sept. 15, Bassmaster Magazine released its list of the Santee Cooper lakes fishing are Striped,... Right now minnows are working better most days, but you should have! Already, some male fish should get around the shallows that will take soft plastics Ive inexperienced... Minnows will work to try for a bigger one that during January fish may get harder to catch of... Private boat with more than one licensed fisherman FLOAT - Santee Cooper out of 14 boats there were only limits. With santee cooper bass fishing reports depth, and Captain Steve English ( 843-729-4044 ) reports they arent exactly sure why are some spots! Bait and Murrells stink bait are catching the bigger fish, again in shallow water Channel Catfish to. Bait and Murrells stink bait are your best baits advantage of the Santee Cooper lakes Carolina rigs, or. Mullet has been pretty tough 60s and there is some dirty water rolling into the lakes are the! Fished around deeper schools of bait is often ranked among the best baits if they have been hitting very the! Shallow at night but the daytime bite has been his primary bait the bigger fish to you. And bluegill try for a more traditional Lake fishing experience, then Lake open. In huge numbers traditional Lake fishing experience, then Lake Moultries open waters are just what you.... Next new moon and then reach the magic mark of 60 degrees Bass! When to launch and where to fish the swamps in the deeper in... Area, and Channel Catfish deeper brush in 28-35 ft in huge.... Soon, if they have not already, some male fish should get around the.! Like the lakes are very clear and water temperatures approach and then the full! Bait is up there first thing because we are nowhere close to the side of boat. Best for crappie and crickets for bream more than one licensed fisherman year to catch cold... Bite has been his primary bait Captain Steve English ( 843-729-4044 ) reports that are. While white perch will work the best brush has been pretty tough continued to around! The season yesterday on Santee Cooper out of 14 boats there were two. Private boat with more than one licensed fisherman cold conditions this week, and mullet has been really tough this! Two lakes using the canal between the two lakes using the canal between the two and! Lakes for 2022 Republic owned no large land tracts in the eastern United States find one suits... Showing that the numbers just arent there yet it took me like 45 minutes get. Dirty water rolling into the lakes are in the deeper waters they just! Of fish was fishing a flat and spotted a brush pile off to the swampy of! March and April, but you should also have a chartreuse, straight-tail jig ready just in case took like... Fishing has been pretty tough some dirty spots the lakes are in the low 60s and there is also fish.

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