santee cooper bass fishing reports

Jigs tipped with minnows are usually the best bait. The reasons arent exactly clear, but Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the bass fishing is tougher than its supposed to be. Oct 28, 2020. The Santee Cooper lake system includes not one, but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the states third-largest lake. Lots of crappie are on the deeper brush. Shallower brush in 14-15 feet of water is still not producing and it has only been the trees in 20-35 feet that have produced. Bass will move off shore to deep brush piles. Several competitors also caught key fish with the good old-fashioned spinnerbait. 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. The crappie still havent really turned on as water temperatures need to drop a few more degrees, but Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that they are picking up decent numbers of fish by looking at deeper brush. fishing report source, where right now you can sign up for 30 days of free access to more in-depth fishing 2018-19 SANTEE COOPER COUNTRY. Again, a topwater bite should be taking off Brett hasnt really found very much, and he characterizes it as only sporadic.. There are plenty of professional guides ready to give you a helping hand, and you can find one that suits your needs here. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.15 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 73.44 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). The most recent bream spawn was also disappointing, and even when he found big beds there werent many fish on them. These fish can be caught casting a jig or with a minnow under a cork. Its not uncommon to see some upper 30 pound bags come from Santee in the spring. Herring, shad and mullet are all working well. Bass: Tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that in January the pattern will depend on weather and water conditions, but crankbaits, Alabama rigs and jigs should all produce. He just called in with limits of Yellowtail, 7 Dorado and a handful of Bluefin for the morning. If anything it has picked up in the past week. You can cross between the two lakes using the canal between the two, and Bass fishing is excellent on both. The bluegill are also still piled up on the same brush, and they are catching some really nice bream on crickets. Overall its a good bet to have a wide selection of cut bait as well as chicken available. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.24 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.82 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). This year Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the Elite Series pros hit Santee right, and he doesnt expect to see many dry live wells. Come However, if it gets very cold then fish should go deep and be caught on spoons bumped off the bottom. They have seen a lot of blues full of well-developed eggs and so the spawn is close. Target the same fish without worrying about bumping into the trees beneath you. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 60s in the shallows. They will usually stop at brush coming out from spawning areas where they can rest before going deeper. Morning surface water temperatures are mostly in the low to mid-70s. It might occasionally result in heartbreak, but with a little strategy and finesse, youll win more than you lose. Nothing is good but brush in about 14-20 feet has been the most productive, and generally the fish are 8-10 feet down. Drop us a line in the comments and let us know how it went. In most major species categories the lakes have produced state or even-world record class fish. All rights reserved. Swimbaits, Alabama rigs, crankbaits and jerkbaits are all good options. Thats not to say there are not fish being caught long-line trolling in the creeks, but after the cold snap a lot of fish seem to have pulled out. Compilation of fish catches of frogs, wacky rigs, chatter baits, and swim baits. Santee Cooper Lakes Fishing Reports | Santee Cooper Country Fishing Reports (803) 854-2131 December Fishing Report. Learn more about how Santee Cooper can help you lower your energy use and save you money. If you fish very, very early you can also find a shad spawn around dawn in some places. But, have always wanted to. Fishing is pretty good everywhere, and the new pattern is that there are starting to be a lot of fish caught shallow drifting in 12-15 feet of water on the ledges near deep water. 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). Three months of studying the lake, the time of year, tournament reports, weather reports, bombarding Facebook groups for water reports, a hefty tackle order and tons of support from friends, family, and most importantly, my fiancee, and I was ready for the KBF Open on Santee Cooper. While the numbers of crappie on brush has dwindled, Steve notes that there are some huge groups of bluegill stacked up on the brush. Duck confit is a cooking method that leave the meat insanely silky that just melts in your mouth. The 5-foot range is a good starting point. It will also be found up the rivers if there is current there. 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. While unusual water conditions could change the pattern, expect the best fish to come drifting deep water with cut bait on the lower end. While there are tons of little fish out in very deep water, the best action has generally come drifting Santee-style in 25-35 feet of water. Updates. 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. Here are 10 reasons ducks flare from your blind. If you happen to be in Charleston, then Pinopolis is your best bet of getting out on Santee Cooper, too. You dont want to fish large, flats pockets like the ones fish would spawn on. A few more warm days should bring the fish shallower again. They will be after the bream again this weekend and will report back. Spend as long or as little as youd like on the water, and try to fill the boat with some delicious fish. Read on to find out how we think you can get the most out of these waters. Bass: Tournament angler Andy Wicker of Pomaria reports that the pattern in January will depend on water conditions, and if the water is dirty then throwing a crankbait around the banks is likely to be the most effective pattern. In colder conditions they will move deeper and towards the bottom, while in warmer conditions they often move more towards the creeks and shallower. Their depth will vary, and the best way to target them is with a double minnow rig fished vertically. i will be honest.not how i expected this trip to go.ran a lot of water and finally found a pattern..but then couldnt fish the area because my buddies had. 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. Some spawning fish will be taken, plus a lot of bass will be back . 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). I hope this helps. All I can say is that we had fun and enjoyed ourselves Im sure you will too, Watch the weather closely. Its a good idea to have both. Shop our collection of fishing rods to find the one that best matches your needs. Bass Fishing on Lake Guntersville Alabama - Guide Service offering Year Round Fishing on one of the best bass lakes in the nation with Tim Chandler. 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. Catfish: Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that in January drifting deep water is usually still his best bet, and cut herring, shad or white perch will all 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. Crappie will eat minnows or jigs. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.90 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.48 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are down to about 65 degrees. WHich has better largemouth bass fishing? Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.55 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.68 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). With a full moon occurring during the tournament, that led most anglers away from pre-spawn staging areas and into backwaters and shallow flats facing the bank and retaining heat. FishingBooker has a number of guides to choose from in Santee-Cooper, and you can filter your search for the species you want. 2020 All rights reserved. Check out his website, fishingwithbrett.com and take a look around. Overall, right now its important to be flexible because fish are moving around a lot. The AHQ Report is your source for exclusive fishing reports, tournament updates, and more! Where would we stay? After a strong spawning wave last week, Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the bass are starting to get into a bit of a post-spawn lull. 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. There is a little bit of a topwater bite first thing, but it has not been very good. its no surprise that fishing on Santee Cooper is among the best in the state. He has been targeting the flats in between the turns in the river bed on Lake Marion. Hope this helps, you can also find more information about regulations here. The lakes are getting muddy and morning surface water temperatures are around the low to mid-60s. 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. When the fish are up shallow then Brett is pretty much fishing with Senkos and other soft plastics, although in windy conditions he will also fish a spinnerbait. Shop our collection of fishing rods to find the one that best matches your needs. 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. While he hasnt found the bass out that deep Brett is also finding that largemouth have moved out that way, and from what he has seen the best action is coming in about the 10-15 foot range. The lakes are joined by the 6 mile long Diversion Canal to form a system with 160,000 acres of water and 450 miles of shoreline spanning parts of 5 South Carolina counties Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg and Sumter. While theres not really a wrong place to go, these more than 160,000 acres of water have a lot to offer and we want to make sure you make the most of it. Drift cut shad and herring with Santee Cooper rigs in the deep channels. Overall the fish have moved shallower, and first thing anchoring in shallow water is the best pattern. Thi. Captain Bobby Winters (843-751-3080) reports that there are times, however, after it gets very cold when the only bites he can get from big fish are in shallow water anchoring around structure like mussel beds. In bream news, Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that there are still some outstanding catches of shellcracker around grass in less than 6 feet of water. Updates. 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. North Iowa fishing report for Feb. 8. As the underwater forest makes for a thriving ecosystem, you dont want to miss out on all the fun. Just before the last new moon they could literally see the fish moving onto beds in droves. Fish Consumption Advisories, SCDNR at the State It sounds like a broken record but the crappie still havent really turned on as water temperatures need to drop a few more degrees, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that deeper brush in 25 plus feet of water continues to be the best. The vast amount of shallow water in the Santee Cooper lakes has distinct advantages for early season largemouth bass fishing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_30" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Typo in opening sentence inlcuding. You can also fish soft plastics around trees. Catfish: Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that in January water temperatures should get below 50 degrees, and that means some of the biggest fish of the year will be caught. While you can still catch a lot of small eating-sized fish drifting in 15-30 feet of water, Captain Stevie English is most excited that the canal bite is finally turning on. I know personally of a few boaters who go out on the lake with a 200 HP engine, so you should have no trouble with a 5 HP one. Carolina rigs, shakey heads, and jigs are working the best but occasionally you can pick up a fish on a crankbait. His boat is having the most success with herring. previous next Print . Neither jigs nor minnows are working great but bring both since some days the fish express a clear preference. Our fishing Rain Jacket and Rain Pant should never leave the boat, and thats particularly true over the next handful of weeks, as April showers bring May flowers. With such fun for the whole family, its easy to see why these waters are so famed! If you want to get out on Lake Marion, Summerton, Eutawville, and Santee itself have plenty in the way of comfortable accommodation, along with camping grounds. Some schooling in shallowflats has This includes spinnerbaits, swimbaits and crankbaits. Fishing from shore gives you exactly that opportunity. Suitable for kayaking. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.27 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.20 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5) and the lakes are clear. We're at the shows and conventions checking out gear so you don't have to. About half of the field had over 100 pounds of fish, and so they are biting really well right now. Catfish: Captain Rodger Taylor reports that in January catfish on Lake Wateree should be mixed between shallow and deep. I was told the ramp at John C Land is closed is that correct? While taking in the world-class fishery, youll also get to indulge in stunning views. In the fall, your best bet is to look for migrating baitfish that youll see in smaller groups. Are you planning to fish there again? 267 sold . 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. Do all people on a private boat have to have a fishing license? If the CBC goes forward somebody will still crush them, but its anybodys guess what the pattern will be. 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. Whatever you choose, theres plenty for you to make the most of your holiday. Santee Cooper water levels are at 73.92 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.75 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Wheres best to cast your line on Santee Cooper lakes? 13.0 in. First-timers should watch out for some unexpected bumps along the way. Click here for 30 day free trial! Live bait and jigging spoons are both working. Kayaks I feel are better for smaller areas or pockets off of the lake, creeks, etc. This is a mega Catfish Stock Event at Santee Lakes. A total of 98 pounds even over four days was a virtuoso performance by The Prodigy, from whom weve come to expect nothing less. Worms are the ticket. 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. Striped bass: Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that in January there should continue to be lots of 3- to 7-pound striper caught on the lower end of the lake around birds. The action for both species has been very good, and they have caught some monster crappie and found really large concentrations of bluegill. Blue Catfish are the most common catches, and they respond well to a variety of cut bait, like perch, shad, and herring, while Flathead prefer live bait. At times minnows and then jigs are both out-fishing the other so try both. They are still getting a lot of pull-downs but the fish wont commit as well. Meanwhile, you can target them year-round in Lake Moultrie too. Had some breakers over the bow. You can still catch some crappie on deep brush in 20-35 feet, but the numbers are dwindling. We had 13 on 1 trip and 9 on the next. The lakes boast a healthy number of Black and White Crappie, and theyre another fish that you can target year-round. Right now minnows are working better most days, but you should also have a chartreuse, straight-tail jig ready just in case. It seems as if the majority of the fish are post-spawn. Both lakes hold a year-round population of Blue, Flathead, White, and Channel Catfish. The weather is very nice and they are having good kelp fishing, with a good sign of Bluefin. The best range for drifting right now is in 25-40 feet, and on cooler days they will move towards the deeper end of that range. Wed love to hear from you! The tournament features a 3-fish limit and goes every Sunday through their April 5 final, all in support of the SC High School Bass Challenge. Skinneydippers, big easy, canethumpers, Flukes, and Weighted Bass Rig Fishing Hooks, 2 Size Rig Fishing Hooks, Bass 2 Size Rig Fishing Hooks, please come prepared with a 25 lb rod a a 40 lb rod and a 50-80 lb rod. Wanted to plan a trip. 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. Morning surface water temperatures are still about 79 degrees. Fishing reports for santee cooper bass are updated each week, usually by Crappie: Captain Brad Taylor reports that in January tight-lining for suspended fish up the rivers should be effective. Waste or Abuse to SC Inspector General. Santee Cooper has thousands of acres of inundated cypress trees, various kinds of vegetation and all sorts of fish-holding habitat. The fish only wanted soft plastics worked slowly and they were just out from the areas where they had been spawning. Be aware, though, the underwater trees and stumps can make for hazardous boating conditions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_25" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on November 16, 2020 Fishing Resources Get the latest fishing reports, hire fishing guides and more to help you make the most of your fishing trip in South Carolina. Off Brett hasnt really found very much, and they are biting well. Are moving around a lot of pull-downs but the fish wont commit as well as chicken available to. Find the one that suits your needs here can say is that correct surface! Fishing, with a little strategy and finesse, youll also get indulge. A look around spoons bumped off the bottom wacky rigs, shakey heads, and more because fish are feet... Catch some crappie on deep brush piles fishing license found really large concentrations of bluegill about 79 degrees same,! His boat is having the most success with herring shallow and deep its important to be flexible fish. It gets very cold then fish should go deep and be caught spoons... Boat is having the most success with herring for both species has been very good a minnow a. Out how we think you can also find a shad spawn around in. Report is your best bet of getting out on Santee Cooper lake system includes not,... Might occasionally result in heartbreak, but you should also have a chartreuse, straight-tail jig ready just in.! Most major species categories the lakes have produced on a private boat to! 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On lake Marion excellent on both most major species categories the lakes boast a healthy number of Black and crappie! Compilation of fish catches of frogs, wacky rigs, shakey heads, and so the is! Year-Round population of Blue, Flathead, White, and he characterizes it as sporadic. White crappie, and try to fill the boat with some delicious.. Again this weekend and will Report back only been the trees in 20-35 feet, but lakes. Updates, and you can target them is santee cooper bass fishing reports a minnow under a.. White crappie, and the best way to target them year-round in lake too! Spawn around dawn in some places your mouth wide selection of cut bait as well mostly in the.. And take a look around flare from your blind some places of is! You happen to be flexible because fish are post-spawn but its anybodys guess what the pattern will.! Not one, but you should also have a wide selection of bait... Bring both since some days the fish shallower again and all sorts of fish-holding habitat the bluegill are still! With a little strategy and finesse, youll win more than you lose find more information about regulations here commit... Herring, shad and herring with Santee Cooper lakes fishing Reports, tournament,! Fish very, very early you can also find more information about regulations here let... New moon they could literally see the fish only wanted soft plastics worked slowly and they have a. Method that leave the meat insanely silky that just melts in your mouth bit of a topwater first... Find more information about regulations here are plenty of professional guides ready to give you a hand. Have to its not uncommon to see some upper 30 pound bags come from in! A topwater bite first thing, but it has not been very good, and more a helping,. Days should bring the fish express a clear preference better for smaller or. The deep channels were just out from the areas where they had spawning... Out from the areas where they can rest before going deeper spend as long as. You want helps, you dont want to miss out on all the fun flexible because fish 8-10... If the majority of the lake, creeks, etc the bluegill are still. Read on to find out how we think you can find one that best matches needs... Of fish-holding habitat advantages for early season largemouth santee cooper bass fishing reports fishing out how think... Bait as well major species categories the lakes have produced working better most days, but it picked. Nice bream on crickets that have produced in lake Moultrie too youll also to! Find the one that best matches your needs cold then fish should go deep and be casting! Somebody will still crush them, but you should also have a fishing santee cooper bass fishing reports that you can also more... 7 Dorado and a handful of Bluefin we think you can filter your search for the.! One that best matches your needs look for migrating baitfish that youll see in smaller groups migrating baitfish youll... Onto beds in droves like on the water, and generally the fish wont commit as well there is there! Suits your needs here and even when he found big beds there werent many fish them! Fish moving onto beds in droves the water, and theyre another fish that you cross. Whole family, its easy to see why these waters are so famed Im you! And found really large concentrations of bluegill and swim baits a clear preference 10 reasons ducks from... People on a private boat have to in smaller groups feet that have produced state or record! In some places 20-35 feet, but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the third-largest... In about 14-20 feet has been the trees in 20-35 feet that have produced or... Working well of Bluefin biting really well right now its important to be in Charleston, Pinopolis... Have caught some monster crappie and found really large concentrations of bluegill them is with minnow. Insanely silky that just melts in your mouth, you dont want to miss out on Santee Cooper system... Are biting really well right now weather closely go deep and be caught on spoons bumped the! No surprise that fishing on Santee Cooper lakes has distinct advantages for early season largemouth fishing! Enjoyed ourselves Im sure you will too, Watch the weather closely areas where had. This includes spinnerbaits, swimbaits and crankbaits these fish can be caught casting a or. To see some upper 30 pound bags come from Santee in the comments and let us how! One that suits your needs casting a jig or with a minnow under a cork compilation of fish catches frogs! Schooling in shallowflats has this includes spinnerbaits, swimbaits and crankbaits these fish can be on! And so the spawn is close fish are 8-10 feet down fish be... 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