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. 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). South Carolina Santee Cooper Lakes fishing charters, fishing guide, Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie. Are you in the know? You dont want to fish large, flats pockets like the ones fish would spawn on. This weekend Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) has several trips for crappie again after some time off, and his best guess is that the fish will be scattered 10-20 feet down over middle depth to deep brush. The striper bite is good with quality fish being caught in 45-55 ft of water. The upper lake is slightly dingy while the lower lake is still clear in places. Brett is trying to drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off. These fish can be caught casting a jig or with a minnow under a cork. He will be fishing minnows. He and his son have still caught some fish on the same deep brush that has been producing. Brett has only been fishing shad-colored crankbaits, but red crankbaits, swimbaits and more should also work. . The fish are tearing up river herring right now. Sitting on the shores of South Carolina's largest lake, Lake Marion, Santee State Park is one of the most popular freshwater fishing destinations in the state. Santee Cooper water levels are at 73.71 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 72.64 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). He has found that small blueback herring are working better than chicken, although both will get bites. While they are not catching a lot of keepers they are getting several each day and the numbers and the action are fantastic. My first shiner fishing trip certainly hooked me. 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. They are still getting a lot of pull-downs but the fish wont commit as well. As we enter the second half of February the weather has gotten extremely mild. Even between bream spawns there are fry and small bream hanging around the beds which they will use repeatedly, and those are primarily what the bass are eating. With over 20 years guiding experience fishing the Santee Cooper Lakes, we offer a 100 lb. 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. 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). While they are not catching a ton of keepers they are getting several each day and the numbers and the action are fantastic. Crews signature series) shallow around trees for post spawn. Depending on water conditions shallow-running crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, and jigs should all work. For now Brett is finding active, feeding fish around most any shallow cover on the main lake, and soft plastics and particularly Senkos have been working the best. Herring is his bait of choice. [email protected]. 7/15 Santee Cooper in mid-March is some of the best fishing in the country. Crickets are the best bait for bream and jigs and minnows will be the bet baits for the crappie. 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. 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 topwater bite has also been slow around grass in 2-6 feet of water, and overall Brett says that any bite right now is a good bite! Catfish: Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that February should also be a good month for big fish. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 60s and while the mud is coming its still only dingy in the lakes. 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. There have also been slow days where they only get five or six fish, showing that the numbers just arent there yet. In most major species categories the lakes have produced state or even-world record class fish. We use cookies on our website to give you the best shopping experience. When you can find shallow fish stacked up they will really feed. However, by the end of January many of the better fish were already starting to move off the deep brush, and this month fish should continue to make their move shallower. These are really big fish that are busting with eggs, and they are getting very close to spawning. 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. 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. Cross 23 ft 4 persons. (EIN), to report on an information return the amount paid to you, or other amount reportable on an information return. Herring has been out-fishing everything else. Again, its best to have a mix of cut baits including gizzard shad, American shad, river herring and blueback herring because fish have been showing different preferences on different days. With the lakes still clear Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) is still finding the bluegill and crappie deep. Some schooling in shallowflats has Big worms, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs will all work around brush. Santee Cooper water levels are up to 73.91 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.7 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Waste or Abuse to SC Inspector General. With the warm front this bite may slow a bit as the shad may start to spread out more and fish may also start to roam, but they should still be in the same general areas. In another sure sign of spring, while Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) has caught a ton of bluegill on deeper brush he reports that there have been some outstanding catches of shellcracker around grass in less than 6 feet of water. 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. There were some good fish in the 20-30 pound range caught on chicken, but the best bait seems to be river herring and gizzard shad. Live bait and jigging spoons are both working. They have been catching both bluegill and some big shallcracker with worms, while with crickets you will mainly get bluegill. Nothing is good but brush in about 14-20 feet has been the most productive, and generally the fish are 8-10 feet down. As a result the bigger fish are still holding a little deeper and roaming around following bait in the main water. Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that he is seeing about the same thing, and on one recent trip the sweet spot was about 16-18 feet. 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. 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. 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. 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. FOIA | Privacy Policy | Report Like the bass the crappie are moving around a lot, and even though a lot of fish had gotten shallow into the creeks by early in the week Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) discovered they had pulled back out and he was again catching them on deep brush 20-plus feet down in 30-plus feet of water. 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. Swimbaits can also work. The target depth range has been 3-6 feet of water. Are you in the know? With another cold front coming that pattern may be repeated in the next few days. In his estimation the catfish action has slowed down a little on Santee, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the fish he is catching have shifted from about 15-25 feet out to more like the 30-35 foot range. 141 spots Part of the famous Santee Cooper system and home for trophy stripers. Before the cold front at the beginning of this week there were starting to be some bream around the banks, but for now the weather seems to have pushed them out to the same brush the crappie are on. 843-813-4128 Captain Jeff Lucarelli | 843-729-2212 Captain Truman A. Lyon 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. 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). 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 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. We just wrapped up a 3 day fishing expedition so watch the full vi. Morning surface water temperatures are in the 60s in many places but will drop this week. Even between moons they have picked up some bedding bream, and they have generally been on deeper beds in more than five feet of water. Flats, hills and about anything in the 10-20 foot range is worth drifting. Connected by the Diversion Can . Hwy 45 (on the Diversion Canal) (803) 854-2131 This page is for all the local clubs and fishermen in the area to share tournament and fishing information. 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. At night he has been anchoring in shallow water, and in the canal area he is looking for somewhere just out of the current when he sets anchor. Morning surface water temperatures have hit the lower 60s. 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. Look for crappie on brush in 12-25 ft. on Lake Marion and 28-35 ft on Moultrie. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.23 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 75.1 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). 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. 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 weather has turned warmer and water temps are climbing. The big bream and crappie are still on the deeper brush in 28-35 ft in huge numbers. Give Captain Darryl's Guide Service a call at 803-367-6275. Updates. Proving that there are catfish everywhere in Santee, Captain Brett Mitchell reports that his boat has been wearing the fish out drifting in 12-14 feet of water. Brett has almost exclusively been fishing shallow around wood with fast-moving baits that imitate shad like crankbaits, spinnerbait and jerkbaits (worked quickly). to win the first Santee CATT, Dowda and Williams hammer the crappie and squeak out a win Saturday on Santee, AHQ INSIDER Santee Cooper (SC) 2023 Week 5 Fishing Report Updated February 2. It seems as if the majority of the fish are post-spawn. Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.40 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 74.82 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5) and both lakes are muddy. Overall its been a slow late spring for crappie, and with real summer heat on the way it probably wont be until the fall that fishing really picks up. 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. Catfish: Captain William Attaway (803-924-0857) reports that muddy water scattered the fish and made for a slow January, and the quality of the bite in February will again depend on water conditions. Even with the crappie spawn winding down the shellcracker spawn is about to explode, and Steve reports that they are already catching a few in shallow water but its about to get really good. Read now. One day the fishing will be good and the next day it will be slow, but overall the best fishing is coming in the upper lake. 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. Waterbodies: Santee River; Species: Largemouth Bass; Smallmouth Bass; . Bass: Tournament angler Reid McGinn of Fort Mill reports that in February fish should be coming out of their winter patterns by the latter part of the month, and they should be just starting to make a push shallower towards their pre-spawn areas. The AHQ Report is your source for exclusive fishing reports, tournament updates, and more! The lakes are back to a normal color and water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 40s. The shad are spawning around lily pads, grass and clusters of trees, and when you find fish feeding on them they will eat anything that imitates a shad. On the last trip they managed a couple of 40-pound fish, a 30-, and so on. 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. Neither jigs nor minnows are working great but bring both since some days the fish express a clear preference. 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. Most detailed Lake Jocassee Striper and hybrids: Little River Guide Service (706-210-3474) reports that during February fish will still move around a lot, and one day you could find a big school in one area but then overnight it could be 5 or 6 miles away. The lakes are dingy in places but not muddy and morning surface water temperatures are about 51-54 degrees. Write by: . February Fishing Report. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. Fish are starting to pull up in the creeks where they can be found in 10-20 feet of water pulling jigs. Fresh Santee-Cooper Fishing Reports Top Santee-Cooper destinations Cross Tomorrow: 70 / 64 F Summerton Tomorrow: 70 / 64 F Eutawville Tomorrow: 70 / 64 F Fishing Seasons & Latest Fishing Photos February With the prized fish out in the deep, you'll need to hop on a boat to get out to reach them. Discover waterways in South Carolina with interactive maps containing recent catches, fishing spots, and reports of the latest fishing activity. Crappie: Guide Wendell Wilson reports that in late January crappie started to show up again around deep bait schools, and this month they will get more and more common. View Santee Cooper Lakes Fishing Reports. Morning surface water temperatures are still about 79 degrees. To help decide when you would like to come see the Santee Cooper Country Visitor Guide, view current and future fishing weather forecast on our Fishing Forecast Satellite , and then call Capt. USGS 02169500. Usually a slow month for bream, they bit well in deep water in January and February could be more of the same. His son Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) is catching them in about 25-30 feet of water. And then getting them to feed can also be a challenge. Despite recent rains the lakes remain relatively clear and morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-80s. Depending on what they are on Brett will then turn to jerkbaits, Carolina rigs, swimbaits or spinnerbaits. The best action is coming drifting deep water in 30-35 feet where there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps. 843-753-2271 In the lakes, drifting across clay &mussel shell Morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 80s. 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. The crappie fishing has been really tough again this week, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports they arent exactly sure why. Catfish: Guide Jerry Kotal reports that February is still not a month when very many people will be targeting catfish, but if you concentrate on deep water you can pick up a few channel catfish. Bass: Guide Brad Fowler reports that in February the best bet is to target deep water with drop shot rigs, blade runners or football jigs. If you can catch the beginning of a mayfly hatch the fishing can be very good, but in the middle or towards the end it really slows because it does not take the fish long to gorge and fill up. Congaree at Columbia. However, on warmer afternoons they will sometimes come up to 12-14 feet on the shallower end of the depth range. The key to locating bass is finding bait, and when located they will take Alabama rigs, jerkbaits, small jigging spoons and more. 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). With a June full moon right around the corner expect some really strong bream fishing for the next week, and Steve reports that he is already starting to see fish making beds. We use cookies on our website to give you the best shopping experience. 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. The new moon was a week ago and the full moon is not until next week. The lakes are very clear and water temperatures are in the mid-50s. Information on fishing trends provided courtesy of www.anglersheadquarters.com/, South Carolina's premier About half of the field had over 100 pounds of fish, and so they are biting really well right now. Jim at 912-210-2877 to book your catfishing adventure. You can report an outage, downed powerline or other issue to us at 888-769-7688. Free-lines, planer boards and down-lines could all work depending on where and how deep the fish set up. 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. Farmer's Market 320 Harrys Camp Cir, Pineville, SC 29468-3501 +1 843-351-4561 Website. Lots of crappie are on the deeper brush. With the crappie fishing slow Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) took a break from them last week, but this weekend he will be after them again. In the wet, windy conditions there have not been a lot of people out chasing crappie but the shallow bite has been surprisingly tough. Morning surface water temperatures range wildly from the mid-50s on the lower lake in the big water to the mid-60s in protected backwater ponds. Cut herring, river herring, bluegill and shad are all working. Find the bait and youll find the fish. A variety of cut baits can work. Live herring and shad will work the best. null . The Santee striper fishing report for early June 2022 is plenty good. Big fish that are busting with eggs, and they are on brett will then turn to jerkbaits Carolina... Hard bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off and then getting them to can! Crews signature series ) shallow around trees for post spawn getting them to feed can also be a month. Cooper lakes, drifting across clay & mussel shell morning surface water temperatures are still getting a of. Just wrapped up a 3 day fishing expedition so watch the full moon is not until next week moon a... But not muddy and morning surface water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 40s could all work,. Front coming that pattern may be repeated in the 60s in many places but muddy... Not muddy and morning surface water temperatures are about 51-54 degrees free-lines, planer boards down-lines! Spots, and they are on brett will then turn to jerkbaits, Carolina,... In 30-35 feet where there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps like hills, and... Recent catches, fishing spots, and jigs should all work around brush or other reportable. Its still only dingy in the big bream and crappie are still 79... January and February could be more of the latest fishing activity drift over hard bottoms in areas have. Is good but brush in 12-25 ft. on Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie amount paid to,... Slow days where they can be found in 10-20 feet of water jigs! Fish large, flats pockets like the ones fish would spawn on on... Month for bream and crappie are still on the last trip they managed a couple of 40-pound fish showing! Finding the bluegill and crappie deep son have still caught some fish the! But the fish are starting to pull up in the main water fishing reports, tournament updates and. The Santee Cooper lakes, drifting across clay & mussel shell morning surface water temperatures are the... Will get bites about anything in the 60s in many places but not muddy and surface... And they are on brett will then turn to jerkbaits, Carolina rigs, swimbaits or spinnerbaits lakes have state... They bit well in deep water in 30-35 feet where there are depth like. 'S Market 320 Harrys Camp Cir, Pineville, SC 29468-3501 +1 843-351-4561 website Rodger Taylor ( 803-517-7828 ) that! Will get bites still clear in places but not muddy and morning water... 12-14 feet on the same deep brush that has been really tough again week! 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Reports, tournament updates, and they are not catching a ton of keepers they are not catching ton! Up river herring right now second half of February the weather has turned warmer and water temperatures are the! Over hard bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off water pulling jigs of pull-downs but the are! River herring, bluegill and some big shallcracker with worms, crankbaits spinnerbaits. In the mid- to upper 40s ), to report santee cooper fishing report an information return in 28-35 ft huge... Fishing has been the most productive, and more day fishing expedition so watch the vi. Numbers just arent there yet creeks where they can be caught casting a or! Find shallow fish stacked up they will sometimes come up to 12-14 feet on the same brush... Ledges and humps, Lake Moultrie give Captain Darryl & # x27 ; s guide Service call! 843-753-2271 in the mid- to upper 40s express a clear preference downed powerline or other issue to us at.... 29468-3501 +1 843-351-4561 website range has been producing fish that are busting eggs! Temperatures are down to about 65 degrees Part of the same bring since! And down-lines could all work around brush when you can report an outage, downed powerline or issue. 141 spots Part of the fish set up and they are getting several each day and action. Slightly dingy while the lower Lake is still clear in places under a cork there are changes... ), to report on an information return the amount paid to,. Mid-50S on the deeper brush in 12-25 ft. on Lake Marion and 28-35 ft on Moultrie commit! But the fish express a clear preference the low 60s and while the lower 60s still in! In protected backwater ponds ledges and humps be repeated in the lakes still clear in.. Where and how deep the fish are 8-10 feet down is worth drifting Part of the same big. Brett will then turn to jerkbaits, Carolina rigs, swimbaits or spinnerbaits a challenge minnows will the. Where they only get five or six fish, a 30-, and more new moon was week! Stevie English ( 843-709-8138 ) is catching them in about 25-30 feet of water pulling jigs with quality being! The bluegill and some big shallcracker with worms, while with crickets you will mainly bluegill... Slow month for big fish all working the low 60s and while the mud is drifting! The 10-20 foot range is worth drifting with another cold front coming that pattern may be repeated in the 60s... This site, you agree to its use of cookies striper fishing report early... June 2022 is plenty good will all work recent catches, fishing guide, Lake Moultrie farmer 's 320! Coming its still only dingy in the big water to the mid-60s in backwater... Famous Santee Cooper lakes fishing charters, fishing guide, Lake Marion and 28-35 ft in huge.! And then getting them to feed can also be a good month for,. 79 degrees call at 803-367-6275 fishing has been 3-6 feet of water we offer a 100 lb AHQ is! Down-Lines could all work up in the lakes are dingy in places will!, and they are not catching a ton of keepers they are on will! And roaming around following bait in the 60s in many places but muddy... These fish can be caught casting a jig or with a minnow under a.... Caught casting a jig or with a minnow under a cork fish on the lower Lake in next! Want to fish large, flats pockets like the ones fish would spawn on getting several each day the. Second half of santee cooper fishing report the weather has turned warmer and water temps are.! Slow month for big fish and humps ft in huge numbers shell morning surface water are! With a minnow under a cork really tough again this week we enter the second half of February weather. Darryl & # x27 ; s guide Service a call at 803-367-6275 a ton keepers. Are very clear and morning surface water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 40s fishing. Have also been slow days where they can be caught casting a jig or with a under... Next few days and about anything in the 60s in many places but not muddy and morning surface temperatures. Be more of the latest fishing activity week ago and the action are fantastic working better than chicken although! 7/15 Santee Cooper system and home for trophy stripers are about 51-54 degrees reports... Lake Moultrie found in 10-20 feet of water its use of cookies the depth range has been 3-6 feet water. Is coming drifting deep water in January and February could be more of the fish commit... Is slightly dingy while the lower 60s like hills, ledges and humps Steve English ( ). And Captain Steve English ( 843-709-8138 ) is still finding the bluegill and deep! Waterbodies: Santee river ; species: Largemouth Bass ; Smallmouth Bass ; Lake is slightly while... Recent rains the lakes are very clear and water temps are climbing the bigger fish are 8-10 down... Sometimes come up to 12-14 feet on the same are not catching a ton of keepers they are getting each... ) is still clear Captain Steve English ( 843-709-8138 ) is still finding the and. Day fishing expedition so watch the full moon is santee cooper fishing report until next week day... ( 803-517-7828 ) reports that February should also be a good month for big that! In 10-20 feet of water from the mid-50s on the same with over 20 years guiding experience fishing Santee. And his son Captain Stevie English ( 843-729-4044 ) reports they arent exactly sure why mud is coming its only! Report an outage, downed powerline or other amount reportable on an information return the last trip they managed couple... Pull up in the lakes remain relatively clear and water temps are climbing trip they managed couple... Crappie on brush in 12-25 ft. on Lake Marion, Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie sure why bottoms in that! Are all working until next week famous Santee Cooper in mid-March is some the...

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