santee cooper fishing report

Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.12 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 73.81 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Brush in about 14 feet has been the most productive, but they are also getting some fish in 15-20 feet of water. Steves boat is targeting the lower lake, and everything he is catching is coming on relatively shallow brush 7-10 feet down over 15-20 feet of water. 9 reviews #1 of 1 Restaurant in Pineville $$ - $$$ Seafood. They will take both live bait and artificials and this is one of the best months of the year to catch big fish. Drifting and bouncing the bottom is working well, and there are also intermittent spots where you can anchor up and catch fish. You can report an outage, downed powerline or other issue to us at 888-769-7688. If temperatures get very cold then fish will move deeper but we are in no danger of that right now. Jim at 912-210-2877 to book your catfishing adventure. You can also fish dip baits in the canal to catch a lot of fish. But its a good bet they will pull back. Catfish: Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that in February catfish on Lake Wateree should be mixed between shallow and deep. Santee & Cooper River Fishing Page Bass: Tournament angler Andy Wicker of Pomaria reports that there will be a number of variables that affect the bite in February, but as of the beginning of the month low water levels and muddy conditions have somehow combined to create an outstanding bite both shallow and deep for several weeks. We are around a full moon now so the next one should bring the biggest wave of spawners. Brush in 25-35 feet of water is holding the most fish, with most of the fish about 10-12 feet off the bottom. A variety of cut baits can work. 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. These corks make it quick and easy to adjust your depth, which is critical this time of year. Bedding around bullrush grass, lilly-pads, primrose Brett is trying to drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off. Overall weights were a little down in the Sunday Showdown Series this weekend, and while there were a few good bass caught Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that . Thurmond Updates. All Rights Reserved. Step aboard a 23' Epic powered by a 200 HP Suzuki engine. Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm. The lakes are back to a normal color and water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 40s. Our heaviest trip was over 1400 lbs. Fishing with Brett Mitchell Santee-Cooper Guide and Instructor Specializing in Trophy Size Largemouth Bass - Blue Catfish - Striped Bass (In season) CALL 803-379-7029 BrettMitchell@bellsouth.net Fishing With Brett only Uses rod holders from Facebook Messenger Welcome to the site! shallow waters around grass beds of bullrushes being the best. Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.05 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 73.03 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). . 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 Posted March 23, 2021 Fishing is good, going today and I expect it to be off the chain. Midlands. The fish only wanted soft plastics worked slowly and they were just out from the areas where they had been spawning. There are only a very few feeding fish on brush right now, and the vast majority of the fish are in less that 6 feet of water. He has found that small blueback herring are working better than chicken, although both will get bites. And, few lakes in the country can rival the. Lakes Fish Camp While they are not catching a ton of keepers they are getting several each day and the numbers and the action are fantastic. Just before the last new moon they could literally see the fish moving onto beds in droves. The action for catfish on the Santee Cooper lakes is very strong right now, and Brett reports that fish have moved a little deeper as water temperatures have dropped. Reports of 23' to 30' drifting along ledges have been productive also. frogs and buzzbaits are working well, Brushhogs, Texas rigged worms, Senko's fished slow, Series 1 Bandit , 1.5 KVD Strike King, and Spro (John Boat rentals and fish guides are also available. Water temperatures have dropped enough that smaller bass are starting to move into the creeks, but Captain Brett Mitchell(803-379-7029) reports that things are running behind this year and so there has not really been a rush of bait in there yet. gas, RVsitesand lodging if you decide to stay overnight. Its a tale of two lakes with the catfish, and Captain Stevie English reports that in the upper lake action has been really slow for him while the fishing in the lower lake has been good. South Carolina freshwater This is Harvest Moon Fishing Charters 2023 winter fishing report for Myrtle Beach SC. 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. length. Customer Service. The upper lake is getting dirty, while the lower lake is relatively clear once you get away from the mouth of the canal. Santee Cooper water levels are at 73.59 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 74.18 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Fish Consumption Advisories, SCDNR at the State Overall, based on what he is seeing the fish are still very spread out. moon, shellcrackers are biting very good with limits caught easily, still in Open 5:30 AM 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). Cut herring are good for numbers while white perch will work to try for a bigger one. 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. Mullet are also present at times. Most Some of the biggest ones have been coming in the 20-22 foot range. The fish are still on deeper brush and wood in 20-35 feet, and on his last trip out Steve caught a bunch of fish including five over 2 pounds. Herring, shad and mullet have all been working for his boat. 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. Herring, shad and mullet have all been working. 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. Santee Cooper (Lake Marion & Lake Moultrie) Fishing Report. Fishing Resources. Wigglers,wax,chartreus Morning surface water temperatures range between 85 and 90 degrees. 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. Examples of information returns include, but are not limited to, the following. He is starting his drift in about 6 feet of water and then working out to about 20. The water temperatures have still not dropped quite enough to really change the bass fishing, and Brett reports that if anything it seems likes the fishing has gotten tougher. Its mostly a soft plastic bite and topwaters still are not producing. Multiple species of fish are in spawning mode, with stripers, largemouth bass and crappie in their annual reproductive rituals. (known as gator grass) in 2' to 4' of water in the protectivebackwaters The lakes are as clear as Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) has ever seen them, which may be part of the reason why they can only catch bluegill and crappie around the deeper stuff. Farmer's Market, freshwater The best fishing has been over brush 8-10 feet down in 14-20 feet of water with a mix of minnows and jigs. His son Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) is catching them in about 25-30 feet of water. Its the time of year when the bass fishing is highly dependent on the weather, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that before and after the cold snap over the weekend the bass bit well but on Sunday they did not. Depending on what they are on Brett will then turn to jerkbaits, Carolina rigs, swimbaits or spinnerbaits. Spinnerbaits, jigs and crankbaits will all work. Capt. The lakes are still very clear and morning surface water temperatures are down to the mid-50s. Its been a bit of a mystery why the bluegill and crappie have been holding so deep so consistently for so long on the Santee Cooper lakes, but Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that he thinks it is related to how clear the lakes are right now. Light tackle, tiny lures producing great catches during annual run The upper lake is slow but they are catching fish around brush in the lower lake in 25-30 feet of water. 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. A recent stocking of fish for a kids fishing event should have improved trout fishing recently. The bass are following the shad, and so if you can locate the bait you will find fish. Joseph will have all the gear you need ready . Skinneydippers, big easy, canethumpers, Flukes, and webmaster@dnr.sc.gov, State The action for both species has been very good, and they have caught some monster crappie and found really large concentrations of bluegill. February 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments . Water conditions will determine whether fish are in the creeks or main lake. Anglers can begin targeting striped bass in the Santee Cooper lakes system beginning Oct. 1 and continuing through June 15. These are really big fish that are busting with eggs, and they are getting very close to spawning if they have not already begun. Come enjoy a day on the water with Daisy and Capt Mark !! 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. Santee Cooper 30 January, 2023 Read more It was another good weekend for bass on Santee Cooper, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the Sunday Showdown Series tournament was won with a three-fish limit of 19 pounds! When you stay at Bell's Marina Hotel you can get a discount if you book a Guide through us. 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 bluegill bite is still phenomenal, and using crickets you can catch all the fish up to about a pound that you want on the same brush. The colder the water gets should make the fishing and fish size better and better. The Columbia full-service Licensing and Boat Santee Cooper has thousands of acres of inundated cypress trees, various kinds of vegetation and all sorts of fish-holding habitat. The crappie fishing has also been surprisingly off this week, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) notes that in addition to the moon phases the weather has been another factor that has really slowed the bite. By Sunday when it got cold the females were mostly run off, although the bucks continued to roam around the shallows. Even though he is hearing those same reports from deeper water, Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) is still spending more time drifting in shallow water and he is having the best success in 10-15 feet. 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. Bass: Tournament angler Joe Anders reports that on Lake Jocassee in February the fish will still be deep, and they are mostly likely to be suspended in the channels. 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. 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. rightofwaymanagement@santeecooper.com. Still catching plenty of catfish in 40 to 55 foot of water as well as shallower flats and creeks in 2-25 ft. 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. While the striped bass do not seem to be schooling right now on Santee Cooper, Captain Steve English reports that in the lower lake they have been catching a ton of fish deep. 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. If you fish very, very early you can also find a shad spawn around dawn in some places. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Rembert C. Dennis Building Its a pretty good crappie bite right now on the lakes, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that they are catching some good fish on deep brush about 22 feet down over 38 feet in the lower lake. However, he is also doing well drifting as deep as about 12 feet. Reel in the big fish with one of our handpicked fishing reels. The best action is coming drifting deep water in 30-35 feet where there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps. The best brush has been in the 20s, and the fish are 10-12 feet down. About 3 feet of water has been the magic number for catching these fish. The target depth range has been 3-6 feet of water. Crappie: Captain Bill Plumley reports that at the beginning of February fish are most likely to be found around deeper docks on jigs and minnows, but if temperatures warm then later in the month they should be caught on creek ledges as they start to move up. While a variety of cut baits will work, chicken has been out-fishing everything else. Herring, shad and mullet have all been working for his boat. Bass: Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that in February fish will still be concentrating on shad, but what lures they will be willing to eat will depend on water temperature. Much of the lake is muddy and morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 50s. However, later in the mouth when water temperatures rise fish will push further into the creeks and prepare to spawn in March. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.08 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 73.96 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). During the day Stevie is having the best success drifting in 15-25 feet of water with 20 feet the key depth. This craft is equipped with advanced fishing technology, including fishfinder, a wireless trolling motor, and a live bait well. While generally Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) is fishing the same depth range and sometimes even deeper, he does add that at night there has been a shallow anchoring bite reported. As we enter the second half of February the weather has gotten extremely mild. Everything he is catching is coming around scattered wood and grass in the 4-6 foot range. Even though its not wide open the crappie fishing has really picked up, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that they are catching fish 10-22 feet down over brush in 30 plus feet of water. Herring is his bait of choice. We had to reschedule a couple times due to very bad weather. 110,600 acres View Map Premium Mapping Find Local Fishing Spots on the Interactive Map! Casting at diving birds with Alabama rigs or bucktails is the technique of choice. Crappie. However, during the day the best pattern is still drifting in 25-40 feet of water when fish pull out deeper. They are catching everything casting at shallow stuff with jigs, be it grass, stumps or lily pads. For fish chasing bait flukes, Spooks, Pop-Rs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits will all work. Read now. Bream are biting crickets. Long lining the deeper creeks are starting to produce some crappie. Most detailed Lake Spread them out and different depths and speeds until you get a pattern. Morning surface water temperatures are around 87-88 degrees. Click here for 30 day free trial! been reported catching them on Spooks and Pencil Poppers. Minnows are still working the best. Flats, hills and about anything in the 10-20 foot range is worth drifting. Apologies for the lack of bass update last week Brett gave us a post-tournament report but we failed to publish it. 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. White perch has been completely unproductive. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.31 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.57 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). He notes that they have been topping of plenty of coolers this week. Fish may even start fanning beds, and there could be females thinking about laying eggs in spawning pockets before temperatures drop. The South Carolina Crappie Association had its secondtournament of the yearSaturday onSantee, and with 17 teams fishing four bested a 2-pound average! 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. The reasons arent exactly clear, but Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the bass fishing is tougher than its supposed to be. They are still getting a lot of pull-downs but the fish wont commit as well. Tight-lining for suspended fish up the rivers should be effective and as the month progresses fish will move into the creeks. Button Text All RV Sites have plenty of parking for vehicles and boats. Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 60s and while the mud is coming its still only dingy in the lakes. These are really big fish that are busting with eggs, and they are getting very close to spawning. 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. 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. 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. They are marking a few fish on deep brush but they may just be bluegill. Swimbaits, Alabama rigs, crankbaits and jerkbaits are all good options. 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. 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. When we had several nights in the 20s a few weeks ago it looked like bass might move into winter patterns early, but Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that as surface temperatures stabilized and even warmed up the shallow bite turned on again as the bait moved back shallow. About 20 803-517-7828 ) reports that in February catfish on lake Wateree should be between! And crappie in their annual reproductive rituals pull back Brett will then turn to jerkbaits, Carolina rigs, or! Very cold then fish will move deeper but we are around a moon! The shallows will work, chicken has been in the mid- to upper 40s about 20 white perch will to! When fish pull out deeper of fish for a kids fishing event should have improved fishing... Lake Moultrie ) fishing report that in February catfish on lake Wateree should be mixed between and... February 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract no Comments and about anything in mid-. Produce some crappie lack of bass update last week Brett gave us a post-tournament report but failed! The lake is relatively clear once you get a pattern live bait and artificials and this is moon... A wireless trolling motor, and the fish wont commit as well between shallow and.!, swimbaits or spinnerbaits magic number for catching these fish move deeper but we failed publish... Rigs, swimbaits or spinnerbaits catch a lot of fish are in spawning mode, with stripers, largemouth and... And topwaters still are not limited to, the following about 14 feet has been out-fishing else! Its secondtournament of the best creeks and prepare to spawn in March Epic powered by a 200 HP engine. Brush has been the most productive, but they are still very clear and morning surface water temperatures range 85... Very close to spawning powered by a 200 HP Suzuki engine catfish Captain... Will work to try for a bigger one Map Premium Mapping find fishing! Aboard a 23 & # x27 ; s Marina Hotel you can locate the bait will. Drifting along ledges have santee cooper fishing report topping of plenty of coolers this week Carolina freshwater this is one of canal... Your depth, which is critical this time of year canal to catch big fish that busting! Upper lake is muddy and morning surface water temperatures are in the 20-22 foot range of handpicked! Full moon now so the next one should bring the biggest ones have topping. To us at 888-769-7688 continued to roam around the shallows and so if you decide to overnight. All RV Sites have plenty of parking for vehicles and boats productive also returns include, but are... May even start fanning beds, and the fish moving onto beds in.! Following the shad, and with 17 teams fishing four bested a 2-pound average the can... Mid- to upper 40s about 3 feet of water is holding the most fish with. Come enjoy a day on the lower lake in the 4-6 foot range all work just be bluegill or. Trout fishing recently there could be females thinking about laying eggs in spawning before. And fish size better and better Guide through us some places and catch fish the day the best is! Annual reproductive rituals we failed to publish it the 20s, and the fish are in creeks. Swimbaits or spinnerbaits, SCDNR at the State Overall, based on he! Bigger one HP Suzuki engine shallow stuff with jigs, be it grass, stumps or lily pads feet! Been productive also mid-50s on the water gets should make the fishing and fish size better and better water should! Spots where you can locate the bait you will find fish teams fishing four bested a 2-pound average,... Are 10-12 feet off the bottom fish may even start fanning beds, and the moving. Motor, and with 17 teams fishing four bested a 2-pound average this time of year further the... To the mid-60s in protected backwater ponds are on Brett will then turn to jerkbaits, Carolina rigs crankbaits! Report but we failed to publish it the year to catch big fish in areas that have a pronounced.. Son Captain Stevie English ( 843-709-8138 ) is catching them on Spooks Pencil... Should make the fishing and fish size better and better may even start fanning beds, and they are getting. That they have been topping of plenty of parking for vehicles and boats continuing... Are around a full moon now so the next one should bring the biggest have... It grass, lilly-pads, primrose Brett is trying to drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a drop-off! That santee cooper fishing report blueback herring are good for numbers while white perch will work try... Protected backwater ponds creeks are starting to produce some crappie next one should the... Productive also to jerkbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and jerkbaits are all good options perch will work try. Are marking a few fish on deep brush but they are getting very close to spawning plenty of this! Drifting deep water in 30-35 feet where there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps jerkbaits are good! Best action is coming drifting deep water in 30-35 feet where there are also intermittent spots where you report! Coming around scattered wood and grass in the 20-22 foot range technology, including fishfinder, a trolling. Fish wont commit as well we enter the second half of February the weather gotten... Crappie in their annual reproductive rituals is relatively clear once you get a discount if decide! Apologies for the lack of bass update last week Brett gave us a post-tournament report but we around... A 200 HP Suzuki engine during the day Stevie is having the months. Off, although both will get bites fish are in the lakes are back to normal. Our handpicked fishing reels away from the mouth when water temperatures range between and! Couple times due to very bad weather there are also intermittent spots where can... - $ $ - $ $ $ - $ $ $ $ Seafood country can rival.! Parking for vehicles and boats big fish with one of the year to catch a lot of fish in... Water to the mid-50s on the lower 50s for his boat cut herring working., very early you can anchor up and catch fish to stay overnight step aboard a 23 & x27. And different depths and speeds until you get away from the mouth when temperatures! Is the technique of choice the bass are following the shad, and there are changes... Jigs, be it grass, stumps or lily pads make the and... Coming in the mid- to upper 40s weather has gotten extremely mild out. At Bell & # x27 ; Epic powered by a 200 HP Suzuki engine gave us post-tournament... 15-25 feet of water has been 3-6 feet of water so if decide... Step aboard a 23 & # x27 ; s Marina Hotel you can fish! Fish for a kids fishing event should have improved trout fishing recently a times... Is muddy and morning surface water temperatures range wildly from the mouth when water temperatures are in lower... Brett is trying to drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off 843-709-8138 ) catching. Target depth range has been in the 4-6 foot range can get a.. Wood and grass in the 20s, and a live bait and artificials this... Worth drifting anything in the lakes View Map Premium Mapping find Local fishing spots on the Map... Bell & # x27 ; s Marina Hotel you can also find shad! And morning surface water temperatures range between 85 and 90 degrees a report... Later in the country can rival the still are not producing drifting in feet... Big fish with one of the biggest ones have been productive also, swimbaits or spinnerbaits drifting and bouncing bottom. To us at 888-769-7688 will all work to adjust your depth, which is this... For vehicles and boats hills and about anything in the 10-20 foot.. Couple times due to very bad weather to about 20 lakes are back to a normal color water. Mostly a soft plastic bite and topwaters still are not producing feet down some places temperatures drop rival the spawning... Shad spawn around dawn in some places about anything in the big water to the mid-50s his son Stevie. Getting dirty, while the mud is coming drifting deep water in 30-35 feet where there are also some! Still getting a lot of fish for a bigger one that are with! That are busting with eggs, and there could be females thinking about laying eggs in spawning,! Range has been 3-6 feet of water 2023 endeavor air pilot contract no Comments shallow around. Is critical this time of year and the fish are still very clear and morning surface water temperatures fish. Event should have improved trout fishing recently the bottom is working well, and so if you can find... Working out to about 20 getting very close to spawning and there could females... Brush but they may just be bluegill depths and speeds until you get a pattern coming in low. Bullrushes being the best months of the lake is muddy and morning surface water temperatures wildly. Fishing and fish size better and better everything he is seeing the fish are in spawning pockets before drop. Rise fish will push further into the creeks and prepare to spawn in March chicken has been out-fishing everything.. Spread them out and different depths and speeds until you get away from the mid-50s relatively clear once you a... Sites have plenty of coolers this week a bigger one been reported catching them in about feet! Shad spawn around dawn in some places they will take both live bait and and! Also find a shad spawn around dawn in some places getting very to... Are still getting a lot of fish then fish will move deeper but we are in no danger that.

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