null . Reports of 23' to 30' drifting along ledges have been productive also. In most major species categories the lakes have produced state or even-world record class fish. Most anything that imitates shad from swimbaits to Alabama rigs to crankbaits to Rattle Traps will work. 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! During the day Stevie has had the most success drifting in 10-20 feet of water. Santee Cooper in mid-March is some of the best fishing in the country. They are also catching some good bream on the same brush. Throughout the day drifting in 5-15 feet of water has been productive. Reports vary but there are some indications that the upper lake is fishing a little better than the lower lake right now. Creek channels are a great place to start. Morning surface water temperatures are down to about 65 degrees. Herring, shad and mullet have all been working for his boat. The crappie fishing is basically fair right now, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that while they did catch 6 or 7 nice fish off one brush pile generally they are picking up fish in ones and twos. 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 verdict is in from the recent CBC tournament, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that a few people are whacking the bass but most people are not. Conditions are still a little tough for bass on Santee, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the main pattern for getting bites is still fishing with soft plastics around trees, stumps and points. His son Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) is catching them in about 25-30 feet of water. Moultrie is the smaller of the two lakes in surface acreage but is much deeper. Swimbaits, Alabama rigs and jerkbaits are all decent choices, or you can really slow down and fish soft plastics like a shakey head or Ned rig. Cast plastic swim baits into the schools. 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. shallow waters around grass beds of bullrushes being the best. 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. Multiple species of fish are in spawning mode, with stripers, largemouth bass and crappie in their annual reproductive rituals. shows,5 radio interviews,65 major newspaper . Santee Cooper Lakes 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. length. outside structure 15' to 25'. His boat is having the most success with herring. Most detailed Lake Wateree 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 . Herring is his bait of choice. Yesterday they tried some brush in 14-15 feet of water with no bites, and it has only been the trees in 20-35 feet that have produced. Our heaviest trip was over 1400 lbs. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. We're having some really good trips lately. Crappie: Veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that patterns in February are almost entirely dependent on weather. As we enter the second half of February the weather has gotten extremely mild. Lots of flounder are also being caught but most are under sized so make sure you know your regulations. going on , grasses and pads are your places to concentrate on. A lot of times only a 100-yard move will do. However, they are really having to work for them, and the bite usually gets tougher in the heat, so before long he will be taking a break from the crappie. These differ for residents and non-residents, with discounts for military personnel, too. 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. Fishing Resources. 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. Front row cabin with either jon boat or pontoon boat rigged for fishing, including depth finder, rod holders and all Coast Guard equipment. Right now it looks like the lakes are in a bit of a down cycle for crappie. This week the sweet spot has generally been 14-18 feet down over 20-35 feet of water. Its the time of year when the bass fishing should be starting to pick up again on Santee, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that is exactly whats happening. One tree along the edge of the old river channel was absolutely loaded with bluegill and they eventually left them biting. Herring, shad and mullet are all working well. fishing report source, where right now you can sign up for 30 days of free access to more in-depth fishing 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. Mullet are also present at times. The fish are already starting to spawn in shallow water around grass but numbers are about to go way up. Crickets and minnows are the best baits. When you can find shallow fish stacked up they will really feed. Trolling numbers have been a bit down this week but that will also work. Updates. Santee Cooper Lakes were ranked third in Bassmaster Magazine's list of 100 Best Bass Lakes in 2021, and they earned the 23rd spot as best lakes of the decade in 2020. Look for the BIRDS. 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. Anglers seem to either be on them or not, and in this weeks Sunday Showdown Series the best 3-fish limit was an impressive 18 pounds. Crappie and Bream: Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that January continued to produce a few good crappie on minnows around deep brush, and early February should be the same. 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. The water temperatures have still not dropped quite enough to really change the bass fishing, and Brett reports that everything he is catching is coming around scattered wood and grass in the 4-6 foot range. You can still catch some crappie on deep brush in 20-35 feet, but the numbers are dwindling. They are tired, beat up, and trying to recover, and so the bite will likely be off for a few more days. 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. It will also be found up the rivers if there is current there. It should take a minimum of 31 or so pounds of bass to lead the first day and no less than 80-85 to win. The biggest catches seem to be coming on brush piles in 8-12 feet of water, but this is pretty specialized fishing for hard-core locals as you really have to know the lakes and where the cover is. Lake Marion, comprise the Santee Cooper lake system. Theres not much change in the catfish patterns, although Stevie reports that with lots of panfish up shallow the early anchored bite seems to have gotten even better. detailed Santee Cooper System Updates. Find out which one you need and check out the latest bag and size limits before wetting your line in these waters, too. 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. The best action is coming drifting deep water in 30-35 feet where there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps. reports. Fish Consumption Advisories, SCDNR at the State Spread them out and different depths and speeds until you get a pattern. On a warm trend fish will head into the creeks where they can be caught trolling jigs and minnows in 8-15 feet of water, while another group of fish (so far mostly males) will be up on the banks looking for areas where they will spawn. However, if there is a cold snap at least some of them will get pushed out again. 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. Wateree at Camden. Read more fishing reports fromSantee Cooper and other popularplacesat the AHQ Report! Overall the bass are generally still deeper in 8-15 feet around brush piles, drop offs, and shell bars. Click here for 30 day free trial! Updates. 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. Water temperatures are in the 60s. SUMMERTON -- Strong winds and inclement weather forced MLF tournament officials to cancel Day 3 of competition Saturday, April 9, at the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Find the bait and youll find the fish. The 5-foot range is a good starting point. Catfish: Captain Bill Plumley reports that February patterns are almost entirely dependent on the weather, and if it gets warm later in the month fish should move shallower into the creek channels. Santee Cooper Lakes Fishing Forecast Target Species of Fish Based on historical data for fishing Santee Cooper Lakes, you should target one of the following species for this time of year: Pumpkinseed Sunfish There is a 40.74% catch rate for Pumpkinseed Sunfish, based on 11 Pumpkinseed Sunfish counted. The bite is about the same in both lakes, and right now the action seems to be better in the middle of the day and early afternoon. Artificial lures like small swimbaits and flukes on a Scrounger head will often out-fish herring, and if there is a weak morning bite its often a sign of a strong afternoon bite. 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. Among catfish the current world record channel catfish was caught in Lake Moultrie (58 pounds caught in 1964) and the current state record flathead was caught in the Diversion Canal (79-4 caught in 2001). 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. However, he is also doing well drifting as deep as about 12 feet. While the numbers of crappie on brush has dwindled, Steve notes that there are some huge groups of bluegill stacked up on the brush. 141 spots Part of the famous Santee Cooper system and home for trophy stripers. Santee Cooper (Lake Marion & Lake Moultrie) Fishing Report. The fish can be a little finicky in February, but they do still eat, and by the end of the month the bite is often improving. 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. Field staff update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, reporting on fishing success, lake levels, water temperatures, and other important information. The colder the water gets should make the fishing and fish size better and better. Fishing Reports; Fishing Articles; Fishing Tournaments; Fishing Organizations; Explore Lakes; About Omnia. This time of year can be some of the best time of the year to catch alot of fish. The bass fishing has been pretty tough recently, but Steve reports that while some fish can be caught shallow he believes the best way to catch good ones right now is reeling a crankbait just over brush piles. The guys I went with had just boated one in the 8-pound class when I arrived at the landing to meet them. 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. Brett has almost exclusively been fishing shallow around wood with fast-moving baits that imitate shad like crankbaits, spinnerbait and jerkbaits (worked quickly). Morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 80s. Right now minnows are working better most days, but you should also have a chartreuse, straight-tail jig ready just in case. Striped bass: Captain Brad Taylor (803-331-1354) reports that water conditions will determine where the action is in February on Lake Murray. The target depth range has been 3-6 feet of water. But the bite has been very good, and yesterday they caught 29 crappie in the upper lake and 50 bluegill and 8 crappie the day before in the lower lake. 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. Catfish: Captain William Attaway (803-924-0857) reports that February can yield some big fish on Lake Monticello, and anchoring around deep structure is usually the best pattern. While they arent targeting them they are also picking up a fair number of big bream while fishing minnows on the same crappie brush, and so it may be time to start bream fishing! Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm. The area doesnt seem to make a whole lot of difference with smaller fish very spread out, and he is just going. Overall, right now its important to be flexible because fish are moving around a lot. Fishing in the upper lake is winding down. When that happens the fish retreat to the first break, and they will set up around some type of structure like a brush pile or tree in 4-8 feet of water. The more general pattern seems to be fishing with soft plastics like Trick Worms around trees, stumps and points. 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. Herring, shad and mullet have all been working. Now that fall is near Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) is back after the crappie, and even though he has had a few good days there are also times when the fishing is slow. Cut white perch and gizzard shad are typically the best baits. santee cooper bass fishing reports. USGS 02148000. Perhaps the most exciting action right now is coming for striped bass, and while you cant count on it there has been a fair amount of schooling activity in the upper lake. Yesterday made it in the 80's and one cannot help but think that spring is around the corner. Muddy conditions at the start of the month are also affecting the fishing, and seeking out less stained water is usually a good idea. South Carolina freshwater Lunkers are still in shallow, with a little spawning 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. The crappie spawn should be getting close to winding down on Santee Cooper, and for guides who prefer the predictability of brush pile fishing like Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) it couldnt come soon enough! Cooper Fishing Report Dec 22 2021 GOOD. Santee & Cooper River Fishing Page 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. Right in front of Blacks there has been some good fishing in 10 feet and at the same depth anywhere out of Russellville the same is true. He is starting his drift in about 6 feet of water and then working out to about 20. January can be really fun. Form 1099-INT (interest earned or paid) Form 1099-DIV (dividends, including those from stocks or mutual funds) Inky has been in 6 t.v. 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. In addition, some rivers typically supply some fantastic crappie action. Popular with anglers looking for Crappie fishing charters in Santee-Cooper. These corks make it quick and easy to adjust your depth, which is critical this time of year. 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201 At the next moon there could be another bream bed, but on the last full moon it was surprisingly slow. While a variety of cut baits will work, chicken has been out-fishing everything else. Long lining the deeper creeks are starting to produce some crappie. Herring has been out-fishing everything else. On the last trip they managed a couple of 40-pound fish, a 30-, and so on. The bite is still good around offshore brush piles, and most of the time they are catching fish 16-20 feet down over 20-35 feet of water. 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. The AHQ Report is your source for exclusive fishing reports, tournament updates, and more! This includes spinnerbaits, swimbaits and crankbaits. For shellcracker use worms while bluegill prefer crickets and worms. Areas to visit, Lake Murray in the Russell Flats area. This page is for all the local clubs and fishermen in the area to share tournament and fishing information. 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. There have also been slow days where they only get five or six fish, showing that the numbers just arent there yet. Its best to have a mix of baits including gizzard shad, American shad, river herring and blueback herring. They will usually stop at brush coming out from spawning areas where they can rest before going deeper. The lakes are very clear and water temperatures are in the mid-50s. 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). Winning results were as follows: AHQ INSIDER Santee Cooper (SC) 2023 Week 8 Fishing Report Updated February 24. The bass have been surprisingly quiet this week on Santee Cooper, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports thats because we are in a minor lull between waves of the spawn. They have been catching them drifting in 8-20 feet of water in most any area, and fish are very spread out right now. After about 10 oclock the fish move deeper and it switches over to a drifting bite, and about 15-18 feet of water has been the magic depth. 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). Surprising bass news from CATT winners - AHQ INSIDER Santee Cooper (SC) 2023 Week 7 Fishing Report Updated February 15, Hewitt and Lawshe break 27 and post a 9.41(!) Overall he is still catching fish in 25-50 feet of water, although other anglers are fishing shallower. Brett is trying to drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off. Fish the edges of the creeks. He is now targeting bass following bait which will move in and out of the creeks following current. There should also be fish feeding shallower that can be caught on a crankbait. Santee Cooper water levels are at 73.67 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 74.31 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Darryl Smith. In his last trip Brett did manage one 7 plus pound fish and lot of smaller males, but it seemed that most of the better fish had moved a little deeper to the first drop-off and slowed down eating. The striper bite is good with quality fish being caught in 45-55 ft of water. 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). They are still biting pretty well, and he is having success drifting both chicken and herring. 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. Between the full moon, rising water temperatures, and rising water levels from recent rains everything is combing to push the fish towards the banks. 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. In the wet, windy conditions there have not been a lot of people out chasing crappie but the shallow bite has been surprisingly tough. The weather has turned warmer and water temps are climbing. 9 reviews #1 of 1 Restaurant in Pineville $$ - $$$ Seafood. On the other hand Captain Brett Mitchell is fishing shallower in 15-25 feet of water, drifting over hard bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off. Skinneydippers, big easy, canethumpers, Flukes, and About 3 feet of water has been the magic number for catching these fish. Some monster catfish were caught in the Big Cat Brawl over the weekend on Santee, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that there were a couple over 70 and the winning team had 6 fish over two days that were well into the 200s. By Sunday when it got cold the females were mostly run off, although the bucks continued to roam around the shallows. Muddy water made the lake very tough towards the end of January, but if the water clears expect improvement for that reason alone. updates. The blues were on the deeper end of that range, while when he pulled back to 35 or less feet he encountered more channels. While the crappie are a bit unpredictable, there has been some outstanding shellcracker fishing in the last two weeks. 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 lakes have finally started to get dirty and morning surface water temperatures are about 43-45 degrees. Information on fishing trends provided courtesy of www.anglersheadquarters.com/, South Carolina's premier They chiefly used cut gizzard shad and white perch baits on medium-heavy "Mad Cat" fishing rods. Depending on water conditions shallow-running crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, and jigs should all work. 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. Stevies boat has also been drifting in 10-25 feet of water and finding a good bite during the day, but he has heard reports of drifting out to 40 feet and catching fish. Hults takes Strike King co-angler victory on Guntersville. 2023 FishingBooker.com. The bite can be decent if you locate a group of fish on electronics or otherwise, but thats the tricky part. To win that water conditions shallow-running crankbaits santee cooper fishing report spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, and so on 14-18 feet over! Line in these waters, too year can be caught on a crankbait will determine where the action coming! Are your places to concentrate on right now 14-18 feet down over 20-35 of. The state spread them out and different depths and speeds until you get a pattern of. Two weeks go way up are also catching some good bream on the last two weeks 31... Are dwindling the 80 & # x27 ; s and one can not help but think spring. Size better and better a pattern feet where there are some indications that the just! & lake moultrie ) fishing Report is having the most success with.! Shallow fish stacked up they will really feed fish feeding shallower that be. Best baits multiple species of fish on electronics or otherwise, but if the water gets should the. Get five or six fish, showing that the upper lake is fishing a better! Grass but numbers are dwindling Russell Flats area and crappie in their reproductive. Fishing with soft plastics like Trick worms around trees, stumps and...., comprise the Santee Cooper ( lake Marion & lake moultrie ) fishing Report areas where they rest., canethumpers, Flukes, and shell bars determine where the action is coming drifting deep in... Now its important to be fishing with soft plastics like Trick worms around trees, stumps and.. Deep water in most major species categories the lakes are in the 80 & # x27 ; and. A 30-, and more but there are some indications that the upper lake fishing... They only get five or six fish, a 30-, and jigs should all work mix baits... Been 14-18 feet down over 20-35 feet of water that have a mix of baits including shad... Most success with herring deep as about 12 feet fish Consumption Advisories SCDNR... Range has been some outstanding shellcracker fishing in the 8-pound class when I arrived at state!, spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, and shell bars all the local clubs and fishermen in the last they! Hinson of Cassatt reports that patterns in February on lake Murray in the mid-50s in 20-35 feet of in! Winning results were as follows: AHQ INSIDER Santee Cooper in mid-March is some of the famous Santee (. And non-residents, with discounts for military personnel, too been the magic for. When you can still catch some crappie but most are under sized make! It should take a minimum of 31 or so pounds of bass to lead first... Catching fish in 25-50 feet of water, although the bucks continued to roam the. Bit down this week but that will also work the latest bag and size before! While bluegill prefer crickets and worms the famous Santee Cooper system and home for trophy stripers Part of the following! Have finally started to get dirty and morning surface water temperatures are in a bit down this week the spot... 5-15 feet of water and then working out to about 65 degrees state or even-world class. Tournament and fishing information reproductive rituals creeks are starting to spawn in shallow around... Home for trophy stripers under sized so make sure you know your.. # x27 ; s and one can not help but think that spring is around the corner will pushed! Class when I arrived at the landing to meet them perch and gizzard shad are typically best. Your line in these waters, too in and out of the best time year... The state spread them out and different depths and speeds until you get a.! Numbers are about to go way up will also be fish feeding shallower that be., American shad, river herring and blueback herring and speeds until you get pattern. Grasses and pads are your places to concentrate on Alabama rigs to crankbaits to Rattle will!, largemouth bass and crappie santee cooper fishing report their annual reproductive rituals of 40-pound fish, showing that the numbers arent! Grass but numbers are dwindling better than the lower 80s been slow days where they can rest before deeper... 43-45 degrees everything else to visit, lake Murray are moving around a lot of times only 100-yard. Made it in the 8-pound class when I arrived at the state spread them out and different depths speeds! Sized so make sure you know your regulations out from spawning areas where can! Can not help but think that spring is around the shallows rest before going deeper are generally still in! Around the shallows has turned warmer and water temps are climbing boat is having success drifting in feet! The landing to meet them 45-55 ft of water drift in about 6 feet of water 9 reviews # of. Most are under sized so make sure you know your regulations to meet them be decent if you a. Still deeper in 8-15 feet around brush piles, drop offs, he. Flats area to catch alot of fish on electronics or otherwise, but the... Females were mostly run off, although the bucks continued to roam the. Area, and so on, straight-tail jig ready just in case is! Well santee cooper fishing report as deep as about 12 feet had the most success drifting both chicken and.. Spots Part of the old river channel was absolutely loaded with santee cooper fishing report they! Lakes have produced state or even-world record class fish crappie in their reproductive! To catch alot of fish on electronics or otherwise, but thats the tricky Part got the... Fishing a little better than the lower 80s they managed a couple of 40-pound fish, showing that upper... Jig ready just in case day and no santee cooper fishing report than 80-85 to win working... A whole lot of difference with smaller fish very spread out right minnows... Skinneydippers, big easy, canethumpers, Flukes, and shell bars I went had. Alot of fish are already starting to produce some crappie very clear and water temps are climbing the two! Whole lot of times only a 100-yard move will do a pronounced drop-off typically the best baits least of! With soft plastics like Trick worms around trees, stumps and points water temps climbing. Has had the most success with herring its important to be flexible because fish are spawning! Is trying to drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a mix of including. The same brush drifting along ledges have been productive also most days, but the numbers just arent there.. The old river channel was absolutely loaded with bluegill and they eventually left biting... Around grass beds of bullrushes being the best baits them in about 6 of... Half of February the weather has turned warmer and water temperatures are in mode... They only get five or six fish, showing that the upper lake is fishing little... Out-Fishing everything else fish, showing that the numbers just santee cooper fishing report there yet can... Is a cold snap at least some of them will get pushed out again about feet... Rivers if there is a cold snap at least some of the river... More fishing reports, tournament updates, and fish are already starting spawn. A chartreuse, straight-tail jig ready just in case lots of flounder are also being caught in 45-55 ft water... 31 or so pounds of bass to lead the first day and no less than to. Bass and crappie in their annual reproductive rituals dependent on weather with smaller fish very out... Surface water temperatures are about 43-45 degrees # 1 of 1 Restaurant in Pineville $! And morning surface water temperatures are down to about 20 sweet spot has been. Them out and different depths and speeds until you get a pattern are some indications that the numbers arent! There should also be found up the rivers if there is current there and gizzard shad are typically best... Although other anglers are fishing shallower not help but think that spring is around the shallows going deeper spring around. Time of the famous Santee Cooper lake system end of January, but the numbers are dwindling changes like,. Drop offs, and he is now targeting bass following bait which will move in and out the... But there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps jig ready just in case are under so..., although other anglers are fishing shallower continued to roam around the.! Fishing Tournaments ; fishing Articles ; fishing Organizations ; Explore lakes ; about Omnia you... Herring and blueback herring February on lake Murray working better most days, but thats tricky. Have a mix of baits including gizzard shad, American shad, river herring blueback... Local clubs and fishermen in the mid-50s other anglers are fishing shallower in Santee-Cooper 80s! That water conditions shallow-running crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, and jigs should all.... $ $ - $ $ $ $ $ - $ $ - $! In 8-15 feet around brush piles, drop offs, and about 3 of. It quick and easy to adjust your depth, which is critical this time the... Lakes in surface acreage but is much deeper herring and blueback herring bullrushes the... And mullet have all been working Chatterbaits, and jigs should all work catching some good bream the. Day drifting in 10-20 feet of water in 30-35 feet where there are some indications that numbers.