Shop by brand or reel type. These differ for residents and non-residents, with discounts for military personnel, too. 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). The Santee Cooper Lakes are filled with a wide variety of fish for all levels of sportsman. The lakes are dingy in places but not muddy and morning surface water temperatures are about 51-54 degrees. Again, a topwater bite should be taking off Brett hasnt really found very much, and he characterizes it as only sporadic.. Multiple species of fish are in spawning mode, with stripers, largemouth bass and crappie in their annual reproductive rituals. The reasons arent exactly clear, but Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the bass fishing is tougher than its supposed to be. The upper lake is getting dirty, while the lower lake is relatively clear once you get away from the mouth of the canal. Most detailed Santee Cooper System Updates Mountains Area Lake Jocassee 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. The best action is coming drifting deep water in 30-35 feet where there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps. During the day Stevie is having the best success drifting in 15-25 feet of water with 20 feet the key depth. 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. Carolina King is located only a short distance . They will be caught on jigging spoons, drop shots and jigs. As the weather warms they will begin to stage for the spawn and can be caught trolling in the backs of creeks. 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. While there are always fish in a lot of different depth ranges in Santee, right now Santee-style drifting in 40-50 feet seems to be the most effective. Catfish are moving into the upper and lower ends of the For shellcracker use worms while bluegill prefer crickets and worms. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.12 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.09 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5) and the lakes are clear. Lots of fish 15 to 30lbs. 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. The catfish action is still a little slow on Santee, but Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that if you work hard you can still put a nice box of fish in the boat. Morning surface water temperatures have hit the lower 60s. At the next moon there could be another bream bed, but on the last full moon it was surprisingly slow. There have also been an unusually large number of fish pulling down rods but not getting the bait. 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. Morning surface water temperatures are down to about 65 degrees. Bass: Tournament angler Dearal Rodgers of Camden reports that in February fish will still be in steep areas with access to deep water to start the month, but as it gets later they will start to move towards pre-spawn locations and feed up. Santee Cooper is a shallow-water fishing paradise, and it's tough to beat the skinny water action of March. During the day Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) is also finding a pretty good bite most of the time drifting in 15-25 feet of water, and he is having about equal success with cut herring and shad. 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! Morning surface water temperatures are around 73 degrees. Known together as the Santee Cooper lakes (formally the Santee Cooper Hydroelectric and Navigation Project), Lakes Marion and Moultrie are located in the outer coastal plain to the southeast of South Carolina between the cities of Columbia and Charleston. Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.41 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.31 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). We are around a full moon now so the next one should bring the biggest wave of spawners. 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. River herring is fishing the best right now. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.35 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 74.2 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5), and while the lower lake is still clear dirty water is making its way down. 100 pounds over 4 days is possible. Morning surface water temperatures are still about 79 degrees. Fishing Resources. Dennis offers some thoughts on how to target various species that are biting now on the Santee Cooper lakes: Crappie "If I was going crappie fishing, I would be trolling jigs in 20 to 30 feet of . Fishing in the upper lake is winding down. 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. Fish the edges of the creeks. We're having some really good trips lately. 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. Updates. The bite seemed to die after the morning. Striper and hybrids: Guide Chip Hamilton (864-304-9011) reports that the February bite will start off similar to January with fish part-way up the rivers in 35-45 feet on the bottom. 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. 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. Casting small jigs and tight lining minnows will work the best. The weather has turned warmer and water temps are climbing. The lower lake has fished a little better than the upper lake. 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. You can report an outage, downed powerline or other issue to us at 888-769-7688. Fishing Reports Bragging Board Fishing Guides Summer hours 5:30 am to 8 pm Enjoy our upgraded, renovated accommodations. Reports of 23' to 30' drifting along ledges have been productive also. Santee Cooper Lakes You can also fish dip baits in the canal to catch a lot of fish. 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. Fish Consumption Advisories, SCDNR at the State Cut herring, river herring, bluegill and shad are all working. Late in the month is a good time for long-line trolling with jigs and minnows. Fishermen should keep in mind the effect of different temperatures in different parts of the lake. They have been catching both bluegill and some big shallcracker with worms, while with crickets you will mainly get bluegill. Cut herring, shad or white perch will all work. 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. Santee Cooper Lakes Fishing Reports | Santee Cooper Country Fishing Reports (803) 854-2131 February Fishing Report. Throughout the day drifting in 5-15 feet of water has been productive. 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). 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). If you're not familiar with the lake . Updates. A variety of cut baits can work. With warm weather and approaching Bedding around bullrush grass, lilly-pads, primrose Water temperatures are in the low 60s and there is some dirty water rolling into the lakes. 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. Jefferies Dam in 50' has also been productive. They will take both live bait and artificials and this is one of the best months of the year to catch big fish. They are still biting pretty well, and he is having success drifting both chicken and herring. The most recent bream spawn was also disappointing, and even when he found big beds there werent many fish on them. Inky is one or the most well known & respected bass guides on the Santee Lakes and has been offering guide services for 35 years Inky is also a USCG licensed guide & a member of the SCCGA. Live bait and jigging spoons are both working. The bream catch is still at best sporadic, but Captain Stevie English reports that they are still catching some nice crappieeven though they are having to work for them. My first shiner fishing trip certainly hooked me. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.21 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 74.19 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Worms are hard to beat. 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. Early in the morning buzzbaits are working well and shallow running crankbaits are also good, in addition to a wide range of topwater lures such as prop baits. Numerous species are spawning at Santee this month. 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). Crews signature series) shallow around trees for post spawn. fishing report source, where right now you can sign up for 30 days of free access to more in-depth fishing Button Text All RV Sites have plenty of parking for vehicles and boats. Try Santee Cooper tailraces for great shad, herring action Jeff Burleson Featured, Freshwater Fishing Roe shad up to 4-1/2 pounds are biting in the Cooper River tailrace below Lake Moultrie for fishermen using light tackle. His boat is having the most success with herring. 2018-19 SANTEE COOPER COUNTRY. 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. When you stay at Bell's Marina Hotel you can get a discount if you book a Guide through us. Our heaviest trip was over 1400 lbs. We had to reschedule a couple times due to very bad weather. He has had the best luck drifting in 10-20 feet of water on cut herring, while Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) is concentrating more on the 15-20 foot range. At times minnows and then jigs are both out-fishing the other so try both. Bass: Guide Josh Rockefeller (706-513-6152) reports that in February fish will still be related to deep brush or rock until it gets time for them to move towards their pre-spawn and then spawning locations. In most major species categories the lakes have produced state or even-world record class fish. santee cooper bass fishing reports. With so many panfish up shallow its no surprise that the catfish are in the same areas, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that first thing anchoring in shallow water has been producing very well. The striper bite is good with quality fish being caught in 45-55 ft of water. 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. 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. 139 Canal Landing Road, Cross, SC 29436 AHQ INSIDER Santee Cooper (SC) 2023 Week 5 Fishing Report - Updated February 2 February 2 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). with 69 fish. 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. They are right where they are supposed to be in March, and with lots of fish spawning and others just behind and past spawning you can throw your choice of spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft plastics, jigs and more. His son Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) is catching them in about 25-30 feet of water. South Carolina freshwater For employment verification, contact Santee Cooper Human Resources via fax at 843-761-4191 or call 843-761-8000 ext. If the lake remains dirty fish will continue to feed best in the muddiest areas. Fish are starting to pull up in the creeks where they can be found in 10-20 feet of water pulling jigs. Live bait and jigging spoons are both working. He notes that they have been topping of plenty of coolers this week. The action for both species has been very good, and they have caught some monster crappie and found really large concentrations of bluegill. Areas to visit, Lake Murray in the Russell Flats area. Carolina rigs, shakey heads, and jigs are working the best but occasionally you can pick up a fish on a crankbait. Santee Cooper Lake Marion is home to some BIG bass and April is PRIME TIME for the spawn! It will also be found up the rivers if there is current there. While they are not catching a lot of keepers they are getting several each day and the numbers and the action are fantastic. Senkos and soft plastics are Bretts go-to lures right now, and if there are windy, cloudy conditions he will pull out a spinnerbait. They are catching everything casting at shallow stuff with jigs, be it grass, stumps or lily pads. The crappie fishing has been really tough again this week, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports they arent exactly sure why. <br><br> The park sits along Lake Marion, one of the two lakes (the other's Moultrie) that gave birth to America's inland . The lakes are still clear and morning surface water temperatures are about 58. 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. updates. Trolling numbers have not been incredible. With up-and-down water temperatures the bass are in a pretty typical early winter pattern, and Captain Brett Mitchell(803-379-7029) reports that means that fish will move back and forth between very shallow and slightly deeper water as the bait does the same. Following the birds and covering water with free-lines or planer boards is usually the best pattern. The catfish bite has dramatically improved on Santee, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that he has caught a pile of fish drifting over all different kinds of structure in 45-55 feet. Are you in the know? You can also anchor, but drifting is often more exciting. All rights reserved. He's catching his share, including some big ones, among the Santee cypress trees. 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. 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. And with the season set to close on June 15, right now is the time to get on the water and see what it's like to do battle with the South Carolina state fish. 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. 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. In colder conditions they will want more subtle, slow-moving lures, while if temperatures rise they will be willing to chase faster moving baits like spinnerbaits or crankbaits. 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). The fish are shallow on beds, and spawning activity peaks on the new and full moons. 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. 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. But the world-class shellcracker fishing produces an overflow of anglers to the shallow sectors of both lakes. We use cookies on our website to give you the best shopping experience. 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 upper lake is slow but they are catching fish around brush in the lower lake in 25-30 feet of water. The lakes are very clear and water temperatures are in the mid-50s. They are relatively shallow in 2-6 feet of water, but the pockets that are holding bait are adjacent to steep banks and deeper water. 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