The bass are following the shad, and so if you can locate the bait you will find fish. We are a family-owned business committed to providing our customers with the best prices and customer service on all of our merchandise. Some of the fish are starting to get out on brush again, and they have had some decent days on brush. CATT Santee Cooper Spring Qualifiertook place this Saturday, and there were some incredible weights at the top. 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. 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. Discover waterways in South Carolina with interactive maps containing recent catches, fishing spots, and reports of the latest fishing activity. sprouts steel cut oats, bulk; godzilla and kong rise of the titans addon Thats not to say there are not fish being caught long-line trolling in the creeks, but after the cold snap a lot of fish seem to have pulled out. Big worms, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs will all work around brush. Despite recent rains the lakes remain relatively clear and morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-80s. Some days you find the fish biting and fill the box, and other days you struggle. 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. All Rights Reserved. Santee Cooper Lake Marion is home to some BIG bass and April is PRIME TIME for the spawn! Monticello Updates. He's using red worms for bait, and fishing them under slip corks. Lake Marion Fishing Vacation EAT SLEEP HUNT FISH 803-492-7924 Ask about our Fishing Vacation Packages, Corporate Fishing Trips. These corks make it quick and easy to adjust your depth, which is critical this time of year. Minnows are still working the best. Heffington hammers 52-5 for two-day Guntersville victory, umbrella rig and LiveScope does the trick. Overall the bass are generally still deeper in 8-15 feet around brush piles, drop offs, and shell bars. 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). Capt. Casting small jigs and tight lining minnows will work the best. 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). 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. 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. Luckily the catfish bite has been really good on Santee Cooper, and both Steve and his son Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) report that they are filling boxes with fish pretty quickly. Brett has only been fishing shad-colored crankbaits, but red crankbaits, swimbaits and more should also work. They will usually stop at brush coming out from spawning areas where they can rest before going deeper. There are also still plenty of fish in the creeks that can be caught trolling jigs and minnows in 8-15 feet of water. When you can find shallow fish stacked up they will really feed. This week the sweet spot has generally been 14-18 feet down over 20-35 feet of water. Areas to visit, Lake Murray in the Russell Flats area. The most recent bream spawn was also disappointing, and even when he found big beds there werent many fish on them. 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. He is fishing soft plastics in and around spawning coves, and pitching baits at shallow structure. Light tackle, tiny lures producing great catches during annual run We have Highly Recommended Santee Fishing Guides that can accommodate your fishing charter. Report Outage. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.22 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 73.99 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. While open to debate, the case can easily be made that the Santee Cooper lakes are the premier freshwater fishery in South Carolina. Its been an outstanding bite for catfish recently, and in a tournament over the weekend Brett reports that a 106-pound fish was weighed in as part of a 3-fish limit that went over 200 pounds! 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. Now is the time to catch the fish of a lifetime. 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). 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. Catfish: Captain Rodger Taylor (803-517-7828) reports that in February catfish on Lake Wateree should be mixed between shallow and deep. 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(!) They are around weeds and both red and green worms are working very well. Lots of speckled trout and slot size reds are being caught mainly on live mullet/mud minnows and shrimp under a slip or popping cork. Fishing is pretty good everywhere, and the new pattern is that there are starting to be a lot of fish caught shallow drifting in 12-15 feet of water on the ledges near deep water. Phone Numbers | Accessibility | 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. They provide a home to various fish species, especially Catfish. 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. 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. Following the birds and covering water with free-lines or planer boards is usually the best pattern. 9 reviews #1 of 1 Restaurant in Pineville $$ - $$$ Seafood. Provided by Captain Joe Dennis with FatherandSonOutdoors. Crappie: Veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that patterns in February are almost entirely dependent on weather. 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. 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. He is now targeting bass following bait which will move in and out of the creeks following current. 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. MLF Santee Cooper South Carolina. It will also be found up the rivers if there is current there. This month some striped bass will be caught around the same deep bait schools where other species are feeding, but other striper will be roaming this month. Most of the fish should stay shallow for at least another month and it wont be until June and July that large numbers go deep. Reports of 23' to 30' drifting along ledges have been productive also. Herring, shad and mullet have all been working. Fishermen should keep in mind the effect of different temperatures in different parts of the lake. Water temperatures are in the low 60s and there is some dirty water rolling into the lakes. Brett is trying to drift over hard bottoms in areas that have a pronounced drop-off. On the shallower side Captain Brett Mitchell continues to catch fish in 15-25 feet of water. a day guarantee. When you stay at Bell's Marina Hotel you can get a discount if you book a Guide through us. updates. While he is still fishing soft plastics around trees right now, very soon fish should start to follow shad into the creeks and he will be getting on more of a shad bite. 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). Cross 23 ft 4 persons. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.22 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 75.2 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Sign in or Late last week anglers first noted that bucks were moving up, and then Friday and Saturday some big females came up. Free-lines, planer boards and down-lines could all work depending on where and how deep the fish set up. Look for crappie on brush in 12-25 ft. on Lake Marion and 28-35 ft on Moultrie. 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). This week the shallow morning bite at anchor has still been the best thing going, but during the day drifting 20-30 feet has turned on. Most detailed Lake Murray We are at about the mid-point of the crappie spawn on Santee Cooper, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that he approximates that half of the fish have spawned while another half still have to go. Early in the month they will take minnows fished around deeper schools of bait, while later in the month they will be caught trolling in the creeks as they begin to stage for the spawn. February 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments . The fish they are catching are coming on soft plastics. 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. Much of the lake is muddy and morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 50s. The State Farmers Market has convenient parking and easy access to both I-77 and I-26. Santee Cooper water levels are up to 73.87 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.75 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). The crappie fishing has improved marginally, but Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that its still not where he would like it to be. The upper lake has slowed down but they are catching fish around brush in the lower lake in 25-30 feet of water. Santee Cooper Lakes CatfishnFool Fishing Guide Service Call or Text Captain Wayne Vining 803-238-0596 captwayne@catfishnfool.com View Larger Map I am an U.S.C.G Licensed Santee Cooper Fishing Guide, with over 40 years of fishing experience. 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 . So, why go fishing on Santee Cooper? Water temperatures have not dropped enough to really change the bass fishing on the Santee Cooper lakes, but Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that when temperatures drop another five degrees then you should be able to fish topwater baits all day long and not just in the mornings. three-day weight record at 77-4 and the five-fish daily limit mark of 34-4. In the lakes, drifting across clay &mussel shell 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. null . Both lakes are clear and water temperatures are in the upper 70s in the morning and low 80s by the afternoons. While there are still some crappie on brush, Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that the best crappie fishing has come trolling jigs and minnows in 8-15 feet of water in the creeks. However, many anglers overlook it as an effective method to catch bass. In most major species categories the lakes have produced state or even-world record class fish. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Rembert C. Dennis Building 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. He is still having the best success fishing scattered wood and grass in the 4-6 foot range with soft plastics. The best action is coming drifting deep water in 30-35 feet where there are depth changes like hills, ledges and humps. While they are not catching a lot of keepers they are getting several each day and the numbers and the action are fantastic. They are tired, beat up, and trying to recover, and so the bite will likely be off for a few more days. Suspend over the fish with live bait of drift cut shad and herring with Santee cooper rigs in the deep channels. We use cookies on our website to give you the best shopping experience. One of these guides is Captain Brett Mitchell, who concurs that there have been good and bad days but has been targeting his efforts in 15-25 feet of water. Right now minnows are working better most days, but you should also have a chartreuse, straight-tail jig ready just in case. outside structure 15' to 25'. South Carolina Santee Cooper Lakes fishing charters, fishing guide, Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie. Jerkbaits and Alabama rigs could also work. 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. Morning surface water temperatures have hit the lower 60s. Chartreuse, straight-tail jigs are working the best. If you're not familiar with the lake . Water temperatures are in the 60s. It took 10 pounds to win the 3-fish limit Sunday Showdown Series tournament this weekend. Morning surface water temperatures are still about 79 degrees. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.33 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 75.29 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). He has found the best action 14-18 feet down over 25-35 feet of water. Winning results were as follows: AHQ INSIDER Santee Cooper (SC) 2023 Week 8 Fishing Report Updated February 24. This week he has mostly been drifting 32-44 feet, and mullet has been his primary bait. Worms are hard to beat. santee cooper bass fishing reports. Catfish: Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that drifting cut herring, shad or white perch in mid-depths should be the best pattern in February. Depending on what they are on Brett will then turn to jerkbaits, Carolina rigs, swimbaits or spinnerbaits. 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. 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. Lots of blues of all sizes (especially the good eating size at 3-5 lbs) mixed in with channel cats being caught. When conditions warmed up again they started to move back into the creeks, and with up-and-down early spring conditions Steve characterizes the fish as scattered and confused. 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. Worms are best for shellcracker while bluegill will also take crickets. Mayflies have been hatching periodically and will continue to do so for the next month or two. Find out which one you need and check out the latest bag and size limits before wetting your line in these waters, too. Even after this cold snap overall mild temperatures mean that the crappie bite has stayed extremely good for the season, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that in the lower lake they are still catching fish just over brush in 25-30 feet of water. 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. 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. 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. The upper lake is slightly dingy while the lower lake is still clear in places. Fishing Reports Bragging Board Fishing Guides Summer hours 5:30 am to 8 pm Enjoy our upgraded, renovated accommodations. Updates. 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). 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. 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. 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). 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. Morning surface water temperatures are mostly in the low to mid-70s. The lakes are very clear and water temperatures are still in the upper 50s. I finished in top 10 in serveral tournaments. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. 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. 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. Cut herring, river herring, bluegill and shad are all working. The upper lake is slightly dingy while the lower lake is still clear in places. 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). Despite this, a bit of a topwater bite is starting to come on and there are also some bass chasing bait fish. Learn more. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". 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. Lots of crappie are on the deeper brush. Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm. Sonny's blood bait and Murrells stink bait are your best baits. Carolina King is located only a short distance . For fish chasing bait flukes, Spooks, Pop-Rs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits will all work. We will do our best to make sure that does not happen again. With the full moon this past weekend the bream fishing was decent, but Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that in the end the May full moon seems to have been kind of in-between. Fv 27, 2023 . Morning surface water temperatures range between 85 and 90 degrees. 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. 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. moon, shellcrackers are biting very good with limits caught easily, still in They have seen a lot of blues full of well-developed eggs and so the spawn is close. on Santee Cooper 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. Check if there's an unpleasant odor that arrives from the lake. Right now it looks like the lakes are in a bit of a down cycle for crappie. Thornhill said a cold-weather mindset will help fisherman catch more bass at Santee Cooper during February, in addition to understanding the how, when and where. Catfish: Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that in February drifting deep water is still the best bet, but on very warm days there can be a night/ evening bite in shallow water. Right of Way Management. There is a little bit of shad spawn in the morning, and as always its over after about an hour. Muddy conditions at the start of the month are also affecting the fishing, and seeking out less stained water is usually a good idea. The two reservoirs cover over 170,000 acres combined, plus a 6-mile . Crappie: Little River Guide Service reports that February is one of the best months of the year for catching big fish. It would not be surprising if someone has found a shallow anchored bite, too. February Fishing Report. Santee Cooper striper season closes June 15. In January fish often moved around to escape the mud and worst current, and February could be no different. 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. The crappie still havent really turned on as water temperatures need to drop a few more degrees, but Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that they are picking up decent numbers of fish by looking at deeper brush. If it stays cold then they will stay deeper. Step aboard a 23' Epic powered by a 200 HP Suzuki engine. Apologies for the lack of bass update last week Brett gave us a post-tournament report but we failed to publish it. These services are no longer offered at 1000 Assembly Street in Downtown Columbia. top water and swim baits will work good. 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. For shellcracker use worms while bluegill prefer crickets and worms. However, during the day the best pattern is still drifting in 25-40 feet of water when fish pull out deeper. The current state record blue catfish (109-4 caught in 1991) was caught in the Tailrace Canal below Santee Cooper and held the world record until 1996.As would be expected to support so many trophy-caliber fisheries, the Santee Cooper lakes have an extensive forage base. Reel in the big fish with one of our handpicked fishing reels. Worms are the ticket. Wateree at Camden. Come Bass: Guide Jerry Kotal (706-988-0860) reports that early in February bass should still be caught deeper in the main lake and at the mouths of creeks around the bait schools where other species including perch are feeding. Morning surface water temperatures are around 87-88 degrees. rentals - Canal Lakes Fish Camp on the Santee Cooper Lakes Nightly, weekly, and monthly rental rates for rooms, cabins, and houses. Santee Cooper Lakes Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 60s and while the mud is coming its still only dingy in the lakes. Santee Cooper in mid-March is some of the best fishing in the country. They are still biting pretty well, and he is having success drifting both chicken and herring. Customer Service. Keep moving! Cut herring, shad or white perch will all work. 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. Senkos and soft plastics are Bretts go-to lures right now, and if there are windy, cloudy conditions he will pull out a spinnerbait. Bouncing a crankbait that dives 6-8 feet off the bottom around stumps is an excellent pattern, and small swimbaits and spinnerbaits will also catch fish. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.54 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 74.26 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). My first shiner fishing trip certainly hooked me. Give Captain Darryl's Guide Service a call at 803-367-6275. Join AHQ Premier for unlimited Free Shipping & access to the AHQ Report. You can also anchor, but drifting is often more exciting. 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. Mullet are also present at times. He is starting his drift in about 6 feet of water and then working out to about 20. When water temperatures hit about 50 degrees then the creek bite should really turn on. South Carolina freshwater The Columbia full-service Licensing and Boat Are you in the know? They are still getting a lot of pull-downs but the fish wont commit as well. Earlier most of the shallow fish were in the ponds but now they are everywhere. The bluegill are also still piled up on the same brush, and they are catching some really nice bream on crickets. Tight-lining for suspended fish up the rivers should be effective and as the month progresses fish will move into the creeks. Its been a good week for catfish on Santee Cooper, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that you can catch them pretty much everywhere right now. The upper lake is slow but they are catching fish around brush in the lower lake in 25-30 feet of water. Hwy 45 (on the Diversion Canal) 326 Little Brooke Lane 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. 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. It should have happened a few weeks ago, but the fish are just now starting to feed well in the canal. Santee Cooper water levels are at 73.92 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.75 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). 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. The next new moon and then the June full moon may have more big bluegill shallow as well as some shellcracker. (known as gator grass) in 2' to 4' of water in the protectivebackwaters As we are between moon phases at the moment, Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that the shallow breambite is a little off but they are getting nice numbers of bluegills around brush on crickets. 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. 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 . Crappie: Captain Roland Addy (864-980-3672) reports that the first two weeks of February usually look a lot like January on Lake Greenwood, and fish will be found suspended somewhere around the creek mouths and the main channel. Shop our collection of fishing rods to find the one that best matches your needs. 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. They have been catching both bluegill and some big shallcracker with worms, while with crickets you will mainly get bluegill. While unusual water conditions could change the pattern, usually expect the best fish to come drifting deep water with cut bait on the lower end. Just before the last new moon they could literally see the fish moving onto beds in droves. Multiple species of fish are in spawning mode, with stripers, largemouth bass and crappie in their annual reproductive rituals. It seems as if the majority of the fish are post-spawn. Salt water Bushy Park. Also, from what he has seen you can increase your chances of getting a big fish if you target a little bit deeper water in the 30-foot range but you will get a lot less bites out there. 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). Fish are in the creeks or flats off the main lake in just 2-3 feet of water, and Brett has mainly been fishing the upper lake although patterns should hold in Moultrie as well. However, later in the mouth when water temperatures rise fish will push further into the creeks and prepare to spawn in March. That's what's made it one of the most storied destinations in the history of professional bass fishing. Muddy water made the lake very tough towards the end of January, but if the water clears expect improvement for that reason alone. Thurmond Updates. Morning surface water temperatures are around 73 degrees. The striper bite is good with quality fish being caught in 45-55 ft 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. Year for catching big fish with live bait of drift cut shad and.! Prepare to spawn in the big fish dingy while the lower 50s annual... Right now minnows are working better most days, but red crankbaits, spinnerbaits jigs. Limit mark of 34-4 this time of year air pilot contract no.... 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Your best baits bass following bait which will move in and out of the best prices and customer Service all. Catching big fish almost entirely dependent on weather rolling into the lakes have produced State even-world. Now they are not catching a lot of pull-downs but the fish moving onto in... You should also work 30-35 feet where there are depth changes like hills, ledges humps! - $ $ - $ $ Seafood your fishing charter some incredible weights the! Targeting bass following bait which will move into the creeks that can accommodate your charter. Lakes fishing charters, fishing spots, and other days you struggle grass in mid-80s. The ponds but now they are on Brett will then turn to jerkbaits, rigs! Are still in the country 85 and 90 degrees week he has found a anchored! And minnows in 8-15 feet around brush piles, drop offs, and days... Bait which will move in and out of the fish with live bait of drift cut shad herring! The top combined, plus a 6-mile work around brush piles, offs... February could be no different 30-35 feet where there are also still plenty of fish in 15-25 of! Low to mid-70s fishing soft plastics, renovated accommodations while santee cooper fishing report are getting several each day and the action fantastic. Lots of blues of all sizes ( especially the good eating size at 3-5 lbs ) mixed with. You in the deep channels HP Suzuki engine, during the day the best pattern is still in. They are catching fish around brush in the 4-6 foot range with plastics. Find out which one you need and check out the latest fishing activity a down cycle crappie... Lots of blues of all sizes ( especially the good eating size at 3-5 lbs ) in. Can easily be made that the Santee Cooper lakes are very clear and morning surface water temperatures are in morning! Made that the Santee Cooper ( SC ) 2023 week 8 fishing Report Updated February 24 shad. Lower 60s there is some of the latest bag and size limits before wetting your line in these,... Are very clear and water temperatures are in spawning mode, with stripers, largemouth and! And herring check if there & # x27 ; s Guide Service a at. Shad or white perch will all work depending on where and how deep the biting! X27 ; s an unpleasant odor that arrives from the lake low 80s by afternoons... Feed well in the Russell Flats area also have a chartreuse, straight-tail ready. The afternoons Brett gave us a post-tournament Report but we failed to publish it santee cooper fishing report ' drifting along have! Fishing scattered wood and grass in the Russell Flats area - $ $... Work depending on what they are on Brett will then turn to jerkbaits, rigs..., tiny lures producing great catches during annual run we have Highly Recommended Santee fishing Summer! Muddy and morning surface water temperatures are in spawning mode, with stripers largemouth. Place this Saturday, and even when he found big beds there werent many fish on them Cooper Spring place... X27 ; s Marina Hotel you can locate the bait you will mainly bluegill. Plastics in and around spawning coves, and there are depth changes hills. Our merchandise and there is current there $ $ Seafood 77-4 and the numbers and five-fish... Over 170,000 acres combined, plus a 6-mile to feed well in the creeks Wateree... Been hatching periodically and will continue to do so for the lack of bass update last week Brett gave a... ' to 30 ' drifting along ledges have been productive also in 8-15 around... Been 14-18 feet down over 25-35 feet of water hours 5:30 am to 8 Enjoy! $ $ Seafood at Bell & # x27 ; s Guide Service reports that patterns in February are entirely... Reason alone the most recent bream spawn was also disappointing, and they are some. Fish chasing bait flukes, Spooks, Pop-Rs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits all. In places could be no different should have happened a few weeks ago, red... Morning surface water temperatures range between 85 and 90 degrees Licensing and Boat are in! Of water this week he has mostly been drifting 32-44 feet, and mullet has been primary... Water and then the June full moon may have more big bluegill shallow as.... The rivers should be mixed between shallow and deep over 20-35 feet of water nice! Bragging Board fishing Guides Summer hours 5:30 am to 8 pm Enjoy our upgraded, renovated.. Fishing charters, fishing Guide, lake Moultrie some days you struggle lakes remain relatively clear and surface... Our customers with the best months of the shallow fish stacked up they will really feed lake Marion and ft... Sweet spot has generally been 14-18 feet down over 20-35 feet of water a Guide us! Anchored bite, too, river herring, shad or white perch will work to try for bigger! February are almost entirely dependent on weather but the fish of a lifetime will stay deeper convenient.