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. 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. We're having some really good trips lately. raysedgwick8@yahoo.com. The bass patterns are mostly unchanged on Santee, but Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that one thing which can create some variation during a generally stable, hot period is a mayfly hatch. 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. 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. Earlier most of the shallow fish were in the ponds but now they are everywhere. There is also still a good anchored bite early and then a good deeper drift in 25-40 feet of water. 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. When the fish arent on top they can be caught down-lining for suspended for fish or looking for striper that are stacked up on the bottom. wigglers and crickets are the best baits. Cut herring, shad or white perch will all work. We have all your baits, live or artificial for your needs, food in Mac Daddy'srestaurant,Liscense, Brush piles, fallen trees, standing timber, and In the next week or two there should also start to be a topwater bite, but that really doesnt usually kick off until water temperatures hit a magic range of about 75 degrees. 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 . They will also feed more willingly. 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). . Closed now : See all hours. These differ for residents and non-residents, with discounts for military personnel, too. Fishing Resources. Hults takes Strike King co-angler victory on Guntersville. Cut herring, river herring, bluegill and shad are all working. Santee & Cooper River Fishing Page In the wet, windy conditions there have not been a lot of people out chasing crappie but the shallow bite has been surprisingly tough. Water temperatures are in the low 60s and there is some dirty water rolling into the lakes. 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. Its also a period when anglers pursuing other species will catch trout. Jim at 912-210-2877 to book your catfishing adventure. White perch has been completely unproductive. Inky has been promoting "Santee Cooper Country" and its bass fishing for many years. During warm periods the fish will be in just 2-3 feet of water and sometimes less near the banks around wood off the main lake or in creeks, but when the water gets colder the fish will back off into deeper water in pockets in 4-6 feet of water. 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. 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. Shop by brand or reel type. Sign in or Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.05 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 73.76 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5) and the lakes are dingy. Fish are about to start moving shallow. The State Farmers Market has convenient parking and easy access to both I-77 and I-26. However, many anglers overlook it as an effective method to catch bass. Brett has only been fishing shad-colored crankbaits, but red crankbaits, swimbaits and more should also work. On the last trip they managed a couple of 40-pound fish, a 30-, and so on. There are also still plenty of fish in the creeks that can be caught trolling jigs and minnows in 8-15 feet of water. South Carolina Santee Cooper Lakes fishing charters, fishing guide, Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie. Jerkbaits and Alabama rigs could also work. They will be caught on jigging spoons, drop shots and jigs. 326 Little Brooke Lane Swimbaits can also work. Catfish: Captain Chris Simpson (864-992-2352) reports that February should be a very good month for catfish on Lake Thurmond. shallow waters around grass beds of bullrushes being the best. Learn more. Anglers can begin targeting striped bass in the Santee Cooper lakes system beginning Oct. 1 and continuing through June 15. 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. 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. 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. 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. Obviously bait is up there first thing because we are nowhere close to the other reason catfish come shallow to spawn. 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. Santee Cooper (Lake Marion & Lake Moultrie) Fishing Report. They are still getting a lot of pull-downs but the fish wont commit as well. The key to locating bass is finding bait, and when located they will take Alabama rigs, jerkbaits, small jigging spoons and more. Proving that there are catfish everywhere in Santee, Captain Brett Mitchell reports that his boat has been wearing the fish out drifting in 12-14 feet of water. The upper lake is slightly dingy while the lower lake is still clear in places. Much of the lake is muddy and morning surface water temperatures are in the lower 50s. 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). 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. The action for both species has been very good, and they have caught some monster crappie and found really large concentrations of bluegill. Here you'll find several different species of fish, including largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, bream and crappie. The lower lake is still clear even as the upper lake is getting dirty, and morning surface water temperatures are about 47 degrees. In contrast, to catch a bigger fish concentrate on shallower water. Nothing is good but brush in about 14-20 feet has been the most productive, and generally the fish are 8-10 feet down. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.27 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.20 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5) and the lakes are clear. Lots of fish 15 to 30lbs. The next new moon and then the June full moon may have more big bluegill shallow as well as some shellcracker. Fish the Santee Cooper Lakes! Lots of schooling activity on the Cooper River in the mouths of the old Richfield cuts. Fishing Resources Get the latest fishing reports, hire fishing guides and more to help you make the most of your fishing trip in South Carolina. They chiefly used cut gizzard shad and white perch baits on medium-heavy "Mad Cat" fishing rods. Fishermen should keep in mind the effect of different temperatures in different parts of the lake. The best bite will be in the middle of the day when the water is warmest. But the world-class shellcracker fishing produces an overflow of anglers to the shallow sectors of both lakes. Look for crappie on brush in 12-25 ft. on Lake Marion and 28-35 ft on Moultrie. 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. Some schooling activity being reported on the lakes early morning and later int he evening. 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. While open to debate, the case can easily be made that the Santee Cooper lakes are the premier freshwater fishery in South Carolina. If you're not familiar with the lake . Most detailed Lake As it warms in February fish will start to move into pre-spawn locations adjacent to where they will eventually spawn, and a few fish may even go on beds by the end of the month. 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. Are you in the know? 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. 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. 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. 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). This year Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that the Elite Series pros hit Santee right, and he doesnt expect to see many dry live wells. One tree along the edge of the old river channel was absolutely loaded with bluegill and they eventually left them biting. The best bite will be in the middle of the day when the water is warmest. Mullet are also present at times. It shouldnt be long until fish start to move into the creeks following shad and become catchable on topwater lures, swimbaits and square-billed crankbaits. santee cooper bass fishing reports. The big bream and crappie are still on the deeper brush in 28-35 ft in huge numbers. 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 water levels are at 73.71 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 72.64 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). These fish are extremely difficult to target with conventional bass fishing techniques. 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 fish are tearing up river herring right now. The AHQ Report is your source for exclusive fishing reports, tournament updates, and more! We will do our best to make sure that does not happen again. 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. 3 talking about this. There should also be fish feeding shallower that can be caught on a crankbait. 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! 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. While you can still catch a lot of small eating-sized fish drifting in 15-30 feet of water, Captain Stevie English is most excited that the canal bite is finally turning on. The Santee Cooper Lakes are filled with a wide variety of fish for all levels of sportsman. While a lot of the shellcracker have already spawned there should be more, and the bluegill should really start to get down to business on this moon phase. 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). The fish they have caught have been 8-12 feet down over brush in 15-20 feet of water. The area doesnt seem to make a whole lot of difference with smaller fish very spread out, and he is just going. Check if there's an unpleasant odor that arrives from the lake. 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). MLF Santee Cooper South Carolina. fish. West Columbia, SC 29172. The crappie fishing has slowed a little more, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that the fish are still pretty tough to locate. Look for bait and fish then set your baits right above your marks. Numerous species are spawning at Santee this month. At approximately 2789 feet 850 meters above sea level and pierced with sundry. Just before the last new moon they could literally see the fish moving onto beds in droves. The fish they are catching are coming on soft plastics. They have seen a lot of blues full of well-developed eggs and so the spawn is close. With over 20 years guiding experience fishing the Santee Cooper Lakes, we offer a 100 lb. Fish Consumption Advisories, SCDNR at the State 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. CATT Santee Cooper Spring Qualifiertook place this Saturday, and there were some incredible weights at the top. Santee Cooper water levels are at 74.51 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and about 74.53 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Provided by Captain Joe Dennis with FatherandSonOutdoors. The upper lake is slow but they are catching fish around brush in the lower lake in 25-30 feet of water. 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. For employment verification, contact Santee Cooper Human Resources via fax at 843-761-4191 or call 843-761-8000 ext. Right now minnows are working better most days, but you should also have a chartreuse, straight-tail jig ready just in case. The fish are already starting to spawn in shallow water around grass but numbers are about to go way up. The new moon was a week ago and the full moon is not until next week. It would not be surprising if someone has found a shallow anchored bite, too. However, out of 14 boats there were only two limits. 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). 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. 139 Canal Landing Road, Cross, SC 29436 Overall the catfish are just eating really well right now, although they are displaying a strong preference for herring. Click here for 30 day free trial! Live Chat. Crappie: Captain Brad Taylor reports that in February fish should feed better as the spawn will be rapidly approaching. Overall he is finding the best action drifting in 15-25 feet of water during the day, and anchoring in shallower water at night. The lakes have finally started to get dirty and morning surface water temperatures are about 43-45 degrees. gas, RVsitesand lodging if you decide to stay overnight. Already have an account? Fv 27, 2023 . A general pattern can be to anchor in deep water early and then try the shallows later in the day when the water warms. Striped bass: Captain Brad Taylor (803-331-1354) reports that water conditions will determine where the action is in February on Lake Murray. Pretty much everything has come on soft plastics this week. Fishing Guides "In four feet of water, they can be feeding just 18 inches deep. top water and swim baits will work good. The fish are staging in a later winter pattern, and many of them are related to brush. 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Edge of the lake being caught mainly on live mullet/mud minnows and shrimp under a slip or popping cork 1... Are related to brush this week herring right now and fish then set your baits right above marks! To the shallow sectors of both lakes are still on the santee cooper fishing report moon!, river herring right now minnows are working better most days, but red crankbaits, swimbaits more! Spawn will be in the middle of the day when the water is warmest lower.... South Carolina not familiar with the lake a crankbait working better most days but! Lakes fishing charters, fishing guide, lake Marion & lake Moultrie on. Everything has come on soft plastics winter pattern, and there were some incredible weights the.

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