Fish the edges of the creeks. I probably caught 90 percent of the bass I weighed in during the week flipping soft plastics and 10 percent on the Compact spinner bait. 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. Tight lines. They have been catching both bluegill and some big shallcracker with worms, while with crickets you will mainly get bluegill. Catfish: Guide Jerry Kotal reports that January is not a month when very many people will be targeting catfish, but if you concentrate on deep water you can pick up channel catfish around bait schools. Yellowtail, bass, giant barracuda and bonitaare all biting well making for a action filled day on the water and fat bags of fillets for the BBQ. We will be fishing the Coronado Islands. This is one of the best months of the year to catch big fish. That's why catfishing here is often ranked among the best in the country . Are you in the know? This is a mega Catfish Stock Event at Santee Lakes. The 94 Bassmaster Elite Series anglers returned to post-Classic competition just two weeks after the Champion was crowned, but they didnt make it far down the road. You can explore a number of guides in the area on FishingBooker. Trout: Guide Sam Jones (864-280-9056) reports that by late December the trout fishing was outstanding, and January should be more of the same. Within the boundaries of the Santee River system (including lakes Marion and Moultrie), from October 1st through June 15th, it is "unlawful to take or possess a striped bass less than twenty-three inches or greater than twenty-five inches, provided that one striped bass taken or possessed may be greater than twenty-six inches. If youre a keen boater, then theres nothing stopping you from renting a boat or bringing your own vessel. Marshall Robinson - 34 - 4 (10) The big riser of the day, Marshall Robinson waylaid 19-3 to rocket up the leaderboard after catching just 15-1 on Day 1. 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. West Columbia, SC 29172. Anglers are catching them all over the lake Keep in mind that bigger fish usually congregate in the deep waters, close to the lakes middle, so while you might not catch a trophy, you could still have a good time. We think its about time someone broke the record! The fish only wanted soft plastics worked slowly and they were just out from the areas where they had been spawning. Bass: Guide Brad Fowler reports that in January the best bet is to target deep water with drop shot rigs, underspins, jigging spoons or football jigs. Im glad to hear you always have success on the lakes, and wish you even more this fishing season! I live this lake and am planning even now a trip to celebrate my turning 60. 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. Do you have suggestions or recommendations for where to go to catch bass, shellcracker/bream, crappie, or even catfish during the spawn? With plenty of holiday hotspots offering the chance for you to go fishing, its vital that you know all the details before embarking on your trip. Bass Species Present: While Santee Cooper is world-renowned for its monstrous striped bass and channel catfish populations, only largemouth bass were eligible to be weighed in during the Elite Series events. He is a friend of mine and wins virtually every tournament he fishes there. Youre right Hurricane Hugo had a devastating effect on the area, and I think power was out for quite a while! 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. The shallow bite has been better in the evenings, and that should stay true through the weekend. recreational fishing regulations, Report document.getElementById( "ak_js_38" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_39" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 FishingBooker.com. Brett Mitchell agrees that the deep bite is good during the day, but he also notes that first thing in the morning there have been good reports of fish caught shallow. 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. Shop by brand or reel type. After our 3 hour drift everyone onboard had either landed or fought and released a fish of a lifetime. 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! Today we went out with 6 passengers who ignored yesterdays fish count and understand that fishing is more about spending time in nature than harvesting meat. The son of Bass Pro Tour pro Marty Robinson, it looks like the younger Robinson has a good dose of his dad's fishing talent. As water temperatures approach and then reach the magic mark of 60 degrees, bass have their minds on one thing spawning. Crappie: Captain Brad Taylor reports that in January tight-lining for suspended fish up the rivers should be effective. I was told the ramp at John C Land is closed is that correct? Lakes Fish Camp The lakes are getting muddy and morning surface water temperatures are around the low to mid-60s. We use cookies on our website to give you the best shopping experience. Tolling. 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. In bream news, Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that there are still some outstanding catches of shellcracker around grass in less than 6 feet of water. Ill update these right away. 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. Have you ever gone fishing on Santee Cooper? 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. Some of the fish are starting to get out on brush again, and they have had some decent days on brush. 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. 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. Look in sandy areas where the fish can fan a bed and fish with crickets or worms. Birds can often indicate the best areas to fish. Minnows for crappie and crickets for bream are out-fishing everything else. I hope this helps! information from bait shops, marinas and fishing guides. Farmer's Market, freshwater We caught a 47lb blue catfish along with several other weighing over 30. When the water cools then the brush bite for bream should pick up, and the canal should fill up with shellcracker. 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. These fish can be caught casting a jig or with a minnow under a cork. When you can find shallow fish stacked up they will really feed. Enjoy the freedom of exploring the lake at your own leisure, as you take the day at your own speed. They are marking a few fish on deep brush but they may just be bluegill. They have been catching them drifting in 8-20 feet of water in most any area, and fish are very spread out right now. Book your campsites NOW! Its been an outstanding week or two for catfish on the Santee Cooper lakes, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that they have been filling boxes with good fish in the 10 plus pound range. Catfish: Captain Bill Plumley reports that in January some blue catfish should be catchable that have moved out of the deep timber, and they should begin to be found in the creek channels. 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. Fresh Santee-Cooper Fishing Reports Top Santee-Cooper destinations Cross Tomorrow: 46 / 40 F Summerton Tomorrow: 46 / 40 F Eutawville Tomorrow: 46 / 40 F Fishing Seasons & Latest Fishing Photos January The subtropical climate of South Carolina makes Santee Cooper the place to be for some fishing action. Their depth will vary, and the best way to target them is with a double minnow rig fished vertically. Hope this helps, you can also find more information about regulations here. Camping is popular for families, with plenty opting to go hunting or for a round of golf. White perch has been completely unproductive. It might occasionally result in heartbreak, but with a little strategy and finesse, youll win more than you lose. Great time fishing. You can also anchor in 10-20 feet around likely areas such as ledges and at the mouths of the canal. How easy is it to cross over between the two lakes? Its very difficult to search the upper and lower lake of Marion with a kayak for vegetation, grass, etc where you would most likely find bedding areas. Come in spring for the Striper bite, or target Largemouth Bass in the shallows in spring. . While he is not chasing them there are also still fish on trees and brush in the shallows that will take soft plastics. This morning they caught a handful of good ones in the lower lake before they moved to bream fishing. And the Dogwood trees are in bloom, as my Daddy said, it's the sign that fish are on the beds. 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). Continue to look for the birds and bait to locate fish. Its the time of year when the bass fishing is highly dependent on the weather, and Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that before and after the cold snap over the weekend the bass bit well but on Sunday they did not. Most detailed Lake Blue Catfish are the most common catches, and they respond well to a variety of cut bait, like perch, shad, and herring, while Flathead prefer live bait. A popular spot for locals employed by the nearby Santee-Cooper electric and water company, its arguably one of the best starting points for fishing on Lake Moultrie. 326 Little Brooke Lane Hit the spots up to 4 feet deep and youll be able to make the most of the fishing here. If you happen to be in Charleston, then Pinopolis is your best bet of getting out on Santee Cooper, too. document.getElementById( "ak_js_29" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on October 28, 2020 Never left with out at least 100 pounds of cat fish. Updates. Oct 28, 2020. Reel in the big fish with one of our handpicked fishing reels. Titling office is now located at: SCDNR at the State There is also still a good anchored bite early and then a good deeper drift in 25-40 feet of water. The lakes are back to a normal color and water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 40s. While the numbers of crappie on brush has dwindled, Steve notes that there are some huge groups of bluegill stacked up on the brush. Crappie. Overall he is finding the best action drifting in 15-25 feet of water during the day, and anchoring in shallower water at night. 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. In fact, on the same trip, you can target that trophy catch and help the kids reel in their first-ever fish. A general pattern can be to anchor in deep water early and then try the shallows later in the day when the water warms. Swimbaits can also work. Youll also want to bring spinning gear with a wacky worm or a dropshot because even though the fishery is massive, these bass do get pressured, and sometimes you need to downsize. Springtime spells crappie in South Carolina's Low Country. into the May full moon. been reported catching them on Spooks and Pencil Poppers. Are you planning to fish there again? It would not be surprising if someone has found a shallow anchored bite, too. south carolina santee cooper By adbassfishing April 22, 2019 in Southeast Bass Fishing Followers Reply to this topic Start new topic 36 Posted April 22, 2019 I am planning on going to Santee this Friday for the first time in my boat. Field staff shallow waters around grass beds of bullrushes being the best. We told you that there was something for the whole family when fishing in Santee Cooper, and Crappie just proves that. Brush in about 14 feet has been the most productive, but they are also getting some fish in 15-20 feet of water. The Santee Cooper lake system includes not one, but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the states third-largest lake. While the bluegill and crappie continue to hold deep in the clear conditions on Santee, Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that the bite is still really good around offshore brush piles. Live bait and jigging spoons are both working. Senkos and soft plastics are Bretts go-to lures right now, and if there are windy, cloudy conditions he will pull out a spinnerbait. However, especially on warming trends the bite has been very good anchoring in shallow water first thing in the morning. The lakes are dingy in places but not muddy, about right for this time of year, and morning surface water temperatures are about 52-53 degrees. Just make note Ive heard inexperienced can get lost in that area so be careful. Catfish. February With the prized fish out in the deep, you'll need to hop on a boat to get out to reach them. 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. Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that he is seeing about the same thing, and on one recent trip the sweet spot was about 16-18 feet. Post-spawn fish are supposed to recover from the spawn around cypress trees in 2 to 4 feet, but right now hes not finding as many hungry fish up there as expected. We had to reschedule a couple times due to very bad weather. The fish are staging in a later winter pattern, and many of them are related to brush. Spend as long or as little as youd like on the water, and try to fill the boat with some delicious fish. 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. Even with water temperatures about to drop again on Santee, Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports bass should stay for a while in the creeks as temperatures are in the ideal range. 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). Despite a very slight temperature drop it hasnt moved enough to really activate the bass fishing, and Brettreports that he has not seen a fish so much as swirl at a topwater bait recently. Striper and hybrids: Little River Guide Service (706-210-3474) reports that during January fish may get harder to catch in cold conditions. It took 10 pounds to win the 3-fish limit Sunday Showdown Series tournament this weekend. The Big Cat Brawl with $10,000 on the line is on Santee this weekend, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that he expects a lot of catfish to be caught. Reports vary but there are some indications that the upper lake is fishing a little better than the lower lake right now. We told you that there was something for the whole family when fishing in Santee,... Fish with one of the year to catch in cold conditions fish up the rivers should be effective it occasionally! To make the most of the canal should fill up with shellcracker at your leisure. 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