November 19

Santee Cooper water levels are down to 74.76 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 74.74 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are about 59-60 degrees and the lakes are relatively clear. 

With the lakes actually heating up it’s made for some wild black bass fishing on Santee, and Captain David Murdaugh, Sr. (843-452-9566) reports that on his last trip he caught 25 bass… While he caught them other ways the bulk of the fish were schooling!  Warm weather has prolonged this bite and the fish are feeding hard. Beyond that there is still a good shallow bite with a Chatterbait or Speed UV Worm fished around hydrilla in 4-8 feet of water. While brush has not been as productive this week, he also catching some fish on soft plastics fished around deeper stumps in clean areas. 

The catfish bite has been strong for Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080), and he is finding the best action drifting around humps and other structure in 40-50 feet of water. But the real key for his boat has been up-sizing baits as fish feed up for winter.  

While the deep bite has been good, Captain Bobby believes there are also a lot of big fish in the warm shallows right now and if you want to catch a giant the best place to look may be in 10 or less feet of water. 

Meanwhile, somewhere in-between Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that his boat is finding the best catfish bite for 5-15 pound fish in about 22-25 feet of water. He has looked from 6 feet to 40 plus feet and found the best numbers in that zone. He is mostly targeting ledges and humps drifting with herring and mullet. 

While there are striped bass to be caught a lot of different ways, and he is marking a lot at the Moultrie dam in deep water, Captain Bobby has been focusing exclusively on the canal. He is anchoring at ambush spots and fishing a mix of down-rods and free-lines. The best action has been coming in about 30 feet of water near the bottom, but fish will also come up to get baits.  

Finally, Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that bite for both crappie and bream is very good, with the crappie in particular seeming to be rebounding out of a bad cycle. There are also more boats pursuing them, a sign that people are realizing there are more to be caught. 

For crappie Captain Steve’s boat is having the best success on the edge of the river channel fishing minnows around deeper brush 16-18 feet down in about 27 feet of water, while the bluegill have been stacked up 10-14 feet down on slightly shallower brush in about 20 feet.  They will take crickets or worms.  

November 6

Santee Cooper water levels remain at 75.21 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and are at 75.11 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are about 60-61 degrees and the lakes are still pretty clear although parts of the upper lake are dingy but not muddy. 

We have an update on the catfish and striped bass from Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080), who reports that bait continues to stack up in 40-50 feet of water – particularly near the Moultrie dam. Still the fish have not arrived there in massive numbers, but Captain Bobby points out that when schools of menhaden start to arrive at the dam as they try to return to the ocean it should be wide open. Pelicans and birds diving will often give this away, and when it happens then trolling plugs or fishing live bait around the bait balls will be very effective.

For now they are still catching more catfish in 30 or less feet of water with gizzard shad and other large, tougher baits.

Striper are being caught anchoring live bait in the canal, and trolling points with plugs has also been productive.  While they have not seen schooling activity this week it could still happen, and Bonneau and the Hatchery area good places to look. 

And finally we do have some more extensive black bass fishing information, from Captain Dave Murdock (843-452-9566).  He confirms that grass is holding fish right now, and as they move shallower he is having the best success with a Chatterbait or Speed UV Worm fished around hydrilla in 6 or less feet of water. There are also some bass being caught on brush in 8-12 feet of water, mostly on soft plastics. 

November 5

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.21 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.12 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures have fallen to about 60 degrees and the lakes are still pretty clear although parts of the upper lake are dingy but not muddy. 

The crappie bite is changing but it’s still better than it has been in some time, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that they are consistently getting better numbers of fish with good quality. As is the norm, they are catching more fish in the upper lake but on average bigger ones in the lower lake.  They did get 18 good fish in the lower lake the last time out – not a limit, but pretty strong. 

With temperatures having dropped about 8 degrees over ten days, fish are moving off of the shallower brush in the creeks. They are getting on deeper, main lake brush holding 14-20 feet down in 25-35 feet of water. Minnows are working. 

On the catfish front, Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that he has been surprised by the results the last couple of times on the water. Unexpectedly he has caught bigger fish drifting in shallow water (10-15 feet), but lots of little fish drifting deeper in 30-40 feet. Cut herring have been working well enough for him that he isn’t switching, but there are reports that mullet are “on fire”. 

We hope to have a more comprehensive black bass report tomorrow, but Captain Steve reports that right now he’s not seeing many bass boats but the ones that are out seem to be targeting the grass hard. The grass generally grows out to 11 or 12 feet of water, and in the morning and evening fishing with topwaters over it is effective. During the day swimbaits are a good choice. 

More to follow.

October 30

Santee Cooper water levels are up to 75.25 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.17 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures have fallen to about 64 degrees and the lakes are still pretty clear.

The catfish reports have been fair to good this week, but what is intriguing is that Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that bait is absolutely stacked up in 40-50 feet of water – particularly near the Moultrie dam. However, while there are some catfish and striped bass there the numbers of fish just are not. Instead, they are catching more catfish in 30 or less feet of water. Captain Bobby’s boat is having the best success for big fish with gizzard shad and other large, tougher baits.

That’s consistent with the report from Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138), who is actually fishing much shallower in just 10-15 feet of water.  Drifting shallow flats has been productive, and for a mix of sizes he is having good luck with herring.

For the first time this week Captain Bobby has personally seen striper schooling, and he points to Bonneau and the Hatchery area as good places to look. There are also a lot of striper being caught anchoring live bait in the canal, and trolling points with plugs has also been productive. 

In the upper lake Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that they continue to find numbers of crappie, but in the lower lake they have still been catching lower numbers but some big fish on brush in just 12-14 feet of water. Still, the most encouraging action is coming in Lake Marion on relatively shallow brush, where they are picking up so many fish 8-10 feet down in 14-16 feet of water. Brush on the edges of creek channels in the upper lake has been most productive and minnows are out-fishing jigs. 

The action for bream also continues to be good in about 25-30 feet of water. They are fishing just off the bottom with crickets and getting big bluegill. 

Again, black bass report to follow when we can get one. 

October 22

Santee Cooper water levels are down to 75.05 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around the same in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures have fallen to about 68 degrees and the lower lake is very clear. 

There’s no change with the crappie patterns on Santee this week, and Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that overall the striped bass and catfish are in the same locations.  However, schooling striper are now being caught on Lake Marion, particularly around Mill Creek Landing. These are quality fish and people are catching their limits. Eventually the menhaden should also bring more of both species to the dam, but they have not arrived yet. Captain Kyle Austin with KA Guide Services (843-209-3726) also reports that there are still catfish on the same patterns in the 20-30 foot range, but this week part-time Bonneau resident Captain Bill Plumley reports that he has also been catching some quality fish in about 10 feet of water anchoring on Lake Moultrie. This morning the bites were slower but he got two fish in the teens – and Captain Bill reminds anglers there are almost always still some good catfish shallow on Santee. 

While the crappie may not be doing anything different, Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that better breamare stacking up on brush in about 27 feet of water. They are fishing just off the bottom about 24 feet down with crickets and getting big bluegill. 

Again, black bass report to follow when we can get one. 

October 16

Santee Cooper water levels are up to 75.19 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.16 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures have fallen to about 69 degrees and the upper lake is now a bit dingy.

As temperatures drop Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that both striped bass and catfish are moving deeper, and he is marking large numbers of both species in 40-50 feet in the vicinity of the Lake Moultrie dam. Unfortunately the striped bass are not taking herring very well, and he is having better success trolling umbrella rigs for them. The catfish are biting better on drifted cut bait, and they can also be caught drifting underwater hills in 20-40 feet. There seem to be less fish in shallow water now.  

Captain Bobby still has not seen a schooling striper, which is hard to believe, but they continue to pick up some fish on herring fished on down-rods in the canal. 

In a similar vein, while Captain Kyle Austin with KA Guide Services (843-209-3726) does not have a black bass report for us this week, he has been having success targeting catfish. They are working their way towards their fall/ winter-time areas, and there are now lots of fish on 20-30 foot flats where there is scattered bait. Look for these areas near the main river channel and cover water by drifting herring and shad. 

In the upper lake they continue to find numbers of crappie, but Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that in the lower lake they have still been catching lower numbers but some big fish on brush in just 12-14 feet of water. Still, the most encouraging action is coming in Lake Marion on relatively shallow brush, where they are picking up so many fish 8-10 feet down in 14-16 feet of water. Brush on the edges of creek channels in the upper lake has been most productive and minnows are out-fishing jigs. 

October 8

Santee Cooper water levels are down to 74.77 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.70 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures have fallen to about 73 degrees and the lakes are relatively clear.

We have a full striped bass report this week from Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080), and fresh off the water Captain Bobby says he hasn’t been seeing a lot of schooling activity. They could be schooling in the late afternoon or evening when he isn’t generally fishing, or somewhere he hasn’t looked, but he isn’t seeing or hearing about a lot of bird activity.

Today they caught their bigger fish in the canal on live bait on down-rods, and they also got some there pulling free-lines. Then they moved to the dam area in Lake Moultrie and marked a lot of bait and fish in 40-50 feet and caught a few more striper. 

The catfish bite is picking up as temperatures drop, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that fish are biting a bit everywhere. His boat has mostly been drifting shallow in 10-15 feet of water on flats, but other anglers are having success in 35-40 feet on both deeper flats and structure such as hills. Basically fish are very scattered, typical of fall. Herring has been working for Captain Stevie’s boat but a variety of other baits will also catch fish. 

Consistent with that Captain Bobby has been catching catfish at a variety of depths, but his bigger fish seem to be coming in about 20-30 feet. He emphasizes that with cooler weather it’s time to start up-sizing baits and agrees that deep water is definitely not out of the question. 

In the upper lake they continue to find numbers of crappie, but Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that in the lower lake they have been catching lower numbers but some big fish on brush in just 12-14 feet of water. Still, the most encouraging action is coming in Lake Marion on relatively shallow brush, where they are picking up fish 8-10 feet down in 14-16 feet of water. Brush on the edges of creek channels in the upper lake has been most productive and minnows are out-fishing jigs. 

The black bass patterns have not changed yet, and Captain Steve reports that fish are still roaming and chasing shad. That has meant a fair amount of schooling activity where fish are pushing bait towards shallow ambush points. But when fish are not busting then the best pattern is fishing offshore grass edges along creek channels. Topwater baits like Pop-Rs and Spooks are catching fish over the grass, Chatterbaits and other bladed baits are working along the sides, and of course soft plastics are productive. Steve has seen grass growing as deep as 11 feet but suspects it is even deeper in places. 

Not many boats seem to be fishing trees right now. 

October 2

Santee Cooper water levels are down to 74.86 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.80 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are approximately 78 degrees and visibility is above average.  

Striped bass season is open again on Santee as of October 1, and even though Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) was fishing for other species yesterday he did hear some good reports jigging a spoon for deeper fish. 

On his first striper trip Captain Bobby will be looking for schooling fish, particularly around the Hatchery and in the Bonneau area. Birds are a giveaway, and he has been seeing them in those areas. When they are not on top, since it is still warm down-rods and other deep-water techniques should be effective. Fish can be around points and other structure, but they can also be in open water around bait schools. 

More information to follow as striper season gets underway.

Yesterday Captain Bobby was fishing for catfish, and he reports a fantastic bite. The fish were in 25-35 feet of water around hills and other deep structure, and they caught them drifting. Large pieces of herring were the best bait. 

The crappie fishing continues to be greatly improved, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that they are finding a bigger population of crappie this fall. This almost certainly bodes well for the future, especially when they are able to throw back 30 or more 9 – 9.5 inch fish each trip. 

Right now most of the fish are on relatively shallow brush, and they are picking up the most fish 8-10 feet down in 14-16 feet of water. Brush on the edges of creek channels in the upper lake has been most productive and minnows are out-fishing jigs. 

Finally, in black bass news Captain Steve reports that fish are still roaming and chasing shad, and that has meant a fair amount of schooling activity where fish are pushing bait towards shallow ambush points. But when fish are not busting then the best pattern is fishing offshore grass edges along creek channels. Topwater baits like Pop-Rs and Spooks are catching fish over the grass, Chatterbaits and other bladed baits are working along the sides, and of course soft plastics are productive. Steve has seen grass growing as deep as 11 feet but suspects it is even deeper in places. 

Not many boats seem to be fishing trees right now. 

Our apologies for the sporadic fishing reports in recent weeks. We will do everything we can to get back on track with weekly updates, but one of our children is getting through a significant health challenge which has occupied a great deal of our time and kept us out of work.  

September 25

Santee Cooper water levels are down to 74.84 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and around 74.75 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are approximately 79-80 degrees and visibility is above average.  

There’s some good news with the crappie on Santee, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that – while they aren’t catching a ton of big ones – they are finding a really improved population of crappie this fall. This almost certainly bodes well for the future, especially when they are able to throw back 30 or more 9 – 9.5 inch fish each trip. 

Right now most of the fish are on relatively shallow brush, and they are picking up the most fish 8-10 feet down in 14-16 feet of water. Brush on the edges of creek channels in the upper lake has been most productive and minnows are out-fishing jigs. 

The consensus is that the catfish action has been a little slower recently, but Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that even though a strong fall bite hasn’t really picked up yet they are still managing a decent number of fish and most of them have been good-sized. As fall approaches fish seem to be shifting deeper, and most days they are drifting flats in 20-30 feet but then moving to deeper structure like hills if that is not producing. Herring continues to be the best bait. 

Next week we hope to have some reports on striped bass after the season opens, but for now Captain Steve reports that black bass are on a couple of patterns. Some fish are roaming and chasing shad, and that has meant a fair amount of schooling activity where fish are pushing bait towards shallow ambush points. But when fish are not busting then the best pattern is fishing offshore grass edges along creek channels. Topwater baits like Pop-Rs and Spooks are catching fish over the grass, Chatterbaits and other bladed baits are working along the sides, and of course soft plastics are productive. Steve has seen grass growing as deep as 11 feet but suspects it is even deeper in places. 

Not many boats seem to be fishing trees right now. 

September 11

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.09 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and bouncing around 75.05 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures have dropped into the upper 70s and visibility is above average.     

With striper season closed and a paucity of bass or crappie activity, we don’t have much to report on besides catfish this week on Santee. Luckily Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that the action in shallow water is still pretty good, although he does think the fish are feeding better at night than during the day. He is not seeing anything deep and thinks most of the fish are in 25 feet of water or less. Drifting around mussel beds has been his best pattern, but instead of using very small baits he is back fishing with full size baits again. Herring are his go-to but chicken and shrimp will also work.  

More to follow (hopefully).  

August 28

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.66 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.37 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures have dropped into the low 80s. 

It may almost be Labor Day, but Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that back on the water after a trip to Michigan he was interested to see that there are still bream beds covered with bedding fish on the lake. The beds he has found have been in about 8 feet of water, and while it can’t go on forever they show no signs of calling it a season. They will eat worms. 

The bream beds are also a good place to look for black bass, although Captain Steve still reports that the greatest numbers of bass are still grouped up around hydrilla. In low-light conditions you can fish over the top of it with a frog or buzzbait, and during the day soft plastics are effective. However, for power fishermen you can still fish a spinnerbait, crankbait, or Rattle Trap in the grass. 

Offshore brush piles also hold some fish but the grass is still the best habitat going – even though we are entering a period where more fish will just be roaming following bait schools.   

There’s no change with the catfish this week on Santee, and Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore(843-751-3080) reports that the best action can be found in less than 25 feet of water. One pattern is to drift hills in 15-25 feet, and there are also fish in 10 or less feet that are almost certain to be feeding (or else they would probably not be there). Smaller pieces of bait continue to work the best, be they herring, chicken, or shrimp, with fish still feeding so heavily on mussels.   

Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that there are still some fish in 30-40 feet of water, but overall he is also still finding the best action drifting in 8-10 feet.  

As for the crappie, veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports the best pattern is still working up the main river channels in about 10-30 feet of water and looking for structure with fish on it.  Most cover won’t hold crappie, but some does, and when you find them they are close to the bottom.  Minnows and jigs will both work.

August 21

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.99 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 74.83 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are back up to the mid-80s and the lakes remain surprisingly clear with a ton of water being pulled through. 

Since we’ve been talking about catfish first on Santee for some time we will continue that trend, even though Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that the fishing has dropped off a bit. He still caught 15 fish his last time out but they had to fish a lot longer and work harder to get them, and it seemed pretty clear that the fish didn’t like a return to summer temperatures after getting a taste of fall weather. He was mostly drifting hills in 15-25 feet, but ended up heading shallow to around 10 feet to pick up a few more fish. One of the advantages of looking for shallow fish is that they are pretty much only there at this time of year because they want to feed, and so a higher percentage is likely to be hungry. 

Overall, smaller pieces of bait continue to work the best, be they herring, chicken, or shrimp, with fish still feeding so heavily on mussels.   

Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) concurs that the bite is mixed between deep and shallow, but he has also found his best fish in shallow water recently. While monsters were not chomping he did manage several in the 18-25 pound range drifting 8-10 feet. 

But there’s finally some good news on the crappie, and veteran tournament angler Will Hinson of Cassatt reports that he certainly can’t say that it’s easy to find crappie on Santee but basically fishing the same patterns he has been using on Wateree he has been able to catch fish. Working his way up the main river channels in about 10-30 feet of water and looking for structure with fish on it it’s clear that there aren’t a ton of crappie in the lakes, but he was able to find four or five good groups. Most impressively there are also some big ones, and he managed two 2.60 pound fish (pictured below) as well as several others in the 2-pound range. Almost all the fish were close to the bottom and everything came on 1.5 inch Fish Stalker slab tail jigs in Mountain Dew color. 

While there’s still not much black bass activity right now, Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that early and late you can still catch some fish in shallow water. However, most of the day fish are concentrated in the deeper hydrilla that grows in 10 plus feet. In low-light conditions you can fish over the top of it with a frog or buzzbait, and during the day soft plastics are effective. However, for power fishermen you can still fish a spinnerbait, crankbait, or Rattle Trap in the grass. 

It's also worth checking deep brush, as well as bream beds (see below). 

Finally, while one might think the bream spawns would be over Captain Steve reports that some captains are still finding both bluegill and shellcracker spawning. They seem to be catching the most shellcracker around trees right now – while bluegill are still in traditional shallow, sandy bedding areas.   

August 14

Santee Cooper water levels are up to 76.13 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.23 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are back up to the mid-80s and the lake is still surprisingly clear with a ton of water being pulled through. 

Catfish continue to headline the show on Santee, but at times the bite has been a little erratic. Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that when the cooler weather first came one day he and other guide boats had some tough days, but then once thing the fish seemed to adapt the bite started to get back to more normal. He has had the best success drifting herring in 20-30 feet and has noticed a marked deterioration in the deep bite.   

That’s consistent with the report from Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080), who has been catching fish basically anywhere with less than 30 feet of water. He is mostly drifting structure and depth changes, concentrating on drops in 15-25 feet of water. Some days the fish have not turned on for him until mid-day, but other captains have found better morning bites those same days and then a slower afternoon bite. It does seem as if there is significant variability right now with all the condition changes, and patience can be important.

Smaller pieces of bait continue to work the best, be they herring, chicken, or shrimp.  

Last on the catfish front, part-time Bonneau resident Captain Bill Plumley reports that they had some outstanding days this week fishing drops with a clean bottom where the water fell from 10 to 22 feet. Blues and flatheads were ganged up in 22 feet where the bottom flattened out.  The blues were eating river herring frozen from this spring, but the flatheads wanted fresh cut bait.

Intriguingly, the flatheads really moved in one day a few minutes after a school of 14-18 inch striper finished schooling. It appears the flatheads were following the striper and picking up injured bait, which is a phenomenon Captain Bill has also seen in the winter with blues behind big flocks of loons. 

Note: We were surprised not to receive a report from the canal this week, but with so much water being pulled through it’s hard to imagine fish can’t be caught there unless it’s just too intense to target. 

There’s not much new to report with the crappie, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) won’t be putting much more time into them until after Labor Day. You can still find fish on deeper brush piles, but they are pretty reluctant to feed. 

There’s also not much black bass activity right now, but Captain Steve reports that early and late you can still catch some fish in shallow water. However, most of the day fish are concentrated in the deeper hydrilla that grows in 10 plus feet of water. In low-light conditions you can fish over the top of it with a frog or buzzbait, and during the day soft plastics are effective. However, for power fishermen you can still fish a spinnerbait, crankbait, or Rattle Trap in the grass. Ripping a lipless crankbait through the weed then stopping it should generate bites. 

It's also worth checking deep brush, as well as bream beds (see below). 

Finally, while one might think the bream spawns would be over Captain Steve reports that some captains are still finding both bluegill and shellcracker spawning. They seem to be catching the most shellcracker around trees right now – while bluegill are still in traditional shallow, sandy bedding areas.   

July 31

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.34 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.27 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are approaching 90 degrees and the lakes are pretty clear. 

The catfish bite continues to be the best thing going on Santee, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that – while there are certainly fish that come shallow at night – the best pattern he has found for big fish is deep drifting after dark. The 25-45 foot range has been most productive, and he has been getting the biggest fish on perch. During the day he is also drifting the 25-45 foot range but finding a slower, but steady, bite. 

At the same time Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that his best pattern is still drifting the other end of the spectrum, and he is almost exclusively drifting in less than 25 feet. However, he does note that some of the biggest fish should be out deep while he is catching numbers of fish. 

In the morning he is drifting the hills and catching the biggest fish he will catch all day, but then during the day he is drifting flatter areas in 10-15 feet of water and catching good numbers of 5-15 pound fish. Herring, chicken, shrimp, or most any other bait is working well as long as it is in smaller pieces. This is typical for the summer, perhaps because fish are so concentrated on mussels. 

Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) is on a similar but even shallower pattern, and in the morning he is drifting from about 6-12 feet of water and getting some nice fish up to 35 pounds. He was surprised to catch a big female that was spewing eggs, and so a few fish are clearly still spawning. 

But the crappie are a completely different story, and Captain Steve reports that the bite is still slow. You can still find a few fish on deeper brush piles, but they are pretty reluctant to feed. He is marking so few fish, however, that he wonders if they have scattered out in shallower water around some of the mayfly hatches or perhaps grass. Not many people are checking. 

Finally, it’s a slow period for black bass fishing, but Captain Steve reports that the best place to look for fish is around deeper grass. Eel grass will hold fish, but the ideal habitat is the hydrilla that will grow deeper in 10 plus feet of water. Early in the morning you can target the grass with a buzzbait or other lure over the top for fish willing to feed up, but when fish are holding deeper a U-Vibe worm can be very effective. Some anglers are also targeting it with spinnerbaits. 

Deep brush can also hold fish, and there should be some bass cruising bream beds on the upcoming full moon. But with these temperatures and water conditions deeper grass is by far the best habitat for largemouth.  

Our family is travelling next week for the last week of the summer before our children go back to school, but we will resume weekly fishing reports the following week. Hopefully some cooler weather will give us some exciting changes to relay – although it will still be August in South Carolina!     

July 21

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.55 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.47 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 80s and the lakes are pretty clear. 

The catfish bite continues to be the best thing going on Santee, and Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that he is catching fish drifting any depth under about 30 feet. In the morning he is drifting the hills and catching the biggest fish he will catch all day, but then during the day he is drifting in 10-15 feet of water and catching good numbers of 5-15 pound fish. Herring, chicken, shrimp, or most any other bait is working well as long as it is in smaller pieces. This is typical for the summer, perhaps because fish are so concentrated on mussels. 

Speaking of which, Captain Kyle Austin with KA Guide Services (843-209-3726) reports that the intense heat usually leads to a good shellfish die-off and catfish will be looking to feast on them. He recommends anchoring in 3-10 feet of water around mussel beds – locate them by looking for floating clams and mussels. Once you find likely spots anchor up with cut herring or dip baits to target these fish.

But there are also deep fish to be caught, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that – while the numbers have not been great – making long drifts in 25-40 feet of water he is having a lot of success for bigger fish up to 35 or more pounds. The bites are generally coming closer to depth changes, but he has also picked up fish on deeper flats. Herring, bluegill, and white perch are all working for his boat.

Completing the circle and proving that fish can be caught all over the place in Santee, Captain Bobby says there have been some good reports drifting the middle of the canal and bumping baits across the bottom. 

But the crappie are a completely different story, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that he has been discouraging parties from going after crappie but has been monitoring them on his own. You can still find a few fish on deeper brush piles, but they are pretty reluctant to feed. He is marking so few fish, however, that he wonders if they have scattered out in shallower water around some of the mayfly hatches. Not many people are checking. 

Similarly, there also aren’t a lot of people fishing for black bass right now on Santee, but Captain Kyle Austin with KA Guide Services (843-209-3726) reports that fish are still in summer patterns. A lot of fish are holding in mid-depths, and that means catching them in 5-10 feet of water around stumps, trees and grass. Hydrilla has been particularly productive, and they can be caught around the grass on big worms.

The other major pattern right now is fishing brush piles in 10-15 plus feet of water. 90% of the time they are also fishing soft plastics around the brush piles. 

Finally, the July 24 new moon should bring some bream shallow to bed. 

We apologize that these reports are running a few days behind – the author had some unexpected issues in his other job arise. 

July 10

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.52 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.47 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 80s and the lakes are pretty clear. 

Fishing activity has greatly slowed on Santee in the summer heat, with the glaring exception of the catfish activity.  It’s been a strong bite for catfish, and Kyle Austin with KA Guide Services (843-209-3726) reports that with fish coming off the spawn they are looking to replenish fat supplies and mussels provide one of the best ways to accomplish that. He is finding the bulk of the fish in 3-10 feet of water around mussel beds – locate them by looking for floating clams and mussels.  Once you find likely spots anchor up with cut herring or dip baits to target these fish.

Another prime spot to catch fish right now is in the canal, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) report that he has caught fish both anchoring and drifting. They have been running enough water to get the fish feeding, and it’s hard to find a bad place to fish in 16-20 feet of water. He has exclusively been fishing herring.

And for something different, Captain Rodney Donald (864-356-0143) reports that in the Cooper River below the lakes they have been wearing out the fish this week. He estimates they have caught 1000 pounds of catfish in three days, and the pattern has been fishing cut herring about a foot off the bottom in 20 feet of water when they are making current. 

While crappie can still be caught, Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that between the heat and the population of fish it’s a grind right now – which most people don’t want to mess with. Deep brush is the best place to fish but it’s hardly worth the time to catch 6-12 crappie after a lot of effort. 

Similarly, there also aren’t a lot of people fishing for black bass right now on Santee, but Captain Kyle Austin with KA Guide Services (843-209-3726) reports that fish are still in summer patterns. A lot of fish are holding in mid-depths, and that means catching them in 5-10 feet of water around stumps, trees and grass. Hydrilla has been particularly productive, and they can be caught around the grass on big worms.

The other major pattern right now is fishing brush piles in 10-15 plus feet of water. 90% of the time they are also fishing soft plastics around the brush piles. 

Finally, on this full moon there should be some good bedding activity for bream.

July 3

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.49 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 75.39 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 80s and the lakes are pretty clear. 

The catfish are settling into a pretty reliable mostly post-spawn pattern on Santee, and Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) report that as the spawn wraps up they are catching more and more big fish. Drifting in less than 20 feet of water remains the preferred pattern, and flats and particularly areas with mussel beds have been very good. Both captains are drifting herring but a variety of cut bait as well as chicken will also catch fish. 

There’s also a really good bite at night right now, and anchoring in shallow water near some sort of slough or channel that offers slightly deeper water which fish can use like a highway has been effective for big fish. 

There’s not much change with the crappie from Captain Steve English (843-729-4044), who reports that not many people are going but you can still catch decent numbers of fish on brush in 25-30 feet. Generally the fish are 10-20 feet down and they will eat both minnows and jigs. Some days jigs are working better in low light and minnows when the sun is up. 

There also aren’t a lot of people fishing for black bass right now on Santee, but Captain Kyle Austin with KA Guide Services (843-209-3726) reports that fish are well into summer patterns. A lot of fish are holding in mid-depths, and that means catching them in 5-10 feet of water around stumps, trees and grass. Hydrilla has been particularly productive, and they can be caught around the grass on big worms.

The other major pattern right now is fishing brush piles in 10-15 plus feet of water as more fish head offshore. 90% of the time they are also fishing soft plastics around the brush piles. 

June 26

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.72 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and still bouncing around full in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures were 86 on the big water this morning and the lakes are pretty clear. 

As the catfish spawn winds down Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that they are catching a lot more big female fish, although the larger males have not started showing up yet. The females are feeding very well as they try to recover from the spawn and drifting in less than 20 feet of water has been the preferred pattern. Flats and particularly areas with mussel beds have been very good. While Captain Bobby’s boat has basically been drifting herring, cut bait, chicken, and more will also work. 

There’s also a really good bite at night right now, and anchoring in shallow water near some sort of slough or channel that offers slightly deeper water which fish can use like a highway has been effective for big fish. With a lot of water being pulled anchoring at night in the canal along the sides or near current breaks has also been very good. 

There’s not much change with the crappie from Captain Steve English (843-729-4044), who reports that not many people are going but you can still catch decent numbers of fish on brush in 25-30 feet. Generally the fish are 10-20 feet down and they will eat both minnows and jigs. Some days jigs are working better in low light and minnows when the sun is up. 

Bass report to follow. 

June 18

Santee Cooper water levels are at 76.03 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and still bouncing around full in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are at least 80 degrees in the morning. 

It feels strange to do a Santee Cooper fishing report without leading off with or at least mentioning the striped bass, but with that season closed as of this week we first turn our attention to the catfish. Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that he thinks the fish have finally turned a corner this week on Santee, and from what he can tell some big fish are coming off the spawn and starting to feed again. Drifting flats in 10-15 feet of water he has been doing well, particularly targeting areas around mussel beds. Herring have been his bait of choice.

Meanwhile Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) is still having success filling coolers, and for his boat the key continues to be drifting with herring in 7-10 feet of water. 

There’s not much change with the crappie from his father Captain Steve English (843-729-4044), who reports that they are still catching decent numbers of fish on brush in 25-30 feet in the lower lake. Generally the fish are 10-20 feet down and they will eat both minnows and jigs. Some days jigs are working better in low light and minnows when the sun is up. 

This past weekend they also had a lot of success with bluegill bedding up shallow, and expect more on full and new moon phases throughout the summer. 

Finally, Captain Kyle Austin with KA Guide Services (843-209-3726) reports that black bass are getting deeper into summer patterns. A lot of fish are holding in mid-depths, and that means catching them in 5-10 feet of water around stumps, trees and grass. Hydrilla has been particularly productive, and they are catching a ton of fish around the grass on big worms.

The other major pattern right now is fishing brush piles in 10-15 plus feet of water. While this is not a numbers pattern, and there still aren’t as many fish out there as there will be in a few weeks, the fish that are mostly are big. 90% of the time they are also fishing soft plastics around the brush piles. 

June 13

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.84 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and still bouncing around full in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are about 78-81 degrees in the mornings and both lakes are clear. 

Finally for this week we have an update from Captain Kyle Austin with KA Guide Services (843-209-3726), and on the catfish front Captain Kyle’s report is very similar to that of other guides. While he is managing to put the occasional 20 plus pound fish in the boat, he believes we are in the dead middle of the spawn right now and so it’s a slow time for big fish. But it’s an excellent time for numbers, and drifting in 15-25 feet of water they are filling coolers. 

If Kyle were to single-mindedly pursue a big fish he would head shallow, where a rogue giant might already be off the spawn and eating mussels that are floating up. He will spend most of the summer fishing in just 3-5 feet of water for big fish, but for now that is not a fast pattern. 

Meanwhile the black bass spawn is in the rearview mirror and Captain Kyle reports that fish are truly getting into summer patterns. A lot of fish are holding in mid-depths, and that means catching them in 5-10 feet of water around stumps, trees and grass. Hydrilla has been particularly productive, and they are catching a ton of fish around the grass on big worms. It’s been a very good season where 30-40 fish days are the norm.

The other major pattern right now is fishing brush piles in 10-15 plus feet of water. While this is not a numbers pattern, and there aren’t a ton of fish out there at least yet, the fish that are mostly are big. 90% of the time they are also fishing soft plastics around the brush piles. 

June 11

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.82 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and bouncing around full in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures were about 80 degrees this morning. Both lakes are clear. 

With only a few days left in the striped bass season Pack’s Landing (803-452-5514) is reporting that the bite is finally slowing down, and the numbers of both keepers and overall fish are really dropping off. The river is probably a little better than the flats right now but neither is particularly good. The best pattern at the top of the lake has been fishing live bait 18-23 feet deep in the rivers. 

The fishing around the dam in Lake Moultrie has also slowed down, but Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that the deep pattern is overall pretty good. In the early morning there seem to be some fish near the dam but then they move out into the channels where they can be caught in 45-55 feet. 

The catfish can only be described as a mixed bag on Santee right now, and Captain Bobby reports that probably has a lot to do with the spawn. He is waiting for more good fish to get off the spawn and start biting again, but he notes that his boat has been able to catch all the 5- and 6-pound fish they want drifting the 20-foot flats with small pieces of herring that imitate mussels. The better fish are almost certainly shallow nesting and while he has anchored down on a few it’s very hard to get them to bite. 

That’s consistent with the report from Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138), who is actually seeing a very few big cats come out of deep water but great numbers caught drifting. He is catching 15-20 fish per short trip up to about fifteen pounds drifting in 7-10 feet with herring. 

And it’s a similar report from Captain Rodney Donald (864-356-0143), who is drifting the canal where there has been good water flow and catching coolers full of fish – up to 15 pounds – on cut herring.  Again, the big ones are elusive. 

With the spawn well behind them and fish now set up on brush, the crappie bite is actually picking up and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that they are catching decent numbers of fish on brush in 25-30 feet in the lower lake. Generally the fish are 10-20 feet down and they will eat both minnows and jigs. Some days jigs are working better in low light and minnows when the sun is up. 

There are also some bluegill on the brush piles but the bigger ones are up shallow spawning.

Black bass report to follow. 

May 29

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.60 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and bouncing around 75.4 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures were about 74 degrees this morning. Lake Marion has cleared substantially and Moultrie remains normal. 

As the water has cleared at the top Marion the striped bass bite out of Pack’s Landing (803-452-5514) has gotten better again, and once again anglers are catching fish in both the river and on the flats. Live and cut shad and herring are both working and the action has really picked up. Fish are working their way back down the river, and the season won’t be open too much longer, but for now it’s a good time to get some late-season striper.  

That goes along with a good bite in Lake Moultrie, and Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that the night bite for striper is strong in Lake Moultrie in 45-55 feet of water. Around the dam has been one hot spot, and putting out both white and green lights is drawing in the fish which will eat live bait on down-rods. 

Not much has changed with the catfish, and Captain Bobby reports that fish are still feeding shallow around mussel beds and so smaller baits like shrimp, chicken, or small pieces of cut fish will all work. Anchoring and drifting are both effective, and 6-8 feet has been a good depth range. 

Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that he is drifting in about 5-11 feet, and while they aren’t catching great big fish the action for blues up to about 15 pounds has been strong. He is concentrating on flats and exclusively fishing with bluebacks. 

It’s remains a special time of year for fishing for black bass on Santee, and Captain Kyle Austin with KA Guide Services(843-209-3726) reports that since it has not gotten any hotter we are still in that period where you can fish for them however you want to. That could mean fishing shallow, around bank or submerged grass, around trees, around offshore brush, and more. However, right now he is finding that the very best bite is around bluegill beds. While there is a shallow frog bite topwaters aren’t really working for bass around the bream beds, and he is having the most success with a big worm or a Roboworm on a drop shot. 

The crappie report is pretty stable this week, and they have had to fish really hard on brush in 15-25 feet of water to catch fish. The one exception is that some of the LiveScopers are getting a limit – but even with forward-facing-sonar it’s not fast action. Will Hinson of Cassatt caught a one-man limit at the mouth of Potato Creek fishing stumps and brush in 25 feet earlier this week, but he notes that now that it’s summer you have smaller windows before the pleasure boat traffic gets intense. 

Our family is travelling for our annual beach vacation next week, but we will resume weekly fishing reports the following week.   

May 22

Santee Cooper water levels are at 76.04 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and up to 75.47 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures were about 76 degrees this morning. Lake Moultrie is very clear while at least the upper reaches of Marion are blown out.

It’s still a special time of year for fishing for black bass on Santee, and Captain Kyle Austin with KA Guide Services (843-209-3726) reports that we are now in that period where you can fish for them however you want to. That could mean fishing shallow, around bank or submerged grass, around trees, around offshore brush, and more. However, right now he is finding that the very best bite is around bluegill beds. While there is a shallow frog bite topwaters aren’t really working for bass around the bream beds, and he is having the most success with a big worm or a Roboworm on a drop shot.  

There are even a few bass still on beds, but certainly the vast majority of fish are post-spawn. 

For the first time in a little while the striped bass bite at the top of Marion out of Pack’s Landing (803-452-5514) has dropped off a little this week, and they report that’s because the river is so high and nasty. In the fast, muddy conditions it’s harder to fish and the fish probably aren’t feeding as much. While anglers are still starting in the river fishing live and cut herring and threadfin shad, they generally aren’t giving it as much time before coming back to the flats.  In the slower-moving water the bite has been better there. 

Particularly in the lower lake the bite really hasn’t changed, though, and Captain Joe Dennis (843-245-3762) and Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) both report that the night bite for striper is strong in Lake Moultrie in 45-55 feet of water. Around the dam has been one hot spot, and putting out both white and green lights is drawing in the fish which will eat live bait on down-rods. 

Once again the best catfish action is on the shallower side as the spawn gets underway, and Captain Bobby reports that he is finding the best bite around mussel beds in 6-8 feet of water. He is anchoring for fish.   

Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that he is drifting in about 5-11 feet, and while they aren’t catching great big fish the action for blues up to about 15 pounds has been strong. He is concentrating on flats and exclusively fishing with bluebacks. 

In the same vein, Captain Joe is targeting a general depth range of 5-20 feet, and concurs that fish are spawning or close to and so they are all over the place shallow. Deep water action is almost non-existent. 

The crappie report is a little worse this week, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that they have had to fish really hard on brush in 15-20 feet of water to catch a half-dozen crappie each day. Luckily at least this weekend the brush was loaded with bluegill, including some big ones full of eggs, but as the new moon approaches he expects a lot of those better fish will go shallow. 

May 15

Santee Cooper water levels are at 76.00 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and down to 74.74 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are about 73-75 degrees, and while the upper lake has gotten muddy the lower lake is still clear. 

It continue to be an outstanding striped bass bite at the top of Marion out of Pack’s Landing (803-452-5514), and they report that now both Elliott’s Flats and the river channel are producing. Post-spawn fish returning to the lake are eating both cut and live threadfin shad and blueback herring, and the depth range varies but has generally been 8-20 feet.  The shad spawn continues on the flats and is drawing in striper, especially early, and fish are also using the river as a highway to return to the lakes.

Captain Joe Dennis (843-245-3762) and Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) both report that the night bite for striper is also getting good in Lake Moultrie in 45-55 feet of water. Around the dam has been one hot spot, and putting out both white and green lights is drawing in the fish which will eat live bait on Carolina rigs fished vertically. 

Once again the best catfish action is on the shallower side as the spawn gets underway, and Captain Bobby reports that he is finding the best bite around mussel beds in 6-8 feet of water. While he is anchoring drifting will also work.

Captain Joe is targeting a general depth range of 5-20 feet, and concurs that fish are spawning or close to and so they are all over the place shallow. Deep water action is almost non-existent. 

The crappie report is again just fair this week, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that they are seeing decent numbers of fish but catching 10 or so is still considered a good trip. They are mostly suspended over brush in 20-25 feet.

The black bass are still biting well on Santee, and Captain Corey Casey with Corey Casey Guide Service (843-214-6989) reports that there are still some fish spawning. However, by far the greatest number of fish are post-spawn and there are lots of fry guarders right now. You can also find a topwater bite around bank grass and trees, but fishing brush piles and deep grass in 7-10 feet is also very productive. A Texas rig is hard to beat. Finally, keep your eyes peeled for a shad spawn very early. 

Finally, the bream fishing is pretty moon-dependent right now, and Captain Joe reports that on the full and new moons anglers should look for both shellcracker and bream beds. Shellcracker often bed around grass and worms are the bait of choice, while bream beds can be a little deeper in 5-10 feet and crickets under a cork often work best.

May 8

Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.88 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and bouncing around 75.4 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are about 74 degrees. 

The black bass are biting well on Santee, and Captain Corey Casey with Corey Casey Guide Service (843-214-6989) reports that there are still a lot of fish spawning, and on this full moon there will be even more. However, the greatest number of fish are post-spawn and there are lots of fry guarders right now. You can also find a topwater bite around bank grass and trees, but fishing brush piles and deep grass in 7-10 feet is also very productive. A Texas rig is hard to beat. Finally, keep your eyes peeled for a shad spawn very early. 

Once again the striped bass bite is very good at the top of Marion out of Pack’s Landing (803-452-5514), but there are a couple of (related) changes this week. The best bite has shifted over to the flats instead of the river itself, and now the bait of choice is threadfin shad. Pieces of cut shad are working very well and the fish are also taking live bait. 

Captain Joe Dennis (843-245-3762) explains that’s because the shad are spawning on the flats around lily pads, and striper and other species are gorging on them.  As a result you can fish the flats in just 3-5 feet of water with live bait right under the boat – and try not to get the rod ripped out of your hands. 

The bite is the best early, and there are also some striper being caught in both lakes in deep water down-rod fishing in the channels. More of that is going on in Moultrie but also in Marion, although the best bite in Marion is definitely at the top of the lake. 

In particular the Moultrie dam is fishing well, and Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that at night live bait fishing is particularly good. 

There’s a general consensus that the best catfish action is on the shallower side, and Captain Bobby reports that his preferred pattern is anchoring or drifting in about 5 feet of water during the day. Stump fields have been good for him as fish are getting close to spawning, but at night he is fishing super shallow in just two feet of water. He thinks the best action is at night and any cut bait including blueback herring, chicken, or anything that resembles a mussel is working. 

Adding support to that is Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138), who is anchoring in less than 3 feet around trees with blueback herring. He reports that as soon as the sun comes up the bite pretty much goes away.

Captain Joe is targeting a general depth range of 5-20 feet, and concurs that fish are spawning or close to and so they are all over the place shallow. Deep water action is almost non-existent. 

Finally, Captain Corey is probably fishing the deepest of all the guides drifting 15-25 feet. He is perhaps catching the fish moving shallower, as he is targeting ditches running into flats as well as humps. He is sticking with herring. 

The crappie report is just fair this week, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that they are seeing decent numbers of fish but catching 10 or so is still considered a good trip. They are mostly suspended over brush in 20-25 feet. 

Finally, the bream fishing may be about to get good again. Captain Steve reports that he has caught some small shellcracker in the shallows but looks for another wave of spawning fish to bed on the May 12 full moon. However, he thinks it will be mainly bluegill as he suspects most of the shellcracker have already spawned. 

May 1

Santee Cooper water levels are at 76.16 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and bouncing around 75.7 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are about 72 degrees in the open water and the upper lake is clear while the lower lake is a bit dingy in places.  

We aren’t sure how much longer we will be able to continue to report this, but as fish return to the lakes Pack’s Landing(803-452-5514) reports that the striped bass run is still really good at the top of Marion. The two biggest changes are that, after having them longer than usual, the ocean-run herring are now unavailable and they are having to switch over to bluebacks. Additionally, fish are moving into the flats a bit. 

Most of the best action is still on cut bait, but they are also catching some fish on live bait and even casting crankbaits. As temperatures have warmed the action is now typically better on the deeper side of the river, particularly in certain deep bends, although you can still catch some fish on the shallow side. 

There are also still striper being caught in the canal as well as deeper water in Lake Moultrie. 

At the same time Pack’s reports that the catfish bite has gotten tougher at the top of the lake, and Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that they also struggled for catfish yesterday in the lakes until they figured out that fish are really hanging around mussel beds. When they were able to locate those beds in about 5 feet of water the action turned on with small pieces of blueback herring cut to look like mussels. Captain Bobby points out it’s also a really good time to drift the canal with little pieces of bait. 

Both Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) and his son Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) are finding a good shallow drifting bite for catfish with bluebacks. They are concentrating on about 5-15 feet of water.

That has made for a nice change of pace when the crappie aren’t super-cooperative, and Captain Steve reports that on days like yesterday they can scratch out a dozen crappie then get rods bent with big cats.  While Captain Joe Dennis (843-245-3762) reminds anglers that there are still spawning crappie around trees and grass lines in 3-5 feet of water, and you can also still long-line troll for pre-spawn fish in 15-20 feet of water in creeks leading into spawning areas, there are probably better numbers of post-spawn fish getting on brush. Captain Steve has found a better bite in the upper lake than the lower lake, and he has found the best action 8-10 feet down over brush in 17-20 feet of water. Deeper brush has been less productive.  They are having a lot more trouble catching fish than marking them, and interestingly jigs are out-producing minnows recently. 

Finally, while they had high hopes of finding shellcracker this morning, Captain Steve reports that they only found a few shallow fish on beds and eventually turned to shallow drifting for catfish to fill up the box. 

Black bass report to follow. 

April 24

Santee Cooper water levels are at 76.13 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and bouncing around 75.7 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 70s and the lakes have cleared significantly.  

There’s really good news with the crappie this week on Santee Cooper, and Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that even though the spawn isn’t over significant numbers of fish are getting back out on mid-depth brush. They are also catching some white crappie full of eggs on the same brush. The best depth has been fishing 10-18 feet down in 18-25 feet of water, and minnows are working well. So far it appears that the crappie population has made a bit of a resurgence as limits have been more plentiful than last years. 

At the same time Captain Joe Dennis (843-245-3762) reports that plenty of fish still spawning are being caught around trees and grass lines in 3-5 feet of water, and he recommends a 10-foot jigging pole with 10-pound line matched up with a dark Charlie Brewer Slider for targeting these fish. You can also still long-line troll for pre-spawn fish in 15-20 feet of water in creeks leading into spawning areas. Adjust your speed and tip some of your curly tail grubs with minnows to see what the fish prefer on a given day.  

Even though fish are now coming back into the lakes, Captain Andy Pack with Pack’s Landing (803-452-5514) reports that the striped bass run is still wide open up the lake. Most of the best action is still on cut bait, but they are also catching some fish on live bait and even casting crankbaits. As temperatures have warmed the action is now typically better on the deeper side of the river, particularly in certain deep bends, although you can still catch some fish on the shallow side.  The last few mornings have been very good and lots of fish in the teens are still being caught.

There are also still fish in the canal, and Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reports that these fish are also generally making their way back into Moultrie.  He has also found a good bite in deep water in about 50 feet in the middle of the lake on live bait, and at low light conditions the area around the Moultrie dam has been good. 

Captain Bobby is also reporting a good bite drifting in 5-20 feet of water on the flats for catfish. These fish are feeding up and getting closer to spawning, and they will take most any cut bait. That’s consistent with the report from Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138), whose boat is drifting river herring, blueback herring, and about any other source of protein from the bank out to about 10 feet on the flats. He is finding fish with very developed eggs.

Captain Joe points out the shallow water bite is best in the early morning and then again from about 7-10 pm, and adds that there are still fish being caught in 15-25 and 40-45 feet drifting Santee rigs with herring and American shad. 

On the black bass front, Captain Corey Casey with Corey Casey Guide Service (843-214-6989) reports that the spawn is still wide open and that we are in the dead middle of it, with about equal numbers of pre-spawn and post-spawn fish to go with the fish currently on beds. As a result the pattern is really simple – fish shallow around anything from stumps to trees to grass. Frogs, buzzbaits, Senkos, wacky rigs, or worms presented any other way will all catch fish. 

Finally, Captain Joe reports that the bream are shallow and anglers should look for shellcracker on beds on both the new and full moon. The shallow water bite in the Hatchery area has been really good for shellcracker and big bluegill, and crickets under a cork or reds worms on a split shot rig have been working the best. 

April 10

Santee Cooper water levels are at 76.23 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and over full at around 75.7 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are around 64-68 degrees after some cool nights and overall the lakes are relatively clear.  

While by now most of the striped bass being caught at the top of the lake have actually completed their spawning run, Captain Woods Pack with Pack’s Landing (803-452-5514) reports that most of the fish being caught are still over 26 inches. It continues to be a really, really good year for striper although it can’t last too much longer. 

As it has been all spring the river bite is still much faster than on the flats, and the best pattern is fishing the shallow side of the river beside the willow trees with cut river herring. Target from the bank out to about 20 feet. 

At the same time the bite in the canal has turned on again, and Captain Joe Dennis (843-245-3762) reports that drifting live bait just off the bottom they are catching fish full of eggs that are making their way up the canal. Because of the current some of them will actually spawn in the canal, and they are feeding well. They are also picking up catfish on this pattern. Captain Joe has also been fishing deep water in the lower lake, but instead of continue of picking up a mixed bag of striper and catfish they are mainly getting catfish in 45 feet. 

That fits with the information from Captain Kyle Austin with KA Guide Services (843-209-3726), who reports that the catfish are extremely spread from deep to shallow and all over the lakes right now. That can make for a tough bite. 

One pattern is shallow drifting, and Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that in 2-6 feet of water he is basically drifting from the bank out and covering as much water as possible. His bait of choice is river herring, and they have picked up good numbers of 10-20 pound fish. Strong winds have often made shallow fishing the only option, and Captain Stevie notes that he is about to start running some night trips.

Which makes sense with Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) reporting that he thinks the fishing is now better at night, and the key to catching fish for him has been getting out there early. They caught most of their fish yesterday morning at 6 am. He is still finding the best bite anchoring outside the canal on both ends, but his back-up plan is drifting shallow water. 

Fortunately for him the black bass bite is better than the catfish bite, and Captain Kyle reports that in his opinion the bass spawn is really just getting into the heart of it (although obviously, he doesn’t disagree that fish have already spawned). The water was low and weather was inconsistent, and so now with higher, more stable water levels he thinks the spawning period is just getting really good. Fish are biting everywhere in the shallows, and with fish so keyed in on spawning it’s mostly a soft plastic bite. Texas rigs and wacky rigs have been hard to beat. 

Likewise we are in the middle of the crappie spawn on Santee, and Captain Joe reports that there are lots of fish spawning in 3-5 feet of water around shallow trees or along grass lines.  Even after the females lay eggs the males will stay a while, and so they will most likely still be caught shallow into May. There are also still plenty of small wolf packs of pre-spawn fish roaming the creeks and waiting to go up. These can be targeted long-line trolling or looking at them on electronics and casting at them with jigs. 

Per Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) this morning they have not really set up on brush yet.  

Finally, the shellcracker spawn has taken off and Pack’s Landing reports that fish are being caught around most any shallow, sandy spot. In particular, fish like to hang around aquatic vegetation that grows in sand because it provides protection and is easier to make beds around. They have been selling worms like crazy for a week and look for the fishing to be even better with this weekend’s full moon.

Down the lakes Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that windy conditions have at times made it hard to target shellcracker, but he is finding lots of fish scattered along the edges of grass in 3-6 feet of water. They may become more concentrated this weekend. And even though crappie are still mostly vacant from the brush piles, there are still tons of bluegill on them. 

Our family is travelling for our children’s spring break next week, but we will resume weekly fishing reports after the Easter holiday. 

April 3

Santee Cooper water levels are at 76.03 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and bouncing around full in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Morning surface water temperatures are roughly 63-67 degrees and the lower lake is relatively clear while the upper lake remains stained to dirty in places. 

It continues to be one of the best springs for striped bass at the top of the lake in several years, and Captain Woods Pack with Pack’s Landing (803-452-5514) reports that most of the fish being caught are over 26 inches and so once anglers get their one big one they are throwing most of them back.  Lots of 10-15 pound fish are being caught, and anglers are also slowly filling out their limits. The river bite is still much faster than on the flats, and the best pattern is fishing the shallow side of the river beside the willow trees with cut river herring. Target from the bank out to about 20 feet. 

While we haven’t heard great reports in the canal for a few days, Captain Joe Dennis (843-245-3762) reports that he is still finding a very good bite in the lower lake for both striped bass and catfish. He is fishing live bait for both. Yesterday the striped bass came at 55 feet while the catfish were in 45 feet. The striper are almost certainly ocean-run fish that will eventually move up the lake before returning to the sea. 

At the same time Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that there are still catfish being caught all over the lake at different depths, and he is still fishing in 4-10 feet of water with cut river herring. This week he has found a better bite anchoring than drifting, and almost every fish he catches is between 10 and 15 pounds. 

Captain Bobby Winters with Bob’s Guide Service Encore (843-751-3080) is also fishing shallow for catfish, fan-casting a lot of rods into shallow flats that are fed by a deeper channel or ditch that fish will use as a highway. However, there have been some off-days and overall the fish seem to be moving around a good bit. This week he has actually had the most consistent success fishing either side of the diversion canal with cut bait in about 10 feet of water. 

With water temperatures in the mid-60s the crappie spawn is at its peak on Santee, and Captain Joe reports that there are lots of fish in shallow trees spawning – but there are also plenty of small wolf packs still roaming the creeks.  These can be targeted long-line trolling or looking at them on electronics and casting at them with jigs. 

Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) continues to find it a challenging crappie season, but he is hopeful that when they return to brush the fish will group up better. 

On his boat the bright spot for panfish has been that the bream fishing is still really good in 12-20 feet over brush in both lakes with crickets and worms. 

Finally, Captain Corey Casey with Corey Casey Guide Service (843-214-6989) reports that a massive wave of black basshas moved up and so the percentage of fish that are still pre-spawn has dropped significantly this week. Large numbers of fish are still very aggressive and shallow, and they are in 1-5 feet of water around grass, trees, and in protected pockets. Spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, topwater lures, worms, and shallow-running crankbaits will work especially for pre-spawn fish, while for fish on beds you often need to slow down and work soft plastics. 

Check out this 7-pound post-spawn fish caught by Brian Stamps as Stevie English looked on this week.