Get Ready to Reel in a Good Time!
This week on the Santee Cooper lakes, expect a mix of weather, from thunderstorms to sunny skies, which will keep the fish active! Target species like largemouth bass and bluegill are on the move, making it a great time to hit the water. With water conditions fluctuating but generally improving, and peak fishing times falling around mid-mornings and late afternoons, grab your gear and head out for some fun!
Santee Cooper Weather and Water Conditions
Sunday, Oct 04:
Daytime: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8am, then patchy fog and showers and thunderstorms likely between 8am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms between 3pm and 5pm, then patchy fog and showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. North wind 0 to 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Night: Patchy fog and showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then patchy fog and showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 66. North wind around 2 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp 72°F. Water conditions will be rough with decreased clarity due to rain. Sunrise 7:15 AM, sunset 6:54 PM.
Monday, Oct 05:
Daytime: Rain showers and patchy fog before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Northeast wind 1 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Northeast wind 2 to 8 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp 71°F. Water conditions calming, clarity improving slightly. Sunrise 7:16 AM, sunset 6:53 PM.
Tuesday, Oct 06:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Northeast wind 9 to 13 mph.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.
On the Water: Water temp 70°F. Conditions calm, clarity improving. Sunrise 7:16 AM, sunset 6:52 PM.
Wednesday, Oct 07:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.
On the Water: Water temp 71°F. Conditions continue to be calm with clearer waters. Sunrise 7:17 AM, sunset 6:51 PM.
Thursday, Oct 08:
Daytime: A slight chance of rain showers between 8am and 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
On the Water: Water temp 73°F. Conditions remain calm with good clarity. Sunrise 7:17 AM, sunset 6:50 PM.
Friday, Oct 09:
Daytime: Partly sunny, with a high near 79.
Night: A slight chance of rain showers after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
On the Water: Water temp 74°F. Conditions stable, clarity good. Sunrise 7:17 AM, sunset 6:49 PM.
Saturday, Oct 10:
Daytime: A chance of rain showers before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
On the Water: Water temp 75°F. Conditions may become rougher, clarity decreasing slightly. Sunrise 7:18 AM, sunset 6:48 PM.
Sunday, Oct 11:
Daytime: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mostly cloudy, with a high near 78.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 60.
On the Water: Water temp 76°F. Conditions rough, clarity poor. Sunrise 7:18 AM, sunset 6:47 PM.
Catch of the Week: Target Fish Species
Largemouth Bass
Fish for largemouth bass this week in 5-15 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a spinnerbait. A slow retrieve with a steady action should encourage a strike at 8-10 feet.
Bluegill
Target bluegill in shallow waters around 2-5 feet over a sandy bottom using small jigs. A quick retrieve with a hopping action should entice bites.
Black Crappie
Fish for black crappie this week in 10-20 feet of water over submerged structure using minnows. A slow, steady retrieve with a subtle action will yield good results.
Prime Time for Fishing: Best Times to Be on the Water
Largemouth Bass
Due to the mix of weather and improving conditions, largemouth bass will be actively feeding in the late afternoon. Mid-afternoon, around 3 PM to 5 PM, will be the optimal time to target this species.
Bluegill
With the warm-up in temperatures, bluegill will be feeding in the early morning and late evening. Best times to fish will be from 6 AM to 8 AM and 6 PM to 8 PM.
Black Crappie
As waters clear, black crappie will be most active during mid-morning. Aim to fish from 9 AM to 11 AM for the best chance at a catch.