Fishing Fun Awaits You!
Welcome to another exciting week at Santee Cooper! The fishing is on the upswing with a mix of sunny days ahead of us. Expect cooler temperatures early in the week, but some warmer days will follow. Currently, species like largemouth bass and bluegill are active, so grab your gear! Daylight hours are more favorable as well. Ideal fishing times are shaping up to be late afternoon and evening, especially on sunny days. Don’t forget to line up your lures because it’s a great time to reel in a big one on the lake!
Weather Outlook: A Week of Varied Conditions
Sunday, January 11:
Daytime: Mostly sunny. High near 62, with temperatures falling to around 52 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Northwest wind 2 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
On the Water: Water temp 50°F. Water conditions rough from wind with a clarity of 3 feet. Sunrise 7:30 AM, sunset 5:55 PM.
Monday, January 12:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 50. North wind around 2 mph.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Wind around 0 mph.
On the Water: Water temp 49°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 7:30 AM, sunset 5:56 PM.
Tuesday, January 13:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 58. Southwest wind around 3 mph.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.
On the Water: Water temp 51°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 7:29 AM, sunset 5:57 PM.
Wednesday, January 14:
Daytime: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.
Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.
On the Water: Water temp 52°F. Water conditions remain mostly calm with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 7:29 AM, sunset 5:57 PM.
Thursday, January 15:
Daytime: A slight chance of rain between 7 AM and 1 PM. Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 24.
On the Water: Water temp 49°F. Water conditions calming with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 7:28 AM, sunset 5:58 PM.
Friday, January 16:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 51.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31.
On the Water: Water temp 50°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 7:28 AM, sunset 5:59 PM.
Saturday, January 17:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.
On the Water: Water temp 51°F. Water conditions still calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 7:27 AM, sunset 6:00 PM.
Target Fish: Get Hooked on These Species!
Largemouth Bass
Fish for largemouth bass this week in 5 to 10 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a soft plastic worm. A slow retrieve with a twitching action should encourage a strike at that depth.
Bluegill
Target bluegill in 3 to 6 feet of water over muddy bottoms using small jigs or crickets. A steady retrieve with a subtle bobbing action is effective.
Channel Catfish
For channel catfish, look in 10 to 15 feet of water over a sandy bottom using stink bait on a bottom rig. A slow drag along the bottom will trigger their curiosity.
Best Times to Cast Your Line This Week
Largemouth Bass
Due to improving sunny conditions, largemouth bass will be actively feeding in the late afternoon. 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM will be optimal times to target this species.
Bluegill
With stable weather patterns, bluegills will be active from mid-morning to early afternoon. 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM is the best time to fish for them.
Channel Catfish
As temperatures stabilize, channel catfish are biting well during the evening. Target them from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for your best chances.