Fishing Forecast: Reel It In, Santee Style!
This week on the Santee Cooper lake system, anglers can expect a delightful mix of sunny skies and occasional thunderstorms, perfect for fishing enthusiasts! The water is warming up, and the clarity is improving, making it an ideal time for targeting bass and catfish. With prime times early morning and late evening, don’t miss the chance to cast your line during the best hours. Get ready for a week of fun on the water!
Weather Wonders: What to Expect Each Day
Sunday, May 17:
Daytime: Partly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 0 to 7 mph.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 0 to 8 mph.
On the Water: Water temp rising. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 6:06 AM, sunset 8:16 PM.
Monday, May 18:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 91. Southeast wind 0 to 10 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. East wind 0 to 10 mph.
On the Water: Water temp rising. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 6 feet. Sunrise 6:06 AM, sunset 8:16 PM.
Tuesday, May 19:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 91. Southeast wind 0 to 7 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
On the Water: Water temp steady. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 6 feet. Sunrise 6:05 AM, sunset 8:17 PM.
Wednesday, May 20:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68.
On the Water: Water temp rising. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 6 feet. Sunrise 6:05 AM, sunset 8:17 PM.
Thursday, May 21:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
On the Water: Water temp steady. Water conditions becoming choppy with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 6:05 AM, sunset 8:17 PM.
Friday, May 22:
Daytime: A chance of rain showers before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
On the Water: Water temp slightly cooling. Water conditions choppy with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:04 AM, sunset 8:18 PM.
Saturday, May 23:
Daytime: A chance of rain showers before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.
On the Water: Water temp cooling. Water conditions choppy with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:04 AM, sunset 8:18 PM.
Target Species: What’s Biting This Week?
Largemouth Bass
Fish for Largemouth Bass this week in 5-10 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a plastic worm. A slow retrieve with a hopping action should encourage a strike at 6 feet.
Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish are best targeted in deeper waters (10-15 feet) over a muddy bottom using cut bait. A slow retrieve with a dragging action will work well.
Black Crappie
Target Black Crappie this week in 4-8 feet of water over submerged structure using small jigs. A steady retrieve with a twitching action is effective to entice bites.
Prime Fishing Times: When to Cast Your Line
Largemouth Bass
Due to improving weather and warming water, Largemouth Bass will be actively feeding in the early morning. 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM will be the optimal time to target this species.
Channel Catfish
With water temperatures stabilizing, Channel Catfish will be feeding in the late evening. 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM will be the best time to fish for them.
Black Crappie
As the weather becomes more stable, Black Crappie will be feeding in the late afternoon. 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM is the ideal time to target this species.
