Fishing Fun and Stormy Skies Await!
This week at the Santee Cooper lake system is all about navigating the occasional storms while still reeling in some fantastic catches! With a mix of warm temperatures and scattered thunderstorms, our prime species like largemouth bass and blue catfish are actively feeding, especially during the early morning and late evening. Water conditions are trending from slightly choppy to more stable as the week progresses, making for a dynamic fishing experience. Don’t forget your rain gear and be ready to cast your line during those prime times for the best bite!
Weather and Water Conditions: Expect the Unexpected!
Sunday, Aug 02:
Daytime: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 102. South wind 3 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and midnight, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp rising. Water conditions choppy with a clarity of 2 feet. Sunrise 6:10 AM, sunset 8:22 PM.
Monday, Aug 03:
Daytime: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7am and 8am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 1 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp stabilizing. Water conditions slightly choppy with a clarity of 1.5 feet. Sunrise 6:11 AM, sunset 8:21 PM.
Tuesday, Aug 04:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 1 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp maintaining. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 2.5 feet. Sunrise 6:12 AM, sunset 8:20 PM.
Wednesday, Aug 05:
Daytime: A slight chance of rain showers before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
On the Water: Water temp holding steady. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 3 feet. Sunrise 6:12 AM, sunset 8:19 PM.
Thursday, Aug 06:
Daytime: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
On the Water: Water temp warming slightly. Water conditions choppy with a clarity of 2 feet. Sunrise 6:13 AM, sunset 8:18 PM.
Friday, Aug 07:
Daytime: A slight chance of rain showers before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
On the Water: Water temp rising. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 2.5 feet. Sunrise 6:13 AM, sunset 8:17 PM.
Saturday, Aug 08:
Daytime: A slight chance of rain showers before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
On the Water: Water temp stable. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 3 feet. Sunrise 6:14 AM, sunset 8:16 PM.
Best Species to Target This Week: Get Hooked!
Largemouth Bass
Fish for largemouth bass this week in 6-15 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a topwater frog. A slow retrieve with a popping action should encourage a strike at 8-10 feet.
Blue Catfish
Fish for blue catfish this week in 15-30 feet of water over a muddy bottom using cut bait. A steady retrieve with a dragging action should encourage a strike at 20-25 feet.
Black Crappie
Fish for black crappie this week in 4-10 feet of water over submerged structures using jigs. A slow and steady retrieve with a lift-and-drop action should encourage a strike at 6-8 feet.
Best Times to Be on the Water: Timing is Everything!
Largemouth Bass
Due to improving weather conditions and stable water temperatures, largemouth bass will be actively feeding during the early morning and late evening. 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM and 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM will be the optimal times to target this species.
Blue Catfish
With the ongoing warmth, blue catfish will be feeding more consistently during the night. 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM will be the prime time to catch these tasty fish.
Black Crappie
Black crappie are most active in the late morning as they seek out cooler areas. Target them between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM for the best results.