Catchin’ Good Vibes This Week!
Hello, fellow fishermen! This week on the Santee Cooper lake system, we’re in for a mix of sunny days and a sprinkle of thunderstorms. The water is warming up and clarity is holding steady, making it a great time to target species like largemouth bass and blue catfish. The fishing action picks up significantly in the early morning and late evening, so grab your gear and get ready for some fun on the water!
Weather and Water Conditions for the Week
Sunday, Aug 09:
Daytime: Patchy fog between 7am and 8am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 3 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp warming up; conditions calm with good clarity. Sunrise 6:16 AM, sunset 8:27 PM.
Monday, Aug 10:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. Southwest wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water conditions remain stable and clear. Sunrise 6:17 AM, sunset 8:26 PM.
Tuesday, Aug 11:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 95. West wind 3 to 8 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
On the Water: Water temp continues to rise, conditions calm with great clarity. Sunrise 6:17 AM, sunset 8:25 PM.
Wednesday, Aug 12:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 96.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76.
On the Water: Conditions remain calm, clarity is excellent. Sunrise 6:18 AM, sunset 8:24 PM.
Thursday, Aug 13:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 97.
Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77.
On the Water: Water conditions are stable, with good clarity. Sunrise 6:19 AM, sunset 8:23 PM.
Friday, Aug 14:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
On the Water: Water clarity remains good; conditions may become slightly choppy. Sunrise 6:19 AM, sunset 8:22 PM.
Saturday, Aug 15:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
On the Water: Conditions trending towards slightly rougher; clarity holding steady. Sunrise 6:20 AM, sunset 8:21 PM.
Best Species to Target This Week
Largemouth Bass
Fish for largemouth bass this week in 5-15 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a crankbait. A slow retrieve with a stop-and-go action should encourage a strike at this depth.
Blue Catfish
Target blue catfish in deeper waters around 20-30 feet over a muddy bottom using cut bait. A steady retrieve with a slight jigging action can entice bites.
Black Crappie
Crappie are active in 8-12 feet of water near submerged structures. Use a small jig with a slow, steady retrieve to invite them in.
Best Times to Be on the Water This Week
Largemouth Bass
Due to the warming temperatures and stable water conditions, largemouth bass will be actively feeding in the early morning and late evening. Specific fishing times are from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM and 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Blue Catfish
With current weather trends favoring warmer days, blue catfish will be more active during the late afternoon. Target them from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Black Crappie
Black crappie will be feeding in the early morning and around sunset. Optimal fishing times are from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM and 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.