Sunshine and Splashing Fish Await You!
Welcome anglers! This week on the Santee Cooper lake system, we’re blessed with a mix of sunny skies, heat, and a sprinkle of storms—perfect for those trophy catches. With water temperatures rising and clarity improving, species like largemouth bass and bluegill are gearing up for some action. Best times to cast your lines are during the cool early mornings and late evenings when the fish are most active. Get ready for a fantastic fishing week ahead!
Weather and Water Conditions: A Week of Sun and Showers
Sunday, Aug 16:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 107. South wind 0 to 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Heat index values as high as 105. South wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
On the Water: Water temp 85°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:14 AM, sunset 8:14 PM.
Monday, Aug 17:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind 2 to 6 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 77. Heat index values as high as 109. West wind around 5 mph.
On the Water: Water temp 86°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 6:15 AM, sunset 8:13 PM.
Tuesday, Aug 18:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 98. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
On the Water: Water temp 86°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 6:15 AM, sunset 8:12 PM.
Wednesday, Aug 19:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
On the Water: Water temp 86°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 6:15 AM, sunset 8:11 PM.
Thursday, Aug 20:
Daytime: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 98.
Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
On the Water: Water temp 86°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 6:16 AM, sunset 8:10 PM.
Friday, Aug 21:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
On the Water: Water temp 85°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:16 AM, sunset 8:09 PM.
Saturday, Aug 22:
Daytime: A slight chance of rain showers before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly 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 72.
On the Water: Water temp 84°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:17 AM, sunset 8:08 PM.
Best Species to Target This Week: Reel in the Big Ones!
Largemouth Bass
Fish for largemouth bass this week in 5-10 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a spinnerbait. A slow retrieve with a steady action should encourage a strike at this depth.
Bluegill
Target bluegill in 2-5 feet of water over a sandy bottom using live worms or crickets. A slow bobber technique will entice bites at this shallow range.
Channel Catfish
Look for channel catfish in 10-15 feet of water over a muddy bottom using cut bait. A steady retrieve with a jigging action will work wonders in these depths.
Best Times to Be on the Water This Week: Catch the Action!
Largemouth Bass
Due to warming weather and stable water conditions, largemouth bass will be actively feeding during the early morning hours. The optimal time to target them is between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM.
Bluegill
Given the sunny weather and active bait fish, bluegill will be feeding in the late afternoon. Target them from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM for the best results.
Channel Catfish
With the chance of evening thunderstorms, channel catfish will be more active after dark. Fish from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM for prime catfishing opportunities.
