Catch of the Week: It’s Fishing Time!
As we dive into the weekly fishing report for Santee Cooper’s lake system, anglers can expect a mix of chilly mornings giving way to some mild sunny afternoons. With temperatures creeping up as the week progresses, and a mix of sunny and cloudy days, fishing prospects look promising! Target species like largemouth bass and blue catfish will be active, particularly during the golden hours. Don’t forget to pack your favorite lures and be ready to test your skills on the water this week!
Weather and Water Conditions: Your Weekly Forecast
Sunday, December 07:
Daytime: Areas of fog before 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 51. Northeast wind around 2 mph.
Night: Patchy fog between 10pm and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. North wind around 2 mph.
On the Water: Water temp cool. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 7:09 AM, sunset 5:11 PM.
Monday, December 08:
Daytime: A chance of rain before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. North wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Northeast wind around 6 mph.
On the Water: Water temp cooler. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 3 feet. Sunrise 7:09 AM, sunset 5:11 PM.
Tuesday, December 09:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind 1 to 5 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29.
On the Water: Water temp stabilizing. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 7:09 AM, sunset 5:11 PM.
Wednesday, December 10:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 58.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.
On the Water: Water temp rising. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 6 feet. Sunrise 7:09 AM, sunset 5:11 PM.
Thursday, December 11:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
Night: A slight chance of rain after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
On the Water: Water temp warming. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 7 feet. Sunrise 7:09 AM, sunset 5:11 PM.
Friday, December 12:
Daytime: A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Night: A chance of rain before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
On the Water: Water temp stabilizing. Water conditions rougher with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 7:09 AM, sunset 5:12 PM.
Saturday, December 13:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 46.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23.
On the Water: Water temp cooling. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 7:09 AM, sunset 5:12 PM.
Best Species to Target This Week: Reel ‘Em In!
Largemouth Bass
Fish for largemouth bass this week in 5-10 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a crankbait. A slow retrieve with stop-and-go action should encourage a strike at 6-8 feet.
Blue Catfish
Target blue catfish this week in 10-15 feet of water over a sandy bottom using cut bait. A steady retrieve with a dragging action should entice a bite at 12 feet.
Black Crappie
Try for black crappie this week in 2-5 feet of water near structure using jigs. A lift-and-drop retrieving method will be effective when near submerged trees.
Best Times to be on the Water This Week: Timing is Everything!
Largemouth Bass
Due to the warming temperatures and sunny weather, largemouth bass will be actively feeding in the late afternoon. 12 PM to 2 PM will be the optimal time to target this species.
Blue Catfish
With stability in water temperatures this week, blue catfish will be most active during the evening. 5 PM to 7 PM is the best time to target this species.
Black Crappie
As water clarity improves, black crappie will be feeding in the shallows during the morning hours. Aiming for 7 AM to 9 AM is ideal for best action.