Get Ready for Perfect Fishing Conditions!
As we slide into a fantastic week on the Santee Cooper lakes, expect sunny skies, rising temperatures, and perfect fishing conditions. With highs peaking at 94°F midweek and pleasant nights in the 50s and 60s, it’s a lovely time to cast your lines. The water is generally calm with excellent clarity that should keep fish active. Prepare your gear for an exciting range of species including bass, catfish, and crappie. Get out early and enjoy bird song while the fish are biting! You’ll be reeling them in all week long!
Seven-Day Weather and Water Forecast: Expect Calm Waters!
Sunday, February 22:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind around 6 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
On the Water: Water temp warming up with calm conditions and clear visibility. Sunrise 6:42 AM, sunset 6:19 PM.
Monday, February 23:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 2 to 6 mph.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 2 to 6 mph.
On the Water: Water conditions remain calm and clarity is improving. Sunrise 6:41 AM, sunset 6:20 PM.
Tuesday, February 24:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 2 to 7 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60.
On the Water: Calm waters with excellent clarity for sight fishing. Sunrise 6:40 AM, sunset 6:21 PM.
Wednesday, February 25:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 92.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.
On the Water: Water continues to warm with very calm and clear conditions. Sunrise 6:39 AM, sunset 6:22 PM.
Thursday, February 26:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.
On the Water: Water remains warm, clarity good, slight wind may increase choppiness later in the day. Sunrise 6:38 AM, sunset 6:23 PM.
Friday, February 27:
Daytime: Slight chance of rain showers after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Night: Slight chance of rain showers before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.
On the Water: Begin to see cloud cover which may affect clarity. Sunrise 6:37 AM, sunset 6:24 PM.
Saturday, February 28:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 73.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46.
On the Water: Cooler temperatures might affect fish activity; keep an eye on the bite. Sunrise 6:36 AM, sunset 6:25 PM.
Target Species for 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 Texas rigged worm. A slow retrieve with a bouncing action should encourage a strike at varying depths.
Channel Catfish
Target Channel Catfish this week in 8-15 feet of water over muddy bottoms using cut bait or stink bait. A slow retrieve with bouncing action will entice bites near structures.
Black Crappie
Fish for Black Crappie in 5-12 feet of water around submerged trees using jigs tipped with minnows. A steady retrieve with a jigging action will be effective around structure.
Best Times to Be on the Water: Don’t Miss the Bite!
Largemouth Bass
Due to improving weather trends and active feeding patterns, Largemouth Bass will be feeding heavily during the late afternoon. 4:00 – 6:00 PM is the optimal time to target this species.
Channel Catfish
With warming waters, Channel Catfish will be active during early morning hours. The prime time to fish for them is 6:00 – 8:00 AM.
Black Crappie
As Black Crappie are expected to be challenging in the afternoon heat, the best time to fish for them is from 9:00 – 10:30 AM, just before the sun fully rises.