Get Ready for a Splashing Good Time!
As we dive into the week of July 6-13, 2025, anglers can expect a mixed bag of weather and fishing opportunities on the Santee Cooper Lake System. With temperatures soaring into the 90s and scattered thunderstorms expected, it’s crucial to stay updated on conditions. The water is warming, and clarity is fluctuating, but the fish are active! Target species this week include largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, all of which should be biting well during the prime times. So grab your gear and get ready for a fantastic week of fishing!
Weather and Water Conditions: What’s in Store?
Sunday, July 06:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 7am and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Northwest wind 8 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp is warming. Water conditions choppy due to wind with a clarity of 3 feet. Sunrise 6:04 AM, sunset 8:39 PM.
Monday, July 07:
Daytime: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 103. West wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Heat index values as high as 101. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water conditions calming with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:04 AM, sunset 8:39 PM.
Tuesday, July 08:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 98. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
On the Water: Water conditions stable with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:04 AM, sunset 8:39 PM.
Wednesday, July 09:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
On the Water: Water conditions slightly rough with a clarity of 3 feet. Sunrise 6:04 AM, sunset 8:38 PM.
Thursday, July 10:
Daytime: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
On the Water: Water conditions rough with a clarity of 2 feet. Sunrise 6:04 AM, sunset 8:38 PM.
Friday, July 11:
Daytime: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
On the Water: Water conditions remain rough with a clarity of 2 feet. Sunrise 6:04 AM, sunset 8:38 PM.
Saturday, July 12:
Daytime: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
On the Water: Water conditions still rough with a clarity of 2 feet. Sunrise 6:04 AM, sunset 8:38 PM.
Best Species to Target This Week: Get Hooked!
Largemouth Bass
Fish for largemouth bass this week in 3-6 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a topwater frog. A slow retrieve with a popping action should encourage a strike at 3-6 feet.
Bluegill
Target bluegill this week in 2-4 feet of water over a sandy bottom using a small jig or worm. A steady retrieve with a twitching action will entice bites at 2-4 feet.
Channel Catfish
Fish for channel catfish this week in 8-12 feet of water over a muddy bottom using stink bait. A slow retrieve with a dragging action should attract strikes at 8-12 feet.
Best Times to Be on the Water This Week: Don’t Miss Out!
Largemouth Bass
Due to warmer temperatures and stable water conditions, largemouth bass will be actively feeding in the early morning and late evening. The optimal time to target this species is from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
Bluegill
With the water warming up, bluegill will be feeding in the shallows during mid-morning. The best time to fish for bluegill is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Channel Catfish
As the weather gets warmer and rain increases, channel catfish will be more active during the night. Target them from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM for the best results.