Catchin’ in the Heat: Santee Cooper Fishing Fun!
This week, the fishing action at Santee Cooper is heating up alongside the temperatures! With a mix of summer storms and sunny days, fish are moving and feeding actively. Water conditions will fluctuate but expect decent clarity for bass and catfish. Target species include largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. The best fishing times are early mornings and late evenings, especially around the full moon. Grab your gear, and let’s get to it!
Weather Report: Will it Rain? Maybe!
Sunday, Jul 12:
Daytime: A slight chance of rain showers between 2pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 102. West wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind 0 to 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp rising, conditions choppy with a clarity of 3 feet. Sunrise 6:05 AM, sunset 8:32 PM.
Monday, Jul 13:
Daytime: Patchy fog before 8am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Northwest wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northeast wind 0 to 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp steady, conditions moderate with a clarity of 2.5 feet. Sunrise 6:06 AM, sunset 8:32 PM.
Tuesday, Jul 14:
Daytime: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp holding, conditions rough with a clarity of 2 feet. Sunrise 6:06 AM, sunset 8:31 PM.
Wednesday, Jul 15:
Daytime: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
On the Water: Water temp rising, conditions calm with a clarity of 3.5 feet. Sunrise 6:06 AM, sunset 8:31 PM.
Thursday, Jul 16:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 95.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
On the Water: Water temp warming, conditions calm with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:06 AM, sunset 8:30 PM.
Friday, Jul 17:
Daytime: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 96.
Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
On the Water: Water temp peaking, conditions calm with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:06 AM, sunset 8:30 PM.
Saturday, Jul 18:
Daytime: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
On the Water: Water temp stabilizing, conditions moderate with a clarity of 3.5 feet. Sunrise 6:06 AM, sunset 8:30 PM.
Catch of the Week: Target Fish Galore!
Largemouth Bass
Fish for largemouth bass this week in 5-10 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a plastic worm. A slow retrieve with a hopping action should encourage a strike at 5-8 feet.
Bluegill
Fish for bluegill this week in 2-6 feet of water over a sandy bottom using a small jig. A steady retrieve with a twitch action should entice bites in shallow areas.
Channel Catfish
Fish for channel catfish this week in 10-15 feet of water over a muddy bottom using cut bait. A slow, steady retrieve with a dragging action should attract attention near the bottom.
Fishing Times: When to Reel ‘Em In!
Largemouth Bass
Due to warming water and active weather, largemouth bass will be feeding in the early morning and late evening. 5 AM to 8 AM and 7 PM to 9 PM will be the optimal times to target this species.
Bluegill
With sunny conditions and active feeding, bluegill will be most active during midday. 10 AM to 1 PM will be the best time to target this species.
Channel Catfish
With rising temperatures and stable water levels, channel catfish will be feeding heavily at night. 8 PM to 12 AM will be the prime time to target this species.