Catch of the Week: Fishy Fun Awaits!
The Santee Cooper lake system is shaping up for a lively week of fishing as we transition from July 13 to 20. With a mix of sunshine and scattered thunderstorms, expect warm temperatures peaking around 96°F, which should fire up the fish activity. Water conditions remain stable, with clarity fluctuating due to potential rain. Target species like largemouth bass and blue catfish are actively feeding, particularly during prime fishing hours. So grab your gear and get ready for some exciting angling adventures!
Weather and Water Conditions: Stay Prepared!
Sunday, July 13:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 102. Northwest wind around 2 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. 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 75. Southeast wind around 2 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp 85°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 6:06 AM, sunset 8:32 PM.
Monday, July 14:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 103. East wind 0 to 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southeast wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp 86°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 4 feet.
Tuesday, July 15:
Daytime: A slight chance of rain showers between 8am and 11am, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 11am and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Southeast wind 1 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp 87°F. Water conditions getting rougher with a clarity of 3 feet.
Wednesday, July 16:
Daytime: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
On the Water: Water temp 87°F. Water conditions rough with a clarity of 2 feet.
Thursday, July 17:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 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. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
On the Water: Water temp 88°F. Water conditions stabilizing with a clarity of 3 feet.
Friday, July 18:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
On the Water: Water temp 88°F. Water conditions calming with a clarity of 4 feet.
Saturday, July 19:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
On the Water: Water temp 89°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet.
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 plastic worm. A slow retrieve with a hopping action should encourage a strike at the drop-offs.
Blue Catfish
Fish for blue catfish this week in 20-30 feet of water over a muddy bottom using cut bait. A steady retrieve with a slow drag action should encourage a strike in the deeper channels.
Black Crappie
Fish for black crappie this week in 8-12 feet of water over submerged structure using jigs. A vertical presentation with a twitch action should entice a bite around the brush piles.
Best Times to Be on the Water This Week: Hook the Big Ones!
Largemouth Bass
Due to improving weather conditions and stable water trends, largemouth bass will be actively feeding in the late afternoon. 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM will be the optimal time to target this species.
Blue Catfish
With the water warming and stability returning, blue catfish will be feeding heavily during the early morning. 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM will provide the best chances of success.
Black Crappie
Given the clearing water conditions and their usual behavior, black crappie will be most active in the late evening. 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM will be the ideal fishing window.