Catch the Waves This Week!
The Santee Cooper lake system is serving up some exciting conditions for anglers this week as spring approaches! With daytime temperatures peaking in the 80s, expect intermittent showers and thunderstorms, prompting an increase in fish activity. Watch for varying water conditions, since the rain will keep things interesting, plus some calmer days ahead. Target species like largemouth bass will be more active as they begin spawning, while crappie will seek out shallower waters. Let’s dive into the details for the best fishing days ahead!
Weather Wonders: Rain or Shine?
Sunday, March 08:
Daytime: A chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
Night: A chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain before 8pm, then a chance of rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms between 8pm and 3am, then patchy fog. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southwest wind 2 to 6 mph.
On the Water: Water conditions will be choppy and cloudy, with a clarity of 2 feet. Sunrise 6:32 AM, sunset 7:27 PM.
Monday, March 09:
Daytime: Areas of fog before 8am, then widespread fog, and a slight chance of rain between 8am and 11am. Partly sunny, high near 81. West wind 2 to 6 mph.
Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southwest wind around 3 mph.
On the Water: Calm conditions with a clarity of 3 feet. Sunrise 6:30 AM, sunset 7:28 PM.
Tuesday, March 10:
Daytime: A chance of rain before 2pm, then a chance of rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Partly sunny, high near 82. Southwest wind 1 to 5 mph.
Night: A chance of rain before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.
On the Water: Milder conditions, with clarity at 3-4 feet. Sunrise 6:29 AM, sunset 7:29 PM.
Wednesday, March 11:
Daytime: Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Night: A chance of rain after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
On the Water: Good conditions with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:28 AM, sunset 7:30 PM.
Thursday, March 12:
Daytime: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70.
Night: A chance of rain before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 39.
On the Water: Water conditions dropping, clarity at 2 feet. Sunrise 6:27 AM, sunset 7:31 PM.
Friday, March 13:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 66.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47.
On the Water: Clearer waters returning, clarity at 3.5 feet. Sunrise 6:26 AM, sunset 7:32 PM.
Saturday, March 14:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.
On the Water: Excellent conditions with clarity returning to 4 feet. Sunrise 6:25 AM, sunset 7:32 PM.
Top Species to Target This Week
Largemouth Bass
Fish for largemouth bass this week in 5 to 10 feet of water over a mix of rocky and weedy bottoms using a spinnerbait. A steady retrieve with a twitch action should encourage a strike at 8 feet.
Black Crappie
Target black crappie in 2 to 8 feet of water around submerged structures using live minnows. A slow retrieve with a subtle jigging action should entice them to bite.
Bluegill
For bluegill, look in 1 to 3 feet near shoreline vegetation using worms under a bobber. A quick pull with a pause will attract bites in the shallows.
Prime Fishing Times to Reel Them In!
Largemouth Bass
Due to a warming trend and spawning activity, largemouth bass will be actively feeding in the late afternoon. 3 PM to 5 PM will be optimal.
Black Crappie
As waters warm up, black crappie will be feeding heavily in the early morning and late afternoon. Focus on fishing from 6 AM to 8 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM.
Bluegill
With warmer temperatures, bluegill will be active during midday and late afternoon. Target them best between 11 AM and 1 PM.