Spring Has Sprung: Fishing is Heating Up!
Welcome to this week’s fishing report for the Santee Cooper Lake system! From March 19 to 26, expect a delightful mix of sunny days and mild temperatures, perfect for fishing. The weather will start warm but cool off slightly mid-week, bringing a chance of rain. Water conditions will generally be calm with good clarity, especially on sunny days. Target species include Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and Bream, which will be actively feeding and ready to bite, particularly around prime times. Get your gear ready and let’s make this week a memorable fishing adventure!
What’s the Weather Like This Week?
Wednesday, March 19:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 2 to 6 mph.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. South wind around 6 mph.
On the Water: Water temp 60°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 7:05 AM, sunset 7:21 PM.
Thursday, March 20:
Daytime: Rain showers likely after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Night: A chance of rain showers before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 39. West wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
On the Water: Water temp 59°F. Water conditions choppy with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 7:04 AM, sunset 7:22 PM.
Friday, March 21:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 64. Northwest wind around 7 mph.
Night: Clear, with a low around 41.
On the Water: Water temp 58°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 6 feet. Sunrise 7:03 AM, sunset 7:23 PM.
Saturday, March 22:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 73.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43.
On the Water: Water temp 60°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 6 feet. Sunrise 7:02 AM, sunset 7:24 PM.
Sunday, March 23:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 74.
Night: A slight chance of rain showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.
On the Water: Water temp 61°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 7:01 AM, sunset 7:25 PM.
Monday, March 24:
Daytime: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Night: A chance of rain showers before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
On the Water: Water temp 62°F. Water conditions choppy with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 7:00 AM, sunset 7:26 PM.
Tuesday, March 25:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 72.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.
On the Water: Water temp 63°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 6:59 AM, sunset 7:26 PM.
Best Species to Target This Week
Largemouth Bass
Fish for Largemouth Bass this week in 5-10 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a spinnerbait. A slow retrieve with a steady action should encourage a strike at 7-9 feet.
Crappie
Target Crappie this week in 8-12 feet of water over submerged structure using jigs. A vertical jigging action will work best around 10-12 feet.
Catfish
Fish for Catfish this week in deeper holes using cut bait. A slow drag along the bottom will entice bites in 10-15 feet of water.
Bream
Target Bream this week in shallow waters using live worms. A slow retrieve with a twitching action will attract them in 2-5 feet of water.
Best Times to Be on the Water This Week
Largemouth Bass
Due to improving weather and stable water conditions, Largemouth Bass will be actively feeding in the late afternoon. 4-6 PM will be the optimal time to target this species.
Crappie
With the weather clearing up, Crappie will be feeding in the early morning. 8-10 AM is the best time to focus on this species.
Catfish
As the water warms, Catfish will be more active during the night. 9 PM to midnight will be the prime time to fish.
Bream
With warmer days ahead, Bream will be feeding actively in the early evening. 5-7 PM is the best time to target them.