Get Ready for a Fantastic Week on Santee Cooper!
As we dive into the week of March 22 to 29, 2026, Santee Cooper’s fishing scene is looking promising! With warm temperatures peaking at 87 degrees, sunny days, and an array of active fish species, anglers will want to take advantage of the excellent conditions. The days start warm but expect some cooler snap midweek. Those early and late outings might just yield the best catches, especially as fish begin their spring feeding frenzy. Stay tuned for specific species, weather insights, and prime fishing times that will help you reel in the big ones this week!
A Sunny Week on the Water
Sunday, March 22:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 87. West wind 3 to 10 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph.
On the Water: Water temp rising. Conditions calm and clear. Sunrise 7:16 AM, sunset 7:29 PM.
Monday, March 23:
Daytime: A slight chance of rain between 2pm and 5pm, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. West wind around 10 mph, gusts up to 21 mph.
Night: A slight chance of thunderstorms and rain before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, low around 51. North wind 6 to 10 mph, gusts up to 21 mph.
On the Water: Water conditions getting rough and clarity reducing slightly. Sunrise 7:15 AM, sunset 7:30 PM.
Tuesday, March 24:
Daytime: Mostly cloudy, high near 62. Northeast wind 7 to 10 mph, gusts to 22 mph.
Night: A slight chance of rain after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, low around 45.
On the Water: Rougher conditions. Clarity on the decline. Sunrise 7:14 AM, sunset 7:31 PM.
Wednesday, March 25:
Daytime: Slight chance of rain before 2pm. Mostly cloudy, high near 69.
Night: Partly cloudy, low around 51.
On the Water: Water starting to stabilize. Clarity beginning to improve. Sunrise 7:13 AM, sunset 7:32 PM.
Thursday, March 26:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, high near 79.
Night: Mostly clear, low around 58.
On the Water: Calm and clear conditions. Water warming up. Sunrise 7:12 AM, sunset 7:33 PM.
Friday, March 27:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 86.
Night: Slight chance of rain after 8pm. Partly cloudy, low around 49.
On the Water: Calm and clear. Good clarity expected. Sunrise 7:11 AM, sunset 7:34 PM.
Saturday, March 28:
Daytime: Slight chance of rain, partly sunny, high near 61.
Night: Slight chance of rain, mostly cloudy, low around 43.
On the Water: Conditions starting to get rough and visibility may decline slightly. Sunrise 7:10 AM, sunset 7:35 PM.
This Week’s Top Fishing Targets
Largemouth Bass
Fish for Largemouth Bass this week in 5-15 feet of water over a rocky and sandy bottom using a spinnerbait or plastic worm. A slow retrieve with erratic action should encourage a strike.
Bluegill
Fish for Bluegill this week in shallow coves and marshy areas over a weedy bottom using small jigs or live crickets. A steady retrieve with light twitching action will yield the best results.
Channel Catfish
Fish for Channel Catfish this week in deeper pools near structure using cut bait or stink bait. A slow and steady retrieve should tempt bites.
Crappie
Fish for Crappie this week in 8-12 feet of water near submerged brush or trees using minnows or soft plastics. A jigging action around structure will entice strikes.
Best Times for An Action-Packed Fishing Experience
Largemouth Bass
Due to warming temperatures and improving clarity, Largemouth Bass will be actively feeding in the late afternoon. 4 PM to 6 PM will be the optimal time to target this species.
Bluegill
Due to stable conditions and continued warming, Bluegill will be active during the warmer parts of the day. 10 AM to 2 PM will be the best time to fish for them.
Channel Catfish
Due to the stable weather conditions, Channel Catfish will be feeding more actively in the evening. 5 PM to 7 PM will offer the best chances.
Crappie
With water warming and conditions stabilizing, Crappie will be most active in the early morning. 6 AM to 8 AM is the prime time to target Crappie.