A Week of Fishy Fun Awaits!
As we dive into the week of May 04 – 11, 2025, Santee Cooper is buzzing with excitement! The fish are getting active with warming waters and a mixed bag of weather. Expect a little rain but also plenty of sunshine to get you out on the water. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish are on the prowl, especially during prime times this week. With the moon phase favoring evening fishing, grab your gear and let’s make some memories!
Weather and Water Conditions Forecast
Sunday, May 04:
Daytime: A chance of rain showers before 8am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. West wind 1 to 8 mph.
On the Water: Water temp around 70°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 6:10 AM, sunset 8:06 PM.
Monday, May 05:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 81. West wind 1 to 7 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. West wind 0 to 5 mph.
On the Water: Water temp around 71°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 6 feet. Sunrise 6:09 AM, sunset 8:07 PM.
Tuesday, May 06:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 83. West wind 0 to 6 mph.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
On the Water: Water temp around 72°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 6 feet. Sunrise 6:08 AM, sunset 8:08 PM.
Wednesday, May 07:
Daytime: A chance of rain showers after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Night: A chance of rain showers before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.
On the Water: Water temp around 72°F. Water conditions begin to get choppy with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 6:07 AM, sunset 8:08 PM.
Thursday, May 08:
Daytime: A chance of rain showers before 8am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.
On the Water: Water temp around 71°F. Water conditions choppy with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:06 AM, sunset 8:09 PM.
Friday, May 09:
Daytime: A chance of rain showers before 8am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
On the Water: Water temp around 70°F. Water conditions choppy with a clarity of 3 feet. Sunrise 6:05 AM, sunset 8:09 PM.
Saturday, May 10:
Daytime: Rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Night: Rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
On the Water: Water temp around 68°F. Water conditions rough with a clarity of 3 feet. Sunrise 6:04 AM, sunset 8:10 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 steady retrieve with erratic action should encourage a strike at mid-depth.
Bluegill
Fish for bluegill this week in shallow waters (2-5 feet) over a sandy bottom using a small bobber with live worms. A slow retrieve with minimal action will entice bites.
Channel Catfish
Fish for channel catfish this week in 10-15 feet of water over a muddy bottom using cut bait. A slow drag along the bottom will get their attention.
Best Times to Be on the Water This Week
Largemouth Bass
Due to warming temperatures and stable water conditions, largemouth bass will be actively feeding in the early afternoon. 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM will be the optimal time to target this species.
Bluegill
With sunny days and clear waters, bluegill will be feeding in the early morning. 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM is the best time to target them.
Channel Catfish
As the weather gets wetter, channel catfish will be active during the evening. 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM will be ideal for fishing.