Relaxed Retreat Weekly Fishing Report: May 18 – 25, 2025
Catch of the Week: Fish Are Feeling Frisky!
Get ready for a fantastic week of fishing on the Santee Cooper lakes! From May 18 to 25, 2025, expect lots of sunshine, a few showers, and ideal conditions for targeting species like largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. With water temperatures rising and a mix of calm and slightly choppy waters, fishing should be active throughout the week. Early and late afternoons will be prime times, especially as the moon phase shifts. Grab your gear and get ready for a reel good time!
Weather and Water Conditions: Perfect Fishing Forecast!
Sunday, May 18:
Daytime: Partly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 3 to 9 mph.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. West wind 2 to 8 mph.
On the Water: Water temp 70°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:05 AM, sunset 8:17 PM.
Monday, May 19:
Daytime: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Northwest wind around 3 mph.
Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 2 mph.
On the Water: Water temp 72°F. Water conditions remain calm with a clarity of 4 feet.
Tuesday, May 20:
Daytime: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 1 to 6 mph.
Night: A slight chance of rain showers before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
On the Water: Water temp 73°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 4 feet.
Wednesday, May 21:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 64.
On the Water: Water temp 73°F. Water conditions choppy with a clarity of 3 feet.
Thursday, May 22:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 82.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
On the Water: Water temp 71°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet.
Friday, May 23:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 78.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.
On the Water: Water temp 70°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet.
Saturday, May 24:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 81.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
On the Water: Water temp 71°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet.
Best Species to Target This Week: Hooking the Big Ones!
Largemouth Bass
Fish for largemouth bass this week in 5-15 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a crankbait. A steady retrieve with a erratic action should encourage a strike at mid-depth.
Bluegill
Fish for bluegill this week in 2-6 feet of water over a sandy bottom using live worms. A slow retrieve with a subtle bobbing action should entice bites near the shoreline.
Channel Catfish
Fish for channel catfish this week in 8-12 feet of water over a muddy bottom using stinkbait. A slow drag with a bottom bouncing action should yield success in the evening.
Best Times to Be on the Water This Week: Timing Is Everything!
Largemouth Bass
Due to warming temperatures and stable water conditions, largemouth bass will be actively feeding in the late afternoon. 5 PM to 7 PM will be the optimal time to target this species.
Bluegill
With consistent weather and sunny conditions, bluegill will be feeding in the early morning. 6 AM to 8 AM will be the best time to target this species.
Channel Catfish
As night falls and temperatures cool, channel catfish will be more active. 7 PM to 9 PM will be the ideal time to fish for this species.