Relaxed Retreat Weekly Fishing Report: Oct 11 – 18, 2026

Two of Relaxed Retreat at Carolina King's Lake Marion fishing piers at sunset.

Fishing Fun Awaits: Get Ready for a Great Week!

As we dive into the week of October 11-18, anglers at the Santee Cooper lake system are in for a treat! The weather is shaping up nicely with mostly sunny days and comfortable temperatures. Water conditions are stable and clear, making it an ideal time to target species like largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. With the moon phase favoring evening activity, plan your trips accordingly. Get your gear ready for some fantastic fishing adventures!

Weekly Weather and Water Conditions: What to Expect

Sunday, October 11:

Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. West wind 7 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
On the Water: Water temp stable around 74°F. Water conditions choppy with a clarity of 2 feet. Sunrise 7:21 AM, sunset 6:36 PM.

Monday, October 12:

Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 83. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Northwest wind 1 to 6 mph.
On the Water: Water temp warming to 75°F. Water conditions calmer with a clarity of 3 feet. Sunrise 7:22 AM, sunset 6:35 PM.

Tuesday, October 13:

Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 85. North wind around 2 mph.
Night: Clear, with a low around 62.
On the Water: Water temp rising to 76°F. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 7:22 AM, sunset 6:34 PM.

Wednesday, October 14:

Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Night: Clear, with a low around 63.
On the Water: Water temp at 77°F. Water conditions very calm with a clarity of 4.5 feet. Sunrise 7:23 AM, sunset 6:33 PM.

Thursday, October 15:

Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Night: Clear, with a low around 63.
On the Water: Water temp holding steady at 77°F. Water conditions remain calm with a clarity of 4.5 feet. Sunrise 7:23 AM, sunset 6:32 PM.

Friday, October 16:

Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 84.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
On the Water: Water temp cooling slightly to 76°F. Water conditions remain calm with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 7:24 AM, sunset 6:31 PM.

Saturday, October 17:

Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47.
On the Water: Water temp dropping to 74°F. Water conditions slightly choppy with a clarity of 3 feet. Sunrise 7:25 AM, sunset 6:30 PM.

Top Species to Target This Week: Get Hooked!

Largemouth Bass

Fish for largemouth bass this week in 5-15 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a spinnerbait. A slow retrieve with a steady action should encourage a strike at mid-depth.

Bluegill

Target bluegill in 3-10 feet of water over a sandy bottom using small jigs. A quick twitch with erratic action will attract attention.

Channel Catfish

Fish for channel catfish in deeper holes using cut bait. A slow drag along the bottom with a steady action will entice bites.

Prime Fishing Times: When to Cast Your Line

Largemouth Bass

Due to the warming trends and stable water conditions, largemouth bass will be actively feeding in the late afternoon. The optimal time to target them is from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Bluegill

Given the clear water and sunny days, bluegill will be feeding in the mornings. Aim for 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM for the best success.

Channel Catfish

With the moon phase favoring evening activity, channel catfish will be feeding actively at night. Target them between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM for the best results.

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