Catch the Wave: Fishing Conditions Are on the Rise!
As we dive into the week of October 12-19, 2025, fishing conditions are looking promising on the Santee Cooper lake system. Expect a mix of weather from rainy beginnings to sunny days, which will help warm up the water. With bass and catfish actively feeding, this is an ideal time to get on the water. The moon phase supports good fishing, bringing some excitement to your outings. So grab your gear and hit the lakes for some great fishing adventures!
Weather and Water Conditions This Week
Sunday, October 12:
Daytime: Rain showers and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a high near 64. Northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Night: Rain showers likely and patchy fog before midnight, then patchy fog and a slight chance of rain showers between midnight and 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 58. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
On the Water: Water temp around 61. Water conditions will be rough with choppy surfaces and limited clarity at about 2 feet. Sunrise 7:16 AM, sunset 6:31 PM.
Monday, October 13:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. North wind around 8 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Northwest wind 2 to 6 mph.
On the Water: Water temp rising to 63. Conditions calming down with clearer water, clarity improving to 3 feet. Sunrise 7:17 AM, sunset 6:30 PM.
Tuesday, October 14:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 77. North wind 3 to 7 mph.
Night: Clear, with a low around 55.
On the Water: Water temp around 65. Water conditions calm with good clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 7:17 AM, sunset 6:29 PM.
Wednesday, October 15:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 78.
Night: Clear, with a low around 53.
On the Water: Water temp maintaining around 65. Conditions remain calm and clear with clarity at 4 feet. Sunrise 7:17 AM, sunset 6:28 PM.
Thursday, October 16:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 71.
Night: Clear, with a low around 47.
On the Water: Water temp starts to cool slightly at 64. Conditions steady with clarity at 4 feet. Sunrise 7:17 AM, sunset 6:27 PM.
Friday, October 17:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 73.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.
On the Water: Water temp around 65. Conditions slightly rougher, clarity remaining at 4 feet. Sunrise 7:17 AM, sunset 6:26 PM.
Saturday, October 18:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59.
On the Water: Water temp warming to 66. Conditions calm with clarity at 4 feet. Sunrise 7:17 AM, sunset 6:25 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 crankbait. A slow retrieve with a wobbling action should encourage a strike at the shallows.
Channel Catfish
Target Channel Catfish this week in 10-20 feet of water over a muddy bottom using cut bait. A slow drag with a light action should entice bites from the depths.
Black Crappie
Fish for Black Crappie this week in 8-15 feet of water over submerged structure using minnows. A fast retrieve with popping action can provoke an aggressive strike.
Bluegill
Target Bluegill this week in 2-6 feet of water over a sandy bottom using small jigs. A twitchy action will draw them into striking.
Best Times to Be on the Water This Week
Largemouth Bass
Due to improving weather conditions and warming water, Largemouth Bass will be actively feeding in the late afternoon. 3 PM to 5 PM will be the optimal time to target this species.
Channel Catfish
With stable conditions, Channel Catfish will be feeding heavily at night. 7 PM to 9 PM will be the best time to catch them.
Black Crappie
Black Crappie will be actively feeding during the early morning hours. 6 AM to 8 AM will be the best time to target this species.
Bluegill
Bluegill will be most active in the late morning as they move to shallower waters. 10 AM to 12 PM will be the prime time to fish for them.