Get ready for a week of fishing fun!
As we dive into the fishing season on Santee Cooper Lakes, this week promises some exciting opportunities. With mostly sunny skies and a few chances of showers, anglers can expect varied conditions. Target species like largemouth bass and blue catfish are actively feeding, especially during the prime hours of early morning and late evening. Water temperatures are on the rise, making it a perfect time to hit the water with your favorite lures. Let’s break down the week ahead and find your best fishing spot!
Weather and Water Conditions for the Week
Sunday, September 21:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind 2 to 7 mph.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Northeast wind 1 to 6 mph.
On the Water: Water temp rising. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 6:49 AM, sunset 7:10 PM.
Monday, September 22:
Daytime: Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind 2 to 6 mph.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind 0 to 3 mph.
On the Water: Water temp warming. Water conditions calm with a clarity of 6 feet. Sunrise 6:50 AM, sunset 7:09 PM.
Tuesday, September 23:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind around 2 mph.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
On the Water: Water temp stable. Water conditions remain clear with a clarity of 6 feet. Sunrise 6:50 AM, sunset 7:08 PM.
Wednesday, September 24:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
On the Water: Water temp rising. Water conditions calm, clarity at 6 feet. Sunrise 6:51 AM, sunset 7:07 PM.
Thursday, September 25:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 PM, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
On the Water: Water temp stable. Water conditions starting to get choppy with a clarity of 5 feet. Sunrise 6:51 AM, sunset 7:06 PM.
Friday, September 26:
Daytime: A chance of rain showers before 2 PM, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 PM, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
On the Water: Water temp cooling slightly. Water conditions choppy with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:52 AM, sunset 7:05 PM.
Saturday, September 27:
Daytime: A chance of rain showers before 2 PM, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.
On the Water: Water temp cooling. Water conditions rough with a clarity of 4 feet. Sunrise 6:52 AM, sunset 7:04 PM.
Best Species to Target this Week
Largemouth Bass
Fish for largemouth bass this week in 4-10 feet of water over a rocky bottom using a topwater lure. A slow retrieve with a walking action should encourage a strike at the shallow depths.
Blue Catfish
Target blue catfish in 15-25 feet of water over a muddy bottom using cut bait. A steady retrieve with a bouncing action will provoke these cats to bite.
Black Crappie
Fish for black crappie in 8-15 feet of water over submerged structures using jigs. A slow retrieve with a twitching action is ideal for attracting these fish.
Best Times to be on the Water this Week
Largemouth Bass
Due to warming water temperatures and stable weather, largemouth bass will be actively feeding in the early morning hours. The optimal time to target this species is from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
Blue Catfish
With water conditions stabilizing, blue catfish will be more active in the late evening. Target this species between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Black Crappie
As the weather remains stable, black crappie will be feeding in the mid-morning. The best time to fish for crappie is from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.