Relaxed Retreat Weekly Fishing Report: Jul 26 – Aug 02, 2026
Catch of the Week: Fun and Fishy Times Ahead!
Welcome to this week’s fishing report for Santee Cooper Lake! With a mix of sunny days, occasional storms, and warm temperatures, anglers are in for a treat. Water conditions will fluctuate with rain, but clarity is set to improve mid-week. Target species include the ever-active largemouth bass and bluegill. Best fishing times are during the cooler parts of the day, especially the early mornings and late evenings. Let’s dive into the details so you can reel in a big one!
Weather and Water Conditions: A Mixed Bag
Sunday, July 26:
Daytime: Patchy fog and a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 3pm and 4pm, then showers and thunderstorms between 4pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind around 3 mph.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then patchy fog. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 2 mph.
On the Water: Water temp around 82°F. Water conditions will be rough due to storms, with a clarity of 2 feet.
Monday, July 27:
Daytime: Patchy fog before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 101. Northeast wind around 2 mph.
Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind 0 to 3 mph.
On the Water: Water temp rising to 83°F. Conditions calm, clarity improving to 3 feet.
Tuesday, July 28:
Daytime: Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Southwest wind 3 to 10 mph.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
On the Water: Water temp around 84°F. Conditions calm, clarity at 4 feet.
Wednesday, July 29:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
On the Water: Water temp steady at 84°F. Conditions remain calm, clarity still 4 feet.
Thursday, July 30:
Daytime: Sunny, with a high near 93.
Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71.
On the Water: Water temp around 85°F. Conditions calm, clarity improving to 5 feet.
Friday, July 31:
Daytime: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
On the Water: Water temp at 85°F. Conditions calm, clarity at 5 feet.
Saturday, August 1:
Daytime: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
On the Water: Water temp steady at 85°F. Conditions calm, clarity remains at 5 feet.
Best Species to Target This Week
Largemouth Bass
Fish for largemouth bass this week in 5-15 feet of water over rocky bottoms using a deep-diving crankbait. A slow retrieve with erratic action should encourage a strike in the morning and late evening.
Bluegill
Target bluegill in 3-6 feet of water over sandy bottoms using a small jig or live bait. A steady retrieve with a twitching action will entice bites during the day.
Channel Catfish
Fish for channel catfish this week in deeper waters near drop-offs using cut bait. A slow drag along the bottom should garner interest at night.
Best Times to Be on the Water This Week
Largemouth Bass
Due to warming temperatures and improving water clarity, largemouth bass will be actively feeding in the early morning and late evening. 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM will be the optimal time to target this species.
Bluegill
Given the sunny conditions, bluegill will be active in the warmer afternoons. 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM will be the best time to catch them.
Channel Catfish
With the chance of storms, channel catfish will be feeding in the cooler night hours. 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM will be prime fishing time for this species.
