Fishing Report (Updated 6.21.2009)

Water levels in both Santee Cooper lakes are still high; Lake Marion is about a foot below full pool and Lake Moultrie is at full pool. 

Bream: Very good.  Bream fishing is very good in the Stump Hole area and bluegill are spawning in shallow water from a foot to 3 or 4 feet deep.  Fish around trees and move around until you find concentrated fish; if all else fails look for other boats to make sure you are in the right general area.  Crickets and worms beneath a small toothpick cork will both work.  The shellcracker spawn has passed. 

Catfish: Good.  The Santee Cooper catfish bite has remained good despite hot temperatures, and many of the fish being landed are showing scrapes and scratches indicating that they have recently completed spawning.  Some nice channel catfish have been caught drifting in 20 to 25 feet of water and lots of blue catfish up to about 25 pounds have been caught drifting or anchoring in water less than 20 feet deep.  A variety of cut baits are working.  This is a good time for night fishing. 

Crappie: No reports.  Fish for crappie around deep brush piles with small and medium minnows. 

Largemouth bass: Slow.  Fluctuating water levels and hot summer temperatures are making for a tough bite, and the few fish being caught are generally coming on soft plastics.  Trick worms or large Magnum 2 worms in green pumpkin or green are a good option, and on some days there will be a topwater bite early. 

DHEC fish advisories: Largemouth bass and bowfin (mudfish) should only be eaten once per week.  

For most recent updates about Lake Marion fishing click here.