Santee Lakes Fishing Report

Caught 2 largemouth bass at Santee Lakes (Lake 4) using a bluegill-colored squarebill crankbait. The first fish, around 2 lbs, hit at 9:19 AM, and the second, estimated between 3-4 lbs, struck at 9:30 AM. Both bites were aggressive as I worked the lure with a stop-and-go retrieve through vegetation in 2-5 feet of water. The water was slightly stained with no wind, and both fish were caught near submerged grass.

Santee Lakes is scheduled to receive another 1,000-pound stock today, spread across lakes 3, 4, and 6. (Lakes are closed today but will open tomorrow, 2/21). Lakes 2, 4, and 7 received stocks on Feb. 6 as well, so there’s plenty of trout to go around. Kastmasters and Rooster Tails are pulling fish for the chuck-and-wind anglers, while bait soakers are getting bit on green PowerBait and micetails.

The bass bite has been surprisingly good lately, although there are no specifics on which lake is producing best. Slower presentations are your best bet, with water temps in the low 50s. Jigs (black and blue) and T-rigged worms are working, though some reports mention a decent crankbait bite as well.