Fishing Report (Updated 5.14.2008)

Fishing on the upper and lower ends of the lake is very strong, and all boat ramps are open again. 

Largemouth Bass: Good to very good.  Fishing cooled off slightly after the spawn but fish seem to be starting to go on a feeding spree and some really large bass are being caught.  Fish soft plastics or topwater lures as bass begin to chase bream and shad.  

Catfish: Very good.  At the upper end of the lake some really large catfish are being caught in shallow water and up the river, and down towards the dam fishing is also very strong.  Some fish have already spawned while other fish are about to spawn, and a 53.2 pound fish was recently weighed in at Randolph’s Landing which had already spawned.  Best fishing near the dam is coming in 12 to 14 feet of water as catfish continue to be in a transitional period.  Cut herring is still the bait of choice. 

Crappie: Very good.  Crappie have already completed spawning but are still feeding very well.  Fish in the Jack's Creek area and around Santee State Park up towards Stump Hole Landing.  Target bridges and piers; night fishing is starting to improve.  

Bream and Shellcracker: Very good.  Fish shallow water along the banks near Santee Park and Stump Hole.  Fish have moved shallow and will spawn and feed aggressively for the next 4 to 6 weeks.  

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