SANTEE COOPER
South Carolina's Santee Cooper
Lakes are incredible fisheries. The Lakes total some 171,000 acres in size and stretches for almost 60 miles in length.
Santee Cooper is comprised of two lakes: Marion (upper lake) and Moultrie (lower lake). Lake Marion covers 110,600 acres
and Lake Moultrie covers 60,400 acres. A seven and a half mile long Diversion Canal connects the two lakes. Lake Marion at
full pool is 76.8 feet above Mean Sea Level. Lake Moultrie at full pool is 75.5 feet above Mean Sea Level.
Lake Marion (The Upper Lake) Lake Marion is most well
known for its abundant cover in the form of trees and stumps. Navigating this lake can be very dangerous. If you don't
know where you are going ... Go Slow, and if you do know where
you are going ... Be Careful. Even experienced anglers on this body of water are at risk for tearing up boats and motors.
On the other hand, the largemouth bass fishing on Lake Marion can be amazing. Great catches of bass can be caught here year
around, however Lake Marion can also be very humbling. You can catch five bass weighing in excess of 20 pounds one day and
struggle to get five bites the next during certain times of the year. The spawn is the best time to catch a Santee trophy,
but anytime you can fish here is a treat. This is my favorite place to fish.
Lake Moultrie (The Lower Lake)
At first glance, Lake Moultrie may seem open and safe for navigation. Well, that is partially true.
This lake is a huge bowl shaped body of water but caution must be observed here too. Lake Moultrie's bottom structure
is up and down all over this lake. You can be cruising over 20 feet of water only to see your depth finder rise up to inside
of five feet in a hurry. Lake Moultrie has an abundance of underwater humps and many of them are covered with stumps.
While high winds can be a major problem on both Lakes Marion and Moultrie, Lake Moultrie can be very difficult
during high wind conditions. A BFL tournament in 2005 saw several boats sink due to high winds and severe water conditions. However,
just like on her sister lake, Lake Moultrie can boast some amazing bass fishing. The spawn on this lake can leave
you breathless with the monster bass that will stare down your offering this time of year. If you've ever wanted
to experience sight fishing at its finest then Lake Moultrie in March and April need to be on your calendar. RECENT TRIPS
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