We just stocked Lake 3 and Lake 4 this morning with 500 lbs. of catfish each. The best bait to use for catfish are nightcrawlers, stink bait, shrimp, and mackerel. Another very popular item lately has been our garlic nightcrawlers which we sell at the store. Popular spots for catfish have been the west side of Lake 4 and South West corner of Lake 3. Come get them while they're hot! The bass bite has remained consistent. Rattletraps, soft plastics, top water, and crankbaits have been seeing success lately. Lake 1 and Lake 5 have been the two most popular lakes lately for bass fishing. The spotlight is on Ken today with his bluegill he caught! The bluegill have really been starting to act up recently. They are a popular target for kids who are new to fishing as well. They are easy to get to since they are close up to the shorelines. Good spots include by docks and by the reeds. The best bait for bluegill are mealworms and waxworms. Hope to see you out here!

Here at Santee Lakes, we deeply value our abundant wildlife and pristine landscape. We work very hard to take care of the animals that call this place home and on keeping this place clean and presentable so our park patrons also can fully enjoy the scenery and their time here. However, we are still fighting a never ending battle of litter. Pictured above is two hours worth of cleaning up the shorelines of just one lake. Whether its fishing line, food wrappers, plastic bottles, crumpled up receipts, etc. if you pack it in, you need to pack it out or throw it away. We have many garbage / fishing line receptacles throughout the park for you to dispose of any unwanted trash. It is imperative that we all make a better effort at leaving wherever you go in life cleaner than when you found it. Everyone, including the wildlife, will thank you.

Lake Lowdown

Average Water Temperature: 72.3°F