Heading down to Santee 4/21

Heading down to stay at Canal Lakes 4/21-4/22 going to have a couple friends who will be bringing a small 14ft jon boat. I will be bringing my 18ft xpress, and looking for anything that is biting. I am guessing my friends will most likely have to try to stay around either the Diversion canal, or hit a cove somewhere. I am trying to talk them into renting a pontoon, but they probably wont since it is pretty expensive for renting an old pontoon. I know the catfishing in the Diversion Canal is good when the weather warms up in the summer, but how about now? And where would you guys start looking for Crappie? I have never fished the lakes for crappie, only catfish. I will probably try to catch some shellcrackers if they are around. Any help would be appreciated.

I fished out of Blacks Camp yesterday. talked to two fellas from Ga. who caught 104 catfish day before fishing near lower end of canal. saw a crappie guide pontoon headed toward the cow pasture area.
we longlined near the rocky dam area in 10-15fow and never had a tug. It was our first trip to lake Moultrie. We caught a few bream but they were even slow.

BTW, the 21-22 is the Wylie Crappiefest.
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/south...ril-22-2017-a/

incase you are interested.

I know Catfish are hitting some @ canal. Shellcrakers should be headed to the bank, But haven't fished for them in years. There still maybe a crappie or two @ angels on the lower lake but it's always hit and more miss for crappie on Santee. Good luck.

Thanks guys, I don't get to fish Santee but around once maybe twice per year. So I have no idea of any of the areas you said :). We are about 2 hours away, and I have always loved the Santee area, so we decided to get away for a weekend. The folks that want to come with us have never ventured to the lakes outside of NC, and want to just check it out. Maybe we can find a fish or two, I have never been a person to keep more fish than I can eat in a few days, or give to a couple family members. I just like being on the water and letting the rods bend a little. Maybe some more folks will try it this weekend and will chime in. Thanks for your input guys, and tight lines!

Matt,

Angels is across the bridge from where you'll be staying if you go across the bridge turn right on viper road and you'll come out @ angels or you can run out the canal to were Moultrie opens up and turn left about a mile you'll see the creek just watch running the banks....

Anyone stay at the state park in those cabins?

When water is calm, marker number 9 in lower lake has always produced good numbers of catfish.