Trip in March

Every year me and the guys head somewhere different in the US in search of crappie. This year we have decided on Lake Marion. I have the newcomer questions asking for some help. First I have seen the name Santee Cooper, Lake Marion, and lake Moultrie. Is the Santee Cooper a coverall for both? We rented a Air BnB on Taw Caw Creek for the last week in March. I was curious if the week is a good choice? From the videos I have been watching, seems the majority head up to Jacks Creek. Where would I expect the fish to be in transition at that time of year? My other concern will be the boat itself. We have a 22 foot fiberglass Javlin. I'm worried about getting back in the Hydrilla and not getting back out. I like how you can park the boat on top, fish through a half dollar size opening, and bring out pound crappie. Don't want to be long winded. The pressure is on me this year to set up and make a successful fishing trip. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks to all. Paper Mouth Medic.

So.....you will be single poling? Do you have and use live scope? This might help you get some answers.

Yes on Livescope. We will be single poling. I'm not into the spider rigging. I'm a Bobby Garland double jig rig guy. I want to feel that thump.

With Live Scope you won’t need to leave Taw Caw. There’s little hydrilla left in the lakes. You probably saw a video of my buddy Whitey Outlaw jigging through floating grass mats. These mats are not present in that area of the lake. Yes, the Santee Cooper name relates to both the Santee and Cooper river systems that include both lakes and surrounding swamps and drainages. Jacks, Wyboo, Potato, and Taw Caw creeks are some of the best areas of Marion to fish. Late March will find the crappie in all phases of the spawn depending mostly on how fast the water warms and which creek you’re in. You can expect to catch 95% black crappie. The Whites usually spawn in April. Typically, late March will have the majority of the fish in 1-15 feet of water. Open water sniping and brush will be productive.

Good information. I'm curious though. Did they find some way to kill the Hydrilla or does it die off in the winter? Is there a bait store in the area to support and get some advice?

Grass carp were introduced many year ago. Carp and spraying has removed most all vegetation good and bad. But worry not, Santee lakes always find a new invasive species of vegetation to battle. The current problems are Floating Hearts (a type of dollar pad) and Savania, (a rapid growing floating type of giant duck weed) As far as bait goes, I’m uncertain on that side of the lake. I typically put in on the other side of the lake and travel by boat to most areas. Santee General store in the town of Santee carry’s all your bait needs and sales minnows by the pound, the only store around that does that.

You may know this already but be careful running around on that upper lake. There are lots of underwater stumps just under the water. Even in water much deeper than you would expect. Fantastic lake but be careful.

Lots of good information folks. Two more questions. What is normal pool in the summer, and is there a certain deph I'm looking for to fish the stump area in the upper lake?

We just got back from an Airbnb in Taw Caw, If it is the one we stayed in (Cozy Lake Living) it advertises it has a boat ramp at the house but it is not usable, you will have to go to the public ramp down the road otherwise the house was great definitely better than the fish camps towards the canal. I imagine you will be able to wear them out in the creek. Lots of brush and structure for the live scope. There are a lot of trees and stumps just outside the mouth of Taw Caw you will have to be very cautious riding to the channel markers. If you are planning to fish standing timber in the big lake it will be heavily dependent on the wind/weather. It does not take much wind to turn that lake into an ocean.

That would be the place I rented. Small world. Good information. We fished Enid Lake in Mississippi last year and had our first experience fishing the bases of Cypress trees in 12 inches of water. Males post Spawn. Looking at being able to recreate that same experience. Just hope we don't run into one of those 12 foot alligators. I appreciate all the insite. Tight Lines Papermouthmedic.

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Originally Posted by 91tiger

You may know this already but be careful running around on that upper lake. There are lots of underwater stumps just under the water. Even in water much deeper than you would expect. Fantastic lake but be careful.

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Let me add my +1 on this. I've only been fishing these lakes a few years and that only a few times a year. So I can't add any local knowledge but I HAVE learned what hitting a stump, even under 10mph, will do! At the least, it can ruin your day with a busted prop if not your motor! If you have maps on your electronics, good, use 'em. Navionics also helps. But the lake, especially the upper end, is shallow, generally speaking everywhere outside of the channels, and full of stumps.
Be careful, keep a good eye out & if traveling to a different area, use those maps. Take your time & if you can follow a local all the better. The channel markers are widely spaced and can be confusing. There's a reason a lot, if not most, of the locals use flat bottom aluminum boats in their various forms. Next choice is a shallow draft pontoon.

If youre wanting to fish Cypress trees then make sure you take a day and travel around to Jacks Creek to launch. You will not have to fish the same tree twice all day long.;)

I have been doing my research on the Lake. I seen a picture of the drought of 2006( correct me if I'm wrong on year) at Stump Hole. Wow now that's some stumps! I might just have to turn the motor off and oar over. LOL I like the idea of just trailering the boat and driving over to the ramp at Jacks Creek. That way there is minimal use of the big motor. The crappie need to be at least ten inches; what is the creel limit for Lake Marion? March 27Th I will be in the area. Would I expect the males to be up shallow around the base of the sycamore trees, and the female out deep after doing their thing. Im from West Virginia, the crappie don't move up shallow till Mid April to around Mid May. Everything is different in that neck of the woods. Thanks Dustin (Papermouthmedic)

As far as lake levels go, spring should find the lakes near full pool. Typically, winter draw down begins first of October, the lakes are currently 3.5 down which does expose many more hazards and limits some ramps usability. The drought pictures you mentioned are crazy, but misleading. Water levels were nearly 10 feet down at that time. March will find the fish in every phase of the spawn. You will find pre, post and spawning fish. The higher the water, the better the tree bite will be.

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Originally Posted by gabowman

If youre wanting to fish Cypress trees then make sure you take a day and travel around to Jacks Creek to launch. You will not have to fish the same tree twice all day long.;)

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Is there a public launch ramp in Jacks creek?

Good point Polarcrafter. There looks to be one on Google Maps, but as you pan in, it looks like it has been closed at some point. Off State Route S-14-419. Will Palmetto Shores be open then?

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Originally Posted by polarcrafter

Is there a public launch ramp in Jacks creek?

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Yes, Carolina King is a public launch as is Jacks Creek. There’s a fee and time restraints at Carolina, but they do offer a store and restrooms. Jacks store is no longer open, it’s a free launch.

Years and years ago we ran into a "problem" at one of the free ramps at Santee. We came in during the late night from a fish shooting trip and it seemed all the local teenagers hung around that ramp drinking and having fun. Well, it was obvious that some (alot) were over indulged as they didnt want to move off the ramps and a few even wanted into my boat. Probably 50-75 teens/20's were there that night. I dropped off the truck owner and backed back out as I had a child in my boat with me. We finally came out unscathed after some minutes but anytime after that night it was ALWAYS paid ramps for me. Ive always felt that the little amount of money at pay ramps keeps out the rip-Raff and you might just still have your tires and wheels when you come back in at night.;)