Heading down to Santee 4/21

[mattbowen61990]

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.

[scottymoe]

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.

[stumpjumper]

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.

[mattbowen61990]

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!

[stumpjumper]

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....

[frankb3]

Anyone stay at the state park in those cabins?

[Ttexastom]

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