Lake Moultrie in December?

[Penn 209]

I'm thinking of a trip down the second week of December. Can some of you local Santee-ans tell me if it would be worth the cold weather?

We will most likely fish for Stripers in the morning, drift for cats during the day and then Stripers again in the afternoon before we come in.

Probably stay at Blacks......they keep Herring all winter?

What do you guys think?

Wes

[katman#1]

thats a good month

[Penn 209]

Originally Posted by katman#1

thats a good month

Thanks katman! Nobody has any December stories or comments?

Can you stand it on the lower lake in December? It's bound to get awwwwwwful cold if there is enough wind to drift. Or should we be anchored in shallow water that time of year?

[catfishrus]

Penn209...I dont know much about the wintertime bite myself at santee. I hear Blacks is a ghosttown in late Dec. but I talked to a few guys that say the fishing is great around christmas week. I know there has been some hogs caught around that time frame down there. I hear stories of a great bite at the lower dam but I also know one fellow thats caught several in the 70 lb range and he said everyone of them has came out of less than 5 ft anchored. I figure hes got a honey out there somewhere. Myself...I believe if you can find the bait schools at that time and drift under it...you should catch fish. Just remember drifting speed at that time of year will be critical. .3-.5 works best for me here. It will be tuff to get down that slow with wind at santee and you might be able to get by with a faster speed.

[Blackwaterkatz]

Business is slow on the lakes during December, but the bite is usually good. Bait can be hard to come by at times; some places don't keep a lot due to the slow business. Ned's on hwy 6 near the diversion canal usually is open and has bait. I think Black's, as well as some others, usually close down their store and restaurant during late December thru Jan. 1, too. Canal Lakes has a newly remodeled restaurant and tackle shop that may stay open. Some places offer deals on rooms during this time of the year, also. I know Harry's has done it in the past.

[rivercatsc]

From now through the 1st of March is my favorite time to fish. December will be a great time to fish but it is hard to sy where will be a good bite at. December the fish could be still in the fall pattern but if the weather satys cool long enough between now and then they will head south for the winter.

[bigcatsc]

Yes the fishing is GREAT during the winter at the Santee. I was told that Canal Lakes has a special going on rooms now, and through the winter, at $55 per night. Get a room for two nights and they will give you a third night free. I fish 52 weeks a year, and all I can advise is to bundle up and prepare to hang on for some monster cat action. Winter time is my favorite fishin' season here in SC.

Bill in SC

[Penn 209]

Now that's what I'm talking about.........I knew some of you pros would spill the beans! LOL Thanks guys for the info. Thanks makes me feel much better about going that time of year.

My Dad and I were debating on Murray for Stripers that week or the Lower lake down there for both Catfish and Stripers.

Whew! I know it will be awful if the winds blowing and it's below 45 degrees.

Do most of you drift like Micheal thought would be productive or do you anchor in the shallows like I've heard stories about too?

Wes

[bigcatsc]

I'm NO pro, but fish more than most average folks, but moderately compared to many. That said, if there is wind, I'd suggest drifting most of the time. You just cover so much territory that way. If you are worried about the cold, or getting on fish, you can find a reputable guide who will put you on fish in the comfort of his enclosed pontoon. Whatever you decide, the Santee is a great place to relax and catch fish. I'd also suggest that you buy a map of the Santee. Wal-Mart usually has them. They will help you with all the contour lines in the lake, and thus help you to get on fish. Just be careful down there and watch the weather closely. It can be a treacherous body of water at times.

Bill in SC

[Penn 209]

Thanks Bill!!! All great info. My family and I have been fishing Moultrie for some years now, but we have never fished in December.

Now I'm excited!!!

[CatKing]

Penn 209,
December in Santee has yielded trophy fish. The big Cats follow the menhaden to the dam on their way back to the ocean. Fish are suspended usually about 20 ft off the bottom. If you interested in a guide, C.P. Owens fishes out of Black's Camp. He caught the lake record I believe in December 109lb. He has always put us on fish. I was down a week before the monster in 2005. Hope this helps!

[Penn 209]

All you guys that encouraged me to take my Dad to Moultrie in December......check out my post in the NC forum titled "Santee Last Week".

Thanks for the boost! It sure was fun.....might be a every year trip now.

Wes

[karolina kitty]

I know your trip is over but here's a pic from Christmas day last year. December can be great here:

[Wyliecat]

There have been a lot of big fish caught down there the past few weeks.