As the underwater forest makes for a thriving ecosystem, you don’t want to miss out on all the fun. We’ve landed plenty of fish each time to include a 58 lb cat (Blacks Camp guide) when I was younger. Don’t just take our word for it, listen to the advice of Santee Cooper electric and water company before you go out on your own. When most people think of fishing, they imagine sitting by the side of the lake with someone close and relaxing as they cast away. Does that sound like wishful thinking? What more could you want from your fishing trip? Based just 8 miles from the northern lake’s shores, Summerton not only offers you the chance to get out onto the water, but it’s also far enough away for you to engage in other sports. The synonymous state park that engulfs South Carolina’s “inland sea” is truly a thing of beauty. With South Carolina’s subtropical climate, there’s never a bad time to come fishing on Santee Cooper. What is the smallest size motor you would take out I see people on kyaks but everyone says not our 5 hp for around the banks. Santee Cooper water levels are at 75.68 in Lake Marion (full pool is 76.8) and 74.70 in Lake Moultrie (full pool is 75.5). Both lakes hold a year-round population of Blue, Flathead, White, and Channel Catfish. The lakes’ shores are fully equipped for tourism, too. Santee Cooper invites you to become an e-SMARTkid. Have you ever gone fishing on Santee Cooper? We drive like 12 hours one way to come to this beautiful place. A 3,400-foot (1,000 m) spillway was built to control floodwaters, with 62 gates allowing overflow of excess water. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s always something for you in Lakes Marion and Moultrie. It sounds like you’ve had some great times in Santee Cooper! Hit up the deep waters of Lake Marion or Moultrie in summer, and you can expect plenty of 20-pounders. We told you that there was something for the whole family when fishing in Santee Cooper, and Crappie just proves that. We hope to have many more vacation there in the future. Drop us a line in the comments and let us know how it went. And you can take up to 20 of these beauties home with you, too. My biggest catch was a 78 pd blue. That’s why catfishing here is often ranked among the best in the country. The Santee Cooper lake system includes not one, but two lakes, including South Carolina’s “Inland Sea” and the state’s third-largest lake. Come and fill your cooler with these delicious creatures! So it’s no surprise that fishing on Santee Cooper is among the best in the state. From the Wateree River, across the flats of Lake Marion, to the open waters of Lake Moultrie and beyond, the fishing is exceptional. A popular spot for locals employed by the nearby Santee-Cooper electric and water company, it’s arguably one of the best starting points for fishing on Lake Moultrie. You won’t be able to fish for any of these beauties in the summer months. Enjoy fun-filled golf, wonderful villa accommodations, heavily discounted replay rounds, BBQ dinner, full breakfasts and a gift card to our large golf shop. Or, check our GPS-enabled suggested itineraries with the must-do in the area! Always a great place to fish. Lake Marion is home to the state-record Largemouth Bass, so you’ll have the chance to go for a trophy-sized catch. Find the best places to stay and fun outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking and golf in one of our communities. Typo in opening sentence “inlcuding”. With the creation of Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, the project was intended to improve the health, recreation, and economy of the area. Thanks for reading and for your eagle-eyed observations! First-timers should watch out for some unexpected bumps along the way. These can range from Striper hunting in spring, to catfishing in winter. Welcome to Santee Cooper Country, South Carolina's destination for family fun. Sacramento Fishing: Everything You Need to Kn... Sacramento River Fishing – All You Need to Know.