Santee Cooper July fishing report

Striper season closed, but plenty of other species are biting

Striper season is closed for the summer on the Santee Cooper lakes, but plenty of other species are in play, and they’re all biting just fine.

Getting an early start is the name of the game to beat the heat this month. Capt. Joe Dennis of Captain J Hook Charters said that’s his plan of action.

BASS

A combination of Zara Spooks and similar topwater lures, along with white Flukes will catch plenty of July bass, and Dennis ventures off the lakes and into the Cooper River in the early morning for this bite.

BREAM

The full and new moons will ratchet up bluegill and shellcracker action this month. Side-scanning in 3-10 foot depths is a great way to find beds, then using crickets, waxworms and catalpa worms is a sure-fire way to load the cooler with bluegills. Shellcracker action is best on nightcrawlers in 3-5 feet of water near sawgrass and cypress trees.

CRAPPIE

Jigs tipped with minnows in 10-25 feet of water, especially around brush piles and fished vertically will do the trick for crappie this month.

CATFISH

Cats are heavily scattered, and biting in all areas. Night fishing around shallow trees and drop-offs is a good bet. Shallow clam beds provide great action during daylight hours with cut shad and herring, and drifting with Santee rigs using cut herring, shad or shrimp is excellent in 25-35 feet.

To stay up-to-date on the Santee Cooper fishing report, visit santeecoopercountry.com/fishing/fishing-reports/ ■