Freswater Fishing Trends
Information Courtesy of S.C. DNR
Lake Murray
Bass: Tournament angler Andy Wicker of Pomaria reports that there will be a number of variables that affect the bite in February, including water temperature, lake level, clarity and current. However, as a general rule fish will be starting to move into pre-spawn locations adjacent to where they will begin to spawn when temperatures get into the mid to high-50s. Fish will feed best in the warmest areas and crankbaits and jigs should both be effective. Early in the month there should still be a strong deep bite, but that will diminish as temperatures rise.
Striped bass: Captain Brad Taylor (803-331-1354) reports that water conditions will determine where the action is in February on Lake Murray. In January there was good fishing up the rivers, but there were also deeper fish in major creeks. Without major changes that should hold true in February as well, but sharp warming or muddy inflow could change things. Overall fish should continue to be caught on free-lines, planer boards and by casting at birds, but there should also still be a down-line bite for deeper fish.
Crappie: Captain Brad Taylor reports that in February fish should feed better as the spawn will be rapidly approaching. Tight-lining for suspended fish up the rivers should remain effective and as the month progresses fish will move into the creeks.
Catfish: Captain William Attaway (803-924-0857) reports that the quality of the bite in February will again depend on water conditions, but drifting or anchoring with cut bait off the river channel is likely to be the best pattern.
Santee Cooper
Bass: Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that in February fish will still be concentrating on shad, but what lures they will be willing to eat will depend on water temperature. In colder conditions they will want more subtle, slow-moving lures like spoons, while if temperatures rise they will be willing to chase faster moving baits like spinnerbaits or crankbaits.
Crappie and Bream: Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that January continued to produce a few good crappie on minnows around deep brush, and early February should be the same. By late in the month the crappie fishing should start to improve and fish should move shallower. Without a prolonged warming trend this can be a very slow month for bream, but a few can be caught on the same deep brush the crappie have been on.
Catfish: Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that in February drifting deep water is still the best bet, but on very warm days there can be a night/evening bite in shallow water. Cut herring, shad or white perch will all work.
SALTWATER FISHING TRENDS
Charleston
Inshore: Redfin Charters (843-277-5255) and Captain Rob Bennett (843-367-3777) report that February inshore fishing in Charleston is still mostly about redfish and trout. In the clear conditions anglers should be able to locate big schools of redfish on low tide, even though the quality of the bite may depend on just how cold it is. Fish will eat artificial and natural baits. As long as it does not get terribly cold trout fishing should remain fair this month along grass lines and in deep holes. Live shrimp as well as variety of artificial lures should catch fish.
Nearshore: Captain Rob Bennett (843-367-3777) reports that sheepshead will be all over the nearshore reefs right through the month of February, and on days when you can get offshore catches can be excellent. A variety of baits including fiddler crabs, sand fleas and mussels will work.
Edisto Island
Inshore: Captain Ron Davis Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that unless temperatures plummet redfish should continue to bite well in both the creeks and on the flats. Natural baits will obviously work but this is the period when artificials are sufficient. If water temperatures remain above about 50 degrees trout will continue to be caught on grubs in the creeks. With water temperatures just starting to rise right now a fish kill looks unlikely this winter.
Nearshore/Offshore: Captain Ron Davis Jr. reports that at the nearshore reefs a smorgasbord of species including bull red drum, black drum, sheepshead and more should be around in February. Further out there will be good bottom fishing for black sea bass and then a mixed bag of species. If conditions cooperate there may be good wahoo fishing throughout the month.
Beaufort
Inshore: Captain Tuck Scott with Bay Street Outfitters (843-524-5250) reports that February should look a lot like January, and redfish will stay in tight schools. They will be focused on avoiding dolphins, but in the clear conditions you should be able to sight fish for them and get some reaction strikes. Both live bait and artificials can catch fish. As long as temperatures do not get super cold trout should continue to be caught in moving water on soft plastics fished on ¼-ounce jigheads.
