Lake Murray
Bass: Tournament angler Andy Wicker of Pomaria reports that in October the bite usually improves until the lake turns over, and for the first part of the month there is traditionally a good bite for suspended fish offshore with topwater lures and flukes. There also generally begins to be a migration of bait into the creeks, and downsized spinnerbaits and crankbaits can be effective. Depending on the conditions a shakey head worm can also work, although at times fish will not be feeding on the bottom.
Striped bass: Captain Brad Taylor (803-331-1354) reports that in October fish typically move into the middle section of the lake from about Shull Island to Buffalo Creek. They also move back into the creeks, and there should be good schooling activity periodically. As the month progresses you can often begin to follow the birds to locate fish.
Crappie: Captain Brad Taylor reports that typically in October fish will gang up in the creeks in large schools and gorge on threadfin shad and small fry. Fish will usually be suspended in about the middle of the water column where you can troll or tight-line for them.
Catfish: Captain William Attaway (803-924-0857) reports that in October fish will generally be oriented to the river channel, although you can also catch some fish in the creeks if there is a good movement of bait into them. Drifting with cut herring is the preferred technique.
Santee Cooper
Bass: Captain Brett Mitchell (803-379-7029) reports that as it gets cooler in October fish will start to follow shad into the backs. In addition to soft plastics, swimbaits and crankbaits will produce in shallow water. The topwater bite should also get better this month after a very slow September.
Crappie: Captain Steve English (843-729-4044) reports that in October the bite should continue to improve around mid-depth brush. Both lakes will produce good numbers of crappie vertical fishing with minnows.
Bream: Captain Steve English reports that in October most of the better fish will leave the shallows and gang up on brush piles where they can be caught on crickets and worms.
Catfish: Captain Stevie English (843-709-8138) reports that during October fish will generally move deeper as water temperatures cool. At the beginning of the month there will be more fish caught drifting, but by later in the month the better fish may come anchoring cut shad.
