The Santee Cooper Lakes refer to two connected lakes in central South Carolina: Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie. They form one of the largest freshwater lake systems in the southeastern U.S. and are renowned for their excellent fishing, boating, and wildlife-watching opportunities.

🏞️ Overview

- Lake Marion The larger of the two, covering about 110,000 acres, Known as the "Big Water". Features cypress swamps, open water, and submerged timber.

- Lake Moultrie Covers around 60,000 acres, More open than Marion, with clearer water and fewer stumps, popular for open-water fishing and sailing.
Connected by: The Diversion Canal, a 6.5-mile stretch that links both lakes.
Created by: The Santee Cooper Hydroelectric Project in the 1930s–40s.
Transformed the Santee and Cooper Rivers into a reservoir system.
Now managed by Santee Cooper (South Carolina Public Service Authority).

🎣 Fishing

Santee Cooper Lakes are famous for producing trophy fish, especially:
Catfish – blue, channel, and flathead (record-breaking sizes
Largemouth bass
Striped bass (also called rockfish
Crappie
Bream
Shellcracker

These lakes are considered among the top catfishing destinations in the country. Guides like Spence’s Guide Service specialize in helping anglers target big blues and stripers.

🐦 Wildlife & Scenery

Cypress trees and Spanish moss create a hauntingly beautiful landscape.
Rich habitat for alligators, bald eagles, osprey, and wading birds.
Great for nature photography, bird watching, and kayaking.

🛶 Recreation

Boating, sailing, water skiing.
Multiple public boat ramps and marinas.
Camping at state parks (like Santee State Park and S&L Park.
Hiking and biking trails around the lakes.

If you're into the outdoors, especially fishing or nature exploration, Santee Cooper Lakes are a must-visit destination in South Carolina. Let me know if you want help planning a trip or finding the best spots for certain fish!