Fishing
Large and diverse populations of fish can be found in both Marion and Moultrie. Fishermen will find that the fish in the Santee Cooper Lakes can grow very large. This attracts fishermen from across the entire state of South Carolina. Species of fish in the Santee Cooper Lakes include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, bullhead, channel catfish, gar, sunfish, and numerous species of trout. Due to the two dams and multiple areas of rapidly moving water, trout fishing at Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie are both very successful. Fishermen should use a boat to reach the areas of turbulent water in front of the Santee Dam or Pinopolis Dam. From here, fishermen should use a fly rod. These trout are in a large abundance at the Santee Cooper Lakes and can present a fun challenge to most fishermen. Rainbow trout and lake trout are the most frequently caught trout species in the Santee Cooper Lakes. Largemouth bass fishermen will find that the Santee Cooper Lakes provide an excellent location for catching the most popular species of freshwater lakes. As in most lakes, largemouth bass hide around vegetation and obstacles in shallow water. In the past, fishermen have found that casting a line near the cypress trees at the diversion canal is the best way to catch largemouth bass. This area provides a great habitat for largemouth bass and is about three feet in depth. Light tackle such as jigs, swimbaits, and crankbaits work best. The diversion canal is also the Santee Cooper Lakes' premier location for catching channel catfish. Search for this species in a variety of depths ranging from 10 to 40 feet. If the catfish are not biting in the diversion channel, the next best location is in front of the dams. Anglers should find a fishing hole at the location where water flow begins to slow down. This is a common location where catfish feed. Bottom rigs should be used for this bottom feeder species. Ideal baits include stink baits, cutbait, and chicken livers. Numerous species of delicious panfish can also be caught along the shoreline throughout most of the Santee Cooper Lakes.
Facilities 
There are numerous facilities and accommodations at the Santee Cooper Lakes that will help provide an enjoyable fishing experience. This includes piers, paved boat landings, fueling stations, tackle shops, and lodging.
The Lakes
Both of the lakes of Santee Cooper are quite large. Lake Marion is the largest lake in South Carolina. It covers a total area of 172 square miles. At its maximum depth, Lake Marion is 77 feet. Lake Moultrie is also large. This lake has an area of 94 square miles. It has a maximum depth of 75 feet. Both lakes provide an excellent environment for a high quality fishing experience.

The Santee Cooper Lakes are two of the best fishing locations in the South that every serious angler should visit.

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