Fishing
Cast A Line at Santee Lakes!
Our seven lakes are regularly stocked with catfish and Rainbow trout on a seasonal basis. Bass and bluegill are also prevalent in the Lakes. Lakes 1 through 5 are for day use fishing, while Lakes 6 through 7 are for registered campground guests.
No State fishing license required; a fishing permit from the General Store, Gatehouse or our Santee Lakes’ App is all you need! We also have fishing events throughout the year including night fishing.
The Kid’s Fishing Pond is open daily and for children 12 & under with a fishing permit.
The Pond will be stocked monthly.
To receive the Lakes weekly fish report via email CLICK HERE.
Please click here to see important restrictions due to Quagga Mussels.
To view a complete list of Rules & Regulations regarding fishing, click here.
TROUT STOCKING DATES 2026-2027
All dates and lakes subject to change. All stocks will be 1000lbs. unless specified otherwise. Most stocks will arrive by Friday of the week listed. Stocked lakes are closed to fishing on stock days, they are available to fish the following day.
November 7 & 8, 2026 3,500 lbs. Trout Season Opening Weekend
January 9th & 10th 2027 2500lbs. Inaugural Trout Winter Classic
Stocking dates:
November 6: 3,500 lbs. Lakes 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 Kids Pond
November 20: Lakes 2, 6
December 4: Lakes 3, 7, Kids Pond
December 18th: Lakes 4, 6
December 30th: Lakes 2, 7, Kids Pond
January 8th: 2500 lbs. Lakes 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
January 15th: Lakes 4, 6, Kids Pond
January 29th: Lakes 2, 7
February 12th: Lakes 3, 6, Kids Pond
February 26th: Lakes 4, 7
March 12th: Lakes 2, 3
CATFISH STOCKING DATES 2026
Catfish Opening Weekend April 11 & 12, 2026
April 10th 2,500lbs. Lakes: 2, 3, 4, 6 &7
April 24th 1000lbs. Lakes: 4, 6 (Lions Club Derby)
May 8th 1000lbs. Lakes: 3, 7
May 22nd 1000lbs. Lakes: 2, 6
June 5th 1000lbs. Lakes: 3, 4
June 19th 1000lbs. Lakes: 4, 7
July 3rd 2000lbs. Lakes: 2, 3, 6, 7
July 17th 1000lbs. Lakes: 3, 7
July 31st 1000lbs. Lakes: 2, 6
August 14th 1000lbs. Lakes: 3, 4
August 28th 1000lbs. Lakes: 2, 7
September 11th 2000lbs. Lakes: 4, 6, 7
(Camper Night Fishing)
September 25 2000lbs. Lakes: 2, 6, 7
(Camper Night Fishing)
October 9th 1000lbs. Lakes: 3, 4
*Dates and lakes are subject to change. Stocked lakes will be closed to fishing on day of stock.
Lake Record Bass: 15.12 lbs. caught by Braeden out of Lake 3.
This Largemouth was caught on a big fish system on March 25, 2021.
New to fishing? Need some tips on tackle, bait, and how to rig your hook? Check out this FISHING GUIDE