A nocturnal predator, the blue catfish feeds on fish, aquatic insects, clams and miscellaneous other animals which are encountered. Coots, ducks, and gulls have been observed in large winter caught Santee Cooper blues. Spawning occurs in the late spring or early summer in water temperatures of 70-75 F. Egg masses are deposited in cavities afforded by logs, brush or undercut riverbanks. Unlike other catfish, the male and female both assist in guarding the eggs and the young while they remain in the nest. They were first introduced into South Carolina in 1964 when they were stocked into Lake Marion.
Cut fish is the most commonly used local bait.
Fresh fish is more productive than previously frozen fish. In addition to cut bait, trotline fishermen have been known to use shrimp, raisins, muscadine grapes, deer heart, soap, and cheese to catch Santee Cooper blue cats. If you see violations of wildlife, boating, or litter laws. If you see room for improvement, please cli ck here and drop the webmaster a note. We re always looking for ways to make this place interesting and fun to visit.