Any Tips for Santee lakes Trout opener?

luv2phish · Nov-05-2009, 12:08 AM

Taking my kids 8-8-4 yrs old to the trout opener at Santee lakes this Saturday Nov. 7th. Don't know what to expect. Looked at map and website for tips but nothng specific. If you have anything you want to share:

1. which lake is best
2. what area of that lake is kid friendly (south,north,west,east)
3 best bait/rig
4. best time to go

Just want the kids to enjoy and have a great time.
Thanks in advance for sharing.

carl · Nov-05-2009, 04:07 AM

Only Lakes 3&4 are stocked....So they will be best. Tip: do not cast more than about 20' from shore...They'll either be cruising the shoreline or circling the aerators (which are more than 20' from shore, but less kid friendly)....It's been many years since I fished for trout but, somethings don't change much..I fish bass at Santee Lakes often enough to observe what's going on more currently...Mealworms are deadly for trout and bluegill which will help keep the kids occupied..

bmtrout77 · Nov-05-2009, 05:41 AM

Get there super early if you want a decent piece of shoreline. I went last year and got there no more the 15 minutes after the opening and there was no real estate left to set up on lakes 2 and 3. Good Luck though, the kids will have a blast!

Slater · Nov-05-2009, 07:47 AM

If I remeber correctly I think DBAR / Jim went last year on opening day with his kids & his recommendation was, never again! Heard its become quiet the cluster fuck! Like Brian said, get there at 0' dark 30 to claim your turf!

luv2phish · Nov-05-2009, 07:31 PM

thanks for the info guys! much appreciated.

datguyjoe · Nov-06-2009, 04:03 PM

use yellow with spotted brown crank baits...works great!

calicokid123 · Nov-06-2009, 05:01 PM

stick with power bait (chartruse or rainbow with glitter) and use a short leader 8-12 inches, and like they said above get there early and fish the rocky side of lake 3 in a spot infront of where the bubbles come up. U could also try inflated night crawlers or a power bait nightcrawler combo too. Or power worms/power eggs

luv2phish · Nov-06-2009, 09:31 PM

thanks matt. looking at the map on their website, would it be on the street side entering in or the other side of lake 3?

calicokid123 · Nov-06-2009, 09:39 PM

other side from the entrance road

luv2phish · Nov-06-2009, 10:19 PM

OKAY. Thanks again.

barracuda123 · Nov-07-2009, 01:16 AM

so the best rig is treble hook with powerbait>8 inches up a swivel>sliding sinker?

calicokid123 · Nov-07-2009, 08:51 AM

yeah in the mornig you might want to start with a little longer leader but as it gets hot the fish go down to the bottom and santee isnt even that deep so 8-12inch leaders work best there