Lake Santa Fe

Water levels within Santa Fe Lake remain lower than average as of December 2025. Bass and panfish remain the primary targets for anglers during the winter months. Cooler water temperatures can reduce overall fish activity, so slower presentations and targeted approaches are recommended.

Bass fishing remains consistent, with productive areas including maidencane beds, cypress trees, docks, offshore drop-offs, and the connecting pass between Santa Fe Lake and Little Santa Fe Lake. Effective artificial lures include slow-moving soft plastics, jerk baits, and crankbaits, which are most effective when worked along edges and transition zones. Live bait anglers may find success by slow-trolling golden shiners along submerged vegetation or in deeper water, where fish may be schooling. Santa Fe Lake continues to produce quality bass in the 5–7-pound range, with occasional catches exceeding 8 pounds.

Panfish are typically found near remaining vegetation and deeper cover and can be caught using live bait such as crickets, worms, or grass shrimp fished slowly near the bottom.

During winter, crappie tend to concentrate in deeper offshore areas and are commonly caught by trolling or drifting small jigs, spinners, or live minnows at slow speeds. Locating suspended fish near offshore structure is key, and the use of a fish finder is highly recommended.