The Santee River is one of South Carolina's major river systems, originating from the confluence of the Congaree and Wateree rivers and flowing approximately 143 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. The river is part of the Santee-Cooper reservoir network that includes Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, with water flowing from Lake Marion through either the Wilson Dam or the Diversion Canal into Lake Moultrie. As the second largest watershed on the East Coast, encompassing about 16,780 square miles across both South Carolina and North Carolina, the Santee River system provides essential habitat for diverse fish populations and offers exceptional recreational fishing opportunities. The river is characterized by its diverse environments including cypress swamps, deep channels, and tidal influences near the coast, making it a haven for numerous fish species and providing varied angling experiences throughout its course.