Guide To Fishing At Clarks Hill Lake

AKA: Lake J. Strom Thurmond

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, white perch, yellow perch, striped bass, hybrid striped bass and chain pickerel at Clarks Hill Lake in South Carolina.

Known nationally for excellent largemouth bass and striped bass fishing, Clarks Hill Lake, aka Lake J. Strom Thurmond also serves up quality fishing for many other species. The lake has populations of bass, stripers, hybrid striped bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and chain pickerel.

Sprawling over 71,000 surface acres with 1,200 miles of shoreline, the reservoir is located in both Georgia and South Carolina. It sets on the eastern border of SC, at Clarks Hill, with about 800 miles of shoreline in SC. Around 20 boat launch ramps serve the public for launch of personal watercraft. Pontoon boats, fishing boats and family boats rentals are available at marinas on the lake. Much of the shoreline is accessible only by boat, however, there are places with access for fishing from the bank or portage of a canoe or kayak. Some of these access points are via parks, campgrounds, the fishing pier and nearby some of the boat landings. Bait and tackle, lodging, dining, camping, RV hookups, restaurants, shopping and marinas are all located with easy access around the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Clarks Hill Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Clarks Hill Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Savannah Lakes Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
864 391-3477

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bakers Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, at the north end of the US Highway 378 Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Clarks Hill Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Clarks Hill Park Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Dordon Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off State Road S-33-68, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Dorn Fishing Facility Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Dorn Facility Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and lots of paved parking.

Little River Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, at the west end of the 81 Road Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Modoc Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Gilcrest Ferry Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Parksville Wayside Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off State Road S33-89, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Scott's Ferry Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Highway 28 S, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Savannah Lakes Marina
99 Village Dr
McCormick, SC 29835
864 391-3477

Click here for a South Carolina Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Hamilton Branch State Park Campground - 864 333-2223

Clarks Hill Campground - 800 533-3478

US Army Corps of Engineers Campground - 864 333-2272

Plum Branch Yacht Club Campground - 864 443-3000

Hawe Creek Campground - 864 443-5441

Baker Creek State Park Campground - 864 443-2457

Below Dam Recreation Area Campground - 800 533-3478

Clarks Hill Lake SC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Lake Video

Contact Information

Clarks Hill Lake
Hamilton Branch State Park
111 Campground RD
Plum Branch, SC 29845
864 333-2223

Fishing lakes in each state.