Fishing Richard B Russell Lake

AKA: Lake Russell

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Richard B Russell Lake, SC

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Crappie Fishing

Crappie anglers can fish for both black crappie and white crappie at Richard B Russell Lake. These two species tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may catch both species, as they often use the same cover. For best results when fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key, especially when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. Richard B Russell Lake is a good place to catch good quantities of nice, fat slabs. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

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Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Richard B Russell Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

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Redear Sunfish Fishing

Fishing for redear sunfish, also known as shellcrackers, is popular here at Richard B Russell Lake. Like most bream, they are a popular species with young and old, as well as beginners and seasoned anglers alike. This year, much like recent years, the redear sunfish population is healthy and always looking for something edible. Redear sunfish fishing is about as simple as fishing gets. Any lighter fishing pole, reasonably light line, small hooks baited with anything eatable, creates a great setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Redear prefer clear, warmer water and hang around brush, rocks, vegetation, docks or any cover available.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, redeye bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, white perch, yellow perch, hybrid striped bass and chain pickerel at Richard B Russell Lake in South Carolina.

Richard B Russell Lake Fishing Video

Considered a recreation paradise, Richard B Russell Lake offers outdoor enthusiasts a vast array of options. Camping, boating and fishing are all popular at this 26,650-acre reservoir located on the northwest SC border with GA at Calhoun Falls, SC. All types of water sports and on-shore activities are centered around Lake Russell's 540 miles of shoreline.

Richard B Russell Lake, nestled in the scenic landscape of South Carolina, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts. Spanning over 26,000 acres, this expansive reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. The lake is home to a diverse range of fish species, including largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and bream, making it a prime destination for those seeking a variety of catches.

Fishing on Richard B Russell Lake is a year-round activity, with each season bringing its own unique angling experiences. Anglers can explore the lake's coves, points, and submerged structures to find their preferred fishing spots. Whether you choose to fish from the shoreline, a boat, or a kayak, the lake provides ample opportunities to reel in trophy-sized catches and enjoy the thrill of the chase. The tranquil atmosphere of Richard B Russell Lake adds to the overall fishing experience, allowing anglers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings.

In conclusion, Richard B Russell Lake in South Carolina is a paradise for fishing, boating, and camping enthusiasts. With its diverse fish species, expansive water surface, and camping facilities, it offers a complete outdoor experience. Whether you're casting your line, cruising on a boat, or spending a night under the stars, Richard B Russell Lake promises endless opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and a deep connection with the beauty of nature.

Calhoun Falls State Park, and other areas around the lake have boat launch facilities, access for shoreline fishing, campgrounds, RV spaces and picnic areas. But the primary draw here is the excellent fishing, especially fishing for big striped bass. Lake Russell supports both warm-water species and cold-water species of fish, including bass, catfish, crappie, trout, sunfish, perch and stripers. The undeveloped, natural shoreline allows anglers to fish the brush, rocks and standing timber that bass and other species like to use as cover. Canoes, kayaks and fishing from the bank are all popular here.

Primary fish species residing in Richard B Russell Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Richard B Russell Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Apart from its exceptional fishing prospects, Richard B Russell Lake is also a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. With its expansive surface area and calm waters, the lake offers plenty of room for boaters to explore and indulge in water-based activities. Whether it's a leisurely cruise, water skiing, or pontoon adventures with family and friends, the lake provides a picturesque setting for boating enjoyment. The lake's boat ramps and marinas ensure convenient access for boaters, making it easy to embark on a day of aquatic adventures.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Allen Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, east side, off Red Fox Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Blue Hole Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Blue Hole Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Ckp Shop Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Ckp Shop Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Craft McGee Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, east side, off Craft McGee Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Felkel Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, off Felkel Landing Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Harpers Ferry Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Harpers Ferry Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Highway 184 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, at the east end of the Highway 184 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Jim Rampey Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, west side, at the west end of the 81 Road Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Russell Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Lake Russell Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

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

Millwood Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Millwood Ramp Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Sawmill Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Sawmill Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Richard B Russell Lake

Jerry Kotal's Fishing Guide Service - bass, crappie, perch, stripers, catfish

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a South Carolina Fishing License.

For those looking to spend more time in nature, Richard B Russell Lake offers camping facilities in its nearby parks and campgrounds. Campers can enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors, waking up to stunning lake views and taking advantage of the recreational opportunities available. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, there are designated camping areas with amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. Camping near Richard B Russell Lake provides an impressive experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the serenity and natural beauty of the area.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Calhoun Falls State Park Campground - 864 447-8267

Additional campgrounds available on the Georgia side of the lake.

Richard B Russell Lake SC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Richard B Russell Lake
Calhoun Falls State Park
46 Maintenance Shop Rd
Calhoun Falls, SC 29628
864 447-8267

Fishing lakes in each state.

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