Popular Fishing Lakes In South Carolina

Guide to fishing in the Palmetto State

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

South Carolina is a fishing paradise, offering a wide variety of fish species across its warm water fisheries, cold water fisheries, ponds, lakes, and rivers. Anglers in the state can enjoy a diverse range of fishing opportunities throughout the year. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing lakes in the state, plus the species found in each lake.

In the warm water fisheries of South Carolina, anglers can target popular species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and bream. Lakes like Lake Murray, Lake Marion, and Lake Hartwell are renowned for their warm water fisheries and provide ample opportunities for anglers to hook into trophy-sized bass, aggressive stripers, and tasty panfish. From casting topwater lures for bass to bottom fishing with live bait for catfish, warm water fisheries in South Carolina offer excitement and variety.

South Carolina's cold water fisheries are popular among trout enthusiasts. Lakes such as Lake Jocassee and Lake Hartwell receive regular stockings of rainbow trout and brown trout, providing excellent opportunities for anglers to test their skills. Fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling are common techniques used to target these elusive cold water species. The scenic beauty of the mountain lakes adds to the allure, creating a serene and picturesque fishing experience.

In addition to the larger lakes, South Carolina's ponds offer hidden gems for anglers. Many privately owned and public ponds throughout the state are stocked with a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie. These smaller bodies of water can provide a more intimate fishing experience, where anglers can focus on specific species and refine their fishing techniques.

South Carolina's rivers are also home to a wealth of fish species. From the expansive Santee River system to the pristine Chattooga River, anglers can target species such as bass, catfish, trout, and various panfish. River fishing offers a dynamic and ever-changing environment, with anglers using a range of techniques such as casting, drifting, and wading to access prime fishing spots.

Overall, South Carolina's fishing opportunities are vast and diverse. Whether you prefer warm water or cold water fishing, lakes or rivers, there is a fishing experience for every angler's preference and skill level. With its variety of fish species and picturesque fishing locations, South Carolina truly offers something special for fishing enthusiasts.

The state of South Carolina offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities. Here, you can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, redeye bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, flier sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, white perch, yellow perch, stripers, bowfin, chain pickerel, muskie and sauger in local lakes, rivers, ponds and/or streams. Many of these lakes have marinas offering a wide variety of supplies, services and fishing boat rentals.

Major South Carolina Lakes & Species

Fishing lake sizes and locations in the state.

Click the images and links above for species details.

State of SC Fishing Information

South Carolina fishing information is also available at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.

Apply for a South Carolina Fishing License.

Fishing Guides In South Carolina
You can find a listing of SC fishing guides here. If you are a fishing guide in South Carolina or know of a good resource, please send us information for consideration.

Fish for big bass

Excellent largemouth bass, smallmouth, spotted and redeye bass fishing opportunities are available to anglers throughout the state.

Fishing in all states

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