Best Fishing Spots in South Carolina
Last Updated on October 18, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
South Carolina is such a great state to go fishing in. It has over 40 parks with fishing lakes, rivers, and streams. To add to that list is a 300,000-acre marshes and the Atlantic. Whether you’re following mullet or hoping to catch a 50-pound catfish in the Santee Cooper Reservoir, the fishing season never ends in South Carolina’s. Explore all fishing opportunities. Find boats with fishing gear, lure, and tackle; and, get on the water.
Lake Murray
Affectionately known as the “Jewel of South Carolina,”Lake Murray is an excellent striped bass and largemouth bass fishing spot. It also supports healthy populations of crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Anchor near the Dreher Island area, particularly around the submerged humps and points for striped bass, especially during the summer months when they seek cooler, deeper waters. Early mornings and late evenings often yield the best results as fish become more active in low-light conditions.
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Santee Cooper Lakes
Come to Santee Cooper Lakes for double your chances of catching catfish. Anchor near Eutaw Springs and drop a line at Lake Marion. Up your game by locking in a boat with a captain and planning your trip for the fall and spring seasons. Or, fish in Lake Moultrie catfish, known as the body of water that produced the world’s heaviest channel catfish at 58-pounds.
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Hilton Head Island
Plan a trip at Hilton Head Island for the best saltwater fishing in South Carolina. The waters around the island are home to a variety of game fish, including red drum, spotted seatrout, and tarpon. For a productive fishing experience, consider anchoring your boat near the Broad Creek area, particularly around the oyster beds and creek mouths. These areas create ideal feeding grounds for redfish and trout, especially during falling tides when baitfish are flushed out of the marshes. The warmer months, from late spring through early fall, are particularly good for targeting a wide range of species in these inshore waters.
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Lake Jocassee
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Jocassee offers 7,500 acres of clear, deep waters and is renowned for its trout fishing. The lake also supports populations of smallmouth and largemouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch. One particularly fruitful area for boat anglers is near the Whitewater River inlet. Anchor your boat where the cool river water enters the main lake, creating a thermal current that attracts baitfish and trout. This spot is especially productive during the summer months when trout seek out the cooler, oxygen-rich waters. Early mornings and late evenings typically offer the best fishing conditions in this scenic mountain reservoir.
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Lake Hartwell
On the South Carolina-Georgia border, Lake Hartwell is a 56,000-acre reservoir known for excellent bass fishing. The lake hosts numerous fishing tournaments throughout the year and is home to largemouth, spotted, and striped bass, as well as crappie and catfish. Anglers should try anchoring their boats near the Tugaloo River arm of the lake, particularly around submerged timber and rocky points. This area holds large concentrations of bass, especially during the spring and fall when fish move into shallower waters to feed. The numerous coves and creek mouths in this section of the lake provide ample opportunities for both shallow and deep-water fishing techniques.
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South Carolina’s diverse fishing spots offer anglers a wide array of experiences, from peaceful mountain lake fishing to exciting coastal adventures. Each destination provides unique opportunities to target different species in beautiful natural settings. Whether you’re casting for trout in the cool mountain lakes, pursuing bass in expansive reservoirs, or chasing saltwater game fish off the coast, South Carolina’s best fishing locations promise memorable angling experiences. Remember to check local regulations, obtain necessary licenses, and consider fishing boat rentals in South Carolina to fully explore these fantastic waters. With the right preparation and knowledge of prime fishing spots, your South Carolina fishing adventure is sure to be a success.
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